Transportation & Logistics training

Deckhand Training

Learn what deckhands do and how they do it: a semi-in-depth, practical course covering the role, vocabulary, common procedures, safety and career launch.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Enroll nowView syllabus
What you’ll learn in Deckhand training

A practical, general introduction to the deckhand job: what the role involves, 15+ key terms, how to perform common tasks such as tie a bowline and handle lines when docking, safety essentials and how to launch your career. Online, self-paced, about 6 hours, $59.99.

  • Tuition
    $59.99
    Volume pricing from 2 seats
  • Length
    6 hours
    10 modules
  • Format
    Online
    Self-paced, any device
  • Access
    12 months
    LMS access
  • Level
    Beginner
    To intermediate
  • You receive
    Certificate
    Of completion

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain what a deckhand does day to day, where they work and how the role fits into the team
  • Use 15+ essential deckhand terms correctly
  • Walk through tie a bowline, handle lines when docking, and respond to a man overboard step by step
  • Identify the tools, equipment and technology used on the job
  • Apply core safety, compliance and professional standards
  • Map your path into the field, including credentials such as Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)

Course syllabus

10 modules, about 6 hours in total.

MODULE 01Introduction to the Deckhand Role30 min
  • What deckhands do and why the role matters
  • Where they work: settings, employers and teams
  • Pay, job outlook and the career ladder
  • Professional and ethical expectations
MODULE 02A Day on the Job20 min
  • A realistic shift, start to finish
  • Schedules, shifts and workload
  • Working with supervisors, coworkers and customers
  • The best and hardest parts of the job
MODULE 03Essential Deckhand Vocabulary35 min
  • Key term: Mooring line
  • Key term: Bow and stern
  • Key term: Port and starboard
  • Key term: Watch
  • Key term: Tow
  • Plus 10 more terms with practice drills
MODULE 04Core Duties and Responsibilities35 min
  • Handle mooring lines and tie up vessels
  • Build and break barge tows
  • Stand lookout and security watches
  • Load, secure and check cargo
  • Clean, chip and paint the vessel
MODULE 05Common Tasks, Step by Step1 hr 20 min
  • How to tie a bowline
  • How to handle lines when docking
  • How to respond to a man overboard
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
MODULE 06Tools, Equipment and Technology30 min
  • Mooring lines and wires
  • Winches and capstans
  • Life jackets and survival suits
  • Radios
  • Chipping hammers and paint tools
MODULE 07Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards45 min
  • Wear a life jacket on deck as required
  • Stay out of the bight of lines and away from snapback zones
  • Use three points of contact on ladders
  • Know muster stations and emergency procedures
MODULE 08Skills Employers Look For30 min
  • Line handling and knots
  • Watchstanding
  • Cargo securing
  • Teamwork
  • Stamina
MODULE 09Launching Your Deckhand Career30 min
  • Education and training pathways
  • Credential overview: Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
  • Credential overview: TWIC card
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Your first 90 days on the job
MODULE 10Final Knowledge Check30 min
  • Comprehensive practice exam with explanations
  • Certificate of completion on passing

Who this training is for

  • Students: find out what the deckhand job is really like before choosing a program or major.
  • Career changers: test-drive the field and build vocabulary and confidence before investing in formal training.
  • New hires and employers: shorten ramp-up time with a consistent foundation for every new deckhand.

Pricing

$59.99 per learner. Buying for a team? Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners.

SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Free preview lessons

Sample the course material for free:

Why train for this career

Sailors and marine oilers, often called deckhands, handle lines, stand watch, load and secure cargo, maintain vessels and help operate tugboats, barges, ferries and ships. BLS reports a median wage of $51,520 (May 2025) and about 3,600 openings per year. Read the full deckhand career profile or see salary details.

Enroll in Deckhand Training

Fill this out and press the button: your email app will open with a pre-filled message to our enrollment team (info@hazwoper-osha.com). We reply with a payment link or invoice and your learning-platform login. Nothing you type is stored on this website.

Course Deckhand Training · 6 hours · $59.99 per learner

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Deckhand training FAQ
How long is the Deckhand training?
About 6 hours, online, self-paced. You get 12 months of LMS access, so you can learn around work or school.
How much does the Deckhand training cost?
$59.99 per learner. Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners, up to 10% off for large groups.
Is the course online?
Yes. The course runs on our online learning platform (LMS). After you enroll, we email your login details.
Will this course make me a licensed or certified deckhand?
No. This is a general career-preparation course. It does not by itself grant a state license, national certification or academic credit. Mariners need a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential, and seagoing jobs often require STCW training. Higher ratings and licenses require sea time and exams. It is designed to help you understand the job and prepare for the formal training, exams and interviews that follow.
Who is this course for?
Students exploring careers, adults changing careers, new hires who want a faster ramp-up, and employers onboarding deckhands.
How do I enroll?
Use the enrollment form on this page. It opens a pre-filled email to our team, and we reply with your payment link or invoice and your LMS access. You can also call 1-866-429-6742.
Do you offer group or employer pricing?
Volume pricing from 2 seats. Choose “My team or employees” on the form or visit our employer training page.
What do I receive when I finish?
Certificate of completion from Career Education Institute after you pass the final knowledge check.


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