Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between deckhands and able bodied seamen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a deckhand has an average salary of $56,163, which is higher than the $54,062 average annual salary of an able bodied seaman.
The top three skills for a deckhand include TWIC, vessel maintenance and mooring lines. The most important skills for an able bodied seaman are TWIC, safety equipment, and USCG.
A deckhand is a seafarer whose role primarily revolves around performing manual tasks, mostly directed by a manager or higher authority. They are mainly responsible for maintaining cleanliness, keeping the machines well-oiled and in good condition, handling cargo, and operating various equipment for navigation and communication. There are also instances when a deckhand can prepare meals, serve clients, and even prepare cabins. Furthermore, a deckhand needs to coordinate with fellow seafarers at all times, as working in a ship can be very unpredictable.
An able-bodied seaman is responsible for overseeing the deck operations on a ship, ensuring the safe movement and navigation of the vessel, watchstanding, and helping in loading and unloading of materials. Able-bodied seamen also inspect the stability and efficiency of deck equipment and ship's engine, scheduling regular maintenance and repairs to avoid potential hazards and delays in the operations. They also analyze the weather conditions and other factors, informing the management and the crew of any critical situations that may potentially pose risks with the ship's operations.
Deckhands and able bodied seamen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Deckhand | Able Bodied Seaman | |
| Average salary | $56,163 | $54,062 |
| Salary range | Between $21,000 And $145,000 | Between $22,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bayonne, NJ | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | Enterprise Products Partners | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a deckhand and an able bodied seaman in terms of educational background:
| Deckhand | Able Bodied Seaman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Marine Transportation |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between deckhands' and able bodied seamen' demographics:
| Deckhand | Able Bodied Seaman | |
| Average age | 33 | 33 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% | Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 16.9% Unknown, 9.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 4.8% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% | Black or African American, 16.9% Unknown, 9.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 4.8% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |