How To Find Deckhand Jobs (With 9 Types of Jobs)

Updated January 26, 2023

A deckhand is a maritime professional who supports the functions of a ship. They can work on yachts, cruises, fleet ships and other vessels to maintain equipment and promote safety. If you're interested in becoming a deckhand or want to find a deckhand job, learning more about where to look can be beneficial. In this article, we explain what a deckhand is, describe what they do, detail how to find deckhand jobs, list nine types of related positions and provide helpful tips for finding a deckhand position.

What is a deckhand?

A deckhand is a professional who works on a water vessel. Depending on the vessel, they may live on board and assist with docking and departure operations. Deckhands can perform a variety of tasks, from the operation of equipment to maintenance and repair.

What does a deckhand do?

Deckhands are an important part of the crew on a ship, and they help the captain and other staff members successfully operate the equipment. Deckhands can interact with visitors and patrons on the boat and collaborate with other professionals to solve problems and make processes more efficient. These are some duties a deckhand manages during a typical day:

Unload and load ship cargo
Operate boat equipment
Maintain equipment so it functions properly
Secure and tow on-deck cargo
Assess the water depth
Steer the boat and provide navigation assistance
Perform unberthing and berthing
Tidy the inside of the ship
Clear debris from the outside of the ship
Monitor the water for dangerous obstacles
Promote passenger and crew member safety
Operate radios and satellite equipment

How to find deckhand jobs

If you're a deckhand or maritime professional looking for work, there are several resources you can use and methods for finding a position you enjoy. These are the steps you can follow to find deckhand jobs:

1. Pursue additional certifications

Depending on the company, there are some certifications you need before practicing as a deckhand. Review the job listing and identify certifications you can pursue to improve your candidacy for a position. Potential employers may prefer candidates who already have the necessary certifications and training, so completing them before you apply can be a good way to prepare yourself for deckhand jobs. Talk to instructors and other students during certification courses, as they may have information about deckhand jobs in the area. You can find many of these general deckhand-related certifications available from different institutions:

CPR certifications
Seafarer medical certificates
Yacht navigation certifications
Bridge watchman certifications
Water safety certifications

2. Look on job board websites

Job board websites are online sites where employers can post their job listings. These websites can be helpful in finding deckhand jobs because you can search for certain companies, job titles and locations. Job board websites can also be helpful because you can use them to apply to several jobs at a time and track your application process. You can also upload your resume and candidacy information for potential employers to find you, as well. Consider setting notification alerts for new jobs in your area so you can apply to them as soon as possible.

3. Visit local maritime companies

If you can't find information online about deckhand positions or there's a certain company you want to work for, consider visiting local boating companies, fleets and cruise ships. Consider your ideal working environment and choose companies near you that align with it. You may find the hiring manager's email on their website or make an appointment to discuss employment when you visit the company's office. Consider meeting with staff members for a company to ask them about the work environment and their benefits before applying for a position.

4. Use your professional network

If you currently work in the maritime industry, you can use your professional network to learn more about potential jobs near you. When you're looking for a new deckhand job, it's a good idea to avoid talking about it at your current job so you can maintain your professionalism. Outside of the workplace, speak with trusted colleagues and friends about deckhand positions you may qualify for. If you're new to the maritime industry, consider focusing on making contacts and strengthening your network by attending industry events and seeking relationships.

9 types of deckhand jobs

These are some deckhand jobs and careers similar to being a deckhand that you can pursue. For the most up-to-date Indeed salaries, please click on the links below:

1. Deckhand

National average salary: $31,968 per year

Primary duties: Deckhand is a general term for most team members who work on the top of a ship or boat. They perform essential tasks, like docking the boat, preparing for departure and moving cargo. A deckhand is skilled in navigation, water safety and equipment maintenance.

2. Senior deckhand

National average salary: $36,872 per year

Primary duties: Senior deckhands perform many of the same duties as deckhands, but they also hold a leadership role. They provide guidance and direction to other deckhands and may organize teams for vessel projects and tasks. A senior deckhand may be more likely to work closely with the captain or other ship leaders.

3. Crew member

National average salary: $40,239 per year

Primary duties: A crew member is a maritime professional who specializes in customer services and client interactions. Crew members may provide ship patrons with important information about emergency evacuations and how to practice safety while aboard. Many crew members work on yachts or cruises to provide hospitality and food services to the guests.

4. Seaman

National average salary: $44,684 per year

Primary duties: A seaman is similar to a deckhand but may have more responsibilities related to maintenance and operating equipment. Seamen monitor and perform deck equipment maintenance and provide navigation assistance. They may have more specialized knowledge of the different systems on a vessel, including the heating, cooling and emergency systems.

5. Rigger

National average salary: $48,503 per year

Primary duties: Riggers are water vessel professionals who may work more often on fleet operations than hospitality or entertainment ships. A rigger operates equipment to lift and move large objects like crates and shipping materials. They are highly skilled in using clamps, ropes, pulley systems and slings.

6. Sailor

National average salary: $48,985 per year

Primary duties: A sailor focuses on navigation and operations that control where the boat goes and how quickly. Sailors may be more common on vessels with sails, though they can also work on engine-powered ships. They have many of the same responsibilities as deckhands, as they also monitor equipment operation and provide maintenance services.

7. Boat captain

National average salary: $52,406 per year

Primary duties: Captains are leaders aboard a vessel and provide guidance and direction to other members of the crew. The boat captain can physically steer the boat or control the autopilot features to ensure they function properly. Boat captains ensure the vessel departs at the right time and properly orients during the journey.

8. Tankerman

National average salary: $63,773 per year

Primary duties: A tankerman is a specialized deckhand who works with the transport and transferring of liquid cargo. Tankermen can work on ships, tank boats and barges and promote safety and proper procedure during their work. They inspect cargo and liquids for quality and quantity and keep detailed records of the materials they manage.

9. Vessel manager

National average salary: $66,566 per year

Primary duties: A vessel manager is highly skilled in organization, time management and leadership. They provide guidance and direction to other members of the crew and can coordinate with other vessels in their fleet. Vessel managers assess their ships for proper operation, keep an inventory of maintenance materials like oil, fuel, lubricants and replacement parts. The vessel manager may also design emergency procedures and ensure proper emergency materials are present on the vessel.

Tips for getting a deckhand job

These are some helpful tips you can use to help you get a deckhand job:

Create effective application materials. When creating your application materials, review job listings to identify important keywords. Including keywords in your resume and cover letter can make it more likely that they pass through applicant tracking systems and reach the hiring manager for the ship or company you want to work for.
Make contacts in the maritime industry. Through training, certification or entry-level positions, making contacts in the maritime industry can be a great way to improve your potential employment opportunities. Consider reaching out to local captains and successful maritime professionals to conduct professional interviews.
Get your passport and visas to travel. Some vessels travel to other parts of the world and may dock for days or weeks to complete cargo transfers. Having your passport is important because it can make it simpler for hiring managers to hire you and start you as a deckhand.
Practice answering interview questions. Before your deckhand interview, consider conducting mock interviews with friends and family to practice answering deckhand questions. Practice being confident, making eye contact and smiling during the interview.