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Deckhand skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical deckhand skills. We ranked the top skills for deckhands based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.5% of deckhand resumes contained twic as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a deckhand needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 deckhand skills for your resume and career

1. TWIC

Here's how deckhands use twic:

Obtained a Transportation Workers' Identification Credentials(TWIC) card prior to being hired on for Kirby Inland Marine.
Certified in CPR, Man Overboard, Person In Charge(PIC) and issued a TWIC card.

2. Vessel Maintenance

Vessel Maintenance is a routine process that requires adequate check-up, repair, and updating of the various parts of a vessel. The goal is to keep the vessel in good shape at all times to avoid unnecessary breakdowns and other challenges that might occur when the vessel is offshore. The maintenance process can range from changing its engine oil to painting its body and lubricating parts of the machinery prone to friction.

Here's how deckhands use vessel maintenance:

Assisted barges for the loading and discharging of cargoes* Performed scheduled vessel maintenance* Performed tool and equipment maintenance
Performed vessel maintenance and lubricated deck equipment.

3. Mooring Lines

Here's how deckhands use mooring lines:

Chip, paint, stand watch, mooring lines, rigging, pump water, pump methanol, document daily activities.
Maintained vessel, handled mooring lines while approaching or departing a berth and standing watches as look out on the bridge.

4. Ladders

Here's how deckhands use ladders:

Set up, arranged and removed decorations, tables, chairs, ladders to prepare facilities for large events.
Ascended and descended stairs or ladders, sometimes while transporting tools or objects.

5. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how deckhands use customer service:

Performed general cleaning and maintenance duties on the casino and provided customer service such as answering questions and providing directions when requested
Maintained a reputation for thoroughness, excellent customer service, and an ability to overcome problems with innovative solutions.

6. USCG

Here's how deckhands use uscg:

Helped customize, maintain, and operate Federally Documented Vessel in accordance with USCG Rules and Regulations.
United States Coast Guard (USCG) ship board firefighting and rescue training required by the USAF.

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7. Safety Procedures

Safety procedures are a set of standardized procedures, that ensures minimal to no risk to people, resources, and the work environment. A company follows the step-by-step safety procedures as it they not only keep the customers and the employees safe, but also help in avoiding legal claims.

Here's how deckhands use safety procedures:

Monitored the availability and use of lifesaving equipment and ensured that International Maritime safety procedures were followed.
Demonstrate and execute safety procedures/drill such as man overboard, or disgruntled passenger.

8. Passenger Safety

Passenger safety means the state of a conveyance, where risks associated with travel activities either related to the operating or support functions of the vehicle are either controlled or reduced to an acceptable level. It incorporates the practice, theory, investigation, and categorization of safety failures, and the avoidance of failures through education, regulation, and training.

Here's how deckhands use passenger safety:

Secure boat at dock and ensure passenger safety during embarkation and disembarkation.
Managed capacity and passenger safety in accordance with Coast Guard regulations.

9. Safety Equipment

Here's how deckhands use safety equipment:

Assure all Safety Equipment is operational and easily located.
Deck maintenance, sanitation and safety equipment inspections.

10. Boats

Here's how deckhands use boats:

Hoisted and motivated passengers to hoist sails as well enriched passengers about the voyage, the geography, and the boat.
Make, and break tow, fleet barges, cook, general housekeeping of boat, and general maintenance of boat.

11. Maintenance Tasks

Here's how deckhands use maintenance tasks:

Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment.
Performed a variety of maintenance tasks such as oil changes and fuel filter changes.

12. CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a medical procedure that involves chest compression to help a patient breathe. This artificial ventilation helps in keeping the brain function in place and regulates blood throughout the body. CPR is a lifesaving procedure that is used in emergencies.

Here's how deckhands use cpr:

Trained in all levels of boat/marine safety, rescue techniques for overboard passenger and CPR trained.
Practiced safety drills Accomplishments Certified CPR while working here as it was one of the requirements.

13. General Upkeep

General upkeep means keeping a place or property in a good state. One can do this by regularly checking on both its exteriors and interiors to prevent breakdowns and keep it looking its best.

Here's how deckhands use general upkeep:

General upkeep of vessel, wash, scrub, and chip rust in connection with daily housekeeping and painting.
General upkeep on the ship such as painting, rust treatment, and laying new deck.

14. Safety Drills

Here's how deckhands use safety drills:

Coordinate safety material and participate in safety drills and meetings to maintain proficiency with company policies.
Participated in regular safety drills and maritime training.

15. Routine Maintenance

Here's how deckhands use routine maintenance:

Performed routine maintenance and emergency repairs on a regular basis.
Performed routine maintenance on main propulsion engines and generators.

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List of deckhand skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a deckhand resume and required skills for a deckhand to have include:

TWIC
Vessel Maintenance
Mooring Lines
Ladders
Customer Service
USCG
Safety Procedures
Passenger Safety
Safety Equipment
Boats
Maintenance Tasks
CPR
General Upkeep
Safety Drills
Routine Maintenance
Hazardous Materials

Unload Materials
Firefighting
PPE
Emergency Situations
Preventative Maintenance
Ratchets
Paint Brushes
Ferries
HVAC
Coast Guard Regulations
Booms
Diesel Engines
Fire Hose
Navigational Aids
Manual Labor
Deck Equipment

Oil Changes
Deck Machinery
Hand Signals
Hoisting
Safety Policy
End Loaders
Slings
Hoists
Radio Communications
Portable Pumps
Oil Spill
Benzene
Oil Filters
Vessel Security
Tugboats

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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