What does a deckhand do?
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.
Deckhand responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real deckhand resumes:
- Conduct daily JSA's, occasionally lead weekly fire and boat drills.
- Spearhead cross-functional initiative to achieve successful whole shipments of wild Alaskan salmofrozen and gut.
- Qualify shipboard firefighting and water survival, certify CPR human resources.
- Maintain working order of multiple boats including water taxis, ferries, yachts, and passenger vessels.
- Comply with all environmental and CFR regulations.
- Sign DOI and go over pretransfer procedures.
- Assist captain of boat in BP oil spill efforts
- Paint decks, superstructures, boats, or sides of derricks.
- Used air purifying respirator (SCBA) and air monitoring equipment.
- Monitor GPS and plot location of crab traps and chart course.
- Continue to stay current with USCG and company policy and procedure changes.
- Have applied primer and finish coats of paint to complete the job.
- Ascend and descend stairs or ladders, sometimes while transporting tools or objects.
- Confirm all barge paperwork is accurate and current per USCG and company policy.
- Maintain proper lookout and execute all pilot house commands while standing helm watches.
Deckhand skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Deckhands are proficient in TWIC, Vessel Maintenance, and Mooring Lines. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Manual dexterity, and Physical strength.
We break down the percentage of Deckhands that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- TWIC, 9%
Obtained a Transportation Workers' Identification Credentials(TWIC) card prior to being hired on for Kirby Inland Marine.
- Vessel Maintenance, 9%
Assisted barges for the loading and discharging of cargoes* Performed scheduled vessel maintenance* Performed tool and equipment maintenance
- Mooring Lines, 8%
Chip, paint, stand watch, mooring lines, rigging, pump water, pump methanol, document daily activities.
- Ladders, 8%
Set up, arranged and removed decorations, tables, chairs, ladders to prepare facilities for large events.
- Customer Service, 7%
Performed general cleaning and maintenance duties on the casino and provided customer service such as answering questions and providing directions when requested
- USCG, 6%
Helped customize, maintain, and operate Federally Documented Vessel in accordance with USCG Rules and Regulations.
Most deckhands use their skills in "twic," "vessel maintenance," and "mooring lines" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential deckhand responsibilities here:
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a deckhand to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "many motorboat operators interact with passengers and must ensure that the passengers have a pleasant experience." Deckhands often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "operated machinery such as tractors and skid steers, pulled trailers, as well as docked and fueled customers boats. "
Manual dexterity. Many deckhand duties rely on manual dexterity. "crewmembers need good balance to maneuver through tight spaces and on wet or uneven surfaces.," so a deckhand will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways deckhand responsibilities rely on manual dexterity: "operated manual and hydraulic booms. "
Physical strength. deckhands are also known for physical strength, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to deckhand responsibilities, because "sailors on freight ships load and unload cargo." A deckhand resume example shows how physical strength is used in the workplace: "ensured that safety equipment is utilized and appropriate guidelines are followed for all tasks involving physical risk or hazardous materials. "
Mechanical skills. deckhand responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "members of the engine department keep complex machines working properly." This resume example shows what deckhands do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "inspected casino boat for any mechanical problems or bombs. "
Visual ability. Another crucial skill for a deckhand to carry out their responsibilities is "visual ability." A big part of what deckhands relies on this skill, since "mariners must pass a vision test to get an mmc." How this skill relates to deckhand duties can be seen in an example from a deckhand resume snippet: "inspect equipment, such as lifesaving equipment, visual-signaling equipment, towing, and dredging gear to detect problems. "
The three companies that hire the most deckhands are:
- ADM52 deckhands jobs
- Centerline Logistics16 deckhands jobs
- Aramark4 deckhands jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable deckhand resume templates
Build a professional deckhand resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your deckhand resume.
Compare different deckhands
Deckhand vs. Marine oiler
A cadet is responsible for assisting police officers on their duties to keep the peace and order within the society. Cadets undergo training programs covering police officer disciplines and law enforcement procedures. They support various activities under the supervision of police officers, including road and traffic control, patrolling a designated area, securing special occasions, and helping with the investigation of criminal activities. A cadet may also perform administrative tasks in the station, such as filing documents, responding to visitors' inquiries and concerns, and updating records in the database.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, deckhand responsibilities require skills like "twic," "vessel maintenance," "mooring lines," and "ladders." Meanwhile a typical marine oiler has skills in areas such as "oilers," "emergency equipment," "safety inspections," and "compliance plans." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Marine oilers tend to reach higher levels of education than deckhands. In fact, marine oilers are 14.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 5.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Deckhand vs. Sailor
A bosun is responsible for monitoring the deck crew operations, delegating tasks, and inspecting the ship's equipment and facilities to ensure the safety and security of the premises. Bosuns must have excellent technical and mechanical skills to manage the deck's conditions, analyzing weather inconsistencies and geographical positioning. They also conduct maintenance repairs for the equipment for the stability and smooth operations of the deck area. A bosun must be able to work for extended hours, as well as the ability to multitask to perform various tasks under minimal supervision.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real deckhand resumes. While deckhand responsibilities can utilize skills like "twic," "vessel maintenance," "ladders," and "customer service," cadets use skills like "sailors," "flight deck," "logistics," and "electronic components."
Cadets earn similar levels of education than deckhands in general. They're 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 5.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Deckhand vs. Cadet
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, deckhands are more likely to have skills like "twic," "vessel maintenance," "mooring lines," and "ladders." But a cadet is more likely to have skills like "patrol," "veterans," "public safety," and "cadets."
When it comes to education, bosuns tend to earn similar degree levels compared to deckhands. In fact, they're 1.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Deckhand vs. Bosun
Even though a few skill sets overlap between deckhands and able bodied seamen, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a deckhand might have more use for skills like "twic," "vessel maintenance," "mooring lines," and "ladders." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of able bodied seamen require skills like "general maintenance," "safety gear," "ran," and "engine room. "
The average resume of able bodied seamen showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to deckhands. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.Types of deckhand
Updated January 8, 2025
