The classic figure of the sailor and his crew is ingrained in the public imagination, so the lure of the sea is strong for some. For most people who want to live on the sea, getting a job as a deckhand is the first step. An individual must have a mentally and physically strong carriage in order to find a deckhand job. Most people prefer boating experience because life on the sea can be dangerous at times, and people put their lives in each other’s hands. Finding a deckhand job can be as simple as looking in the classifieds or asking boat captains about available positions once a person has decided that they have the experience and capabilities that the job requires.
Self-evaluation is perhaps the most crucial step in securing a deckhand position. Those who are interested should look into the different types of jobs that are available. Deckhands are required on a variety of sailing vessels, including fishing boats, barges, and tugboats. The physical demands on charter boats and cruise ships are slightly lower, and a deckhand’s job often becomes more about customer service than physical labor.
Tugboats, fishing vessels, and freighters all require people who are physically fit, mentally capable of working nonstop, and resourceful. In these roles, deckhands must be able to react quickly in an emergency and improvise when equipment fails. Some jobs necessitate specialized knowledge. Deckhands on fishing ships, for example, must be familiar with the ins and outs of catching and cleaning fish. Before applying for a job on a specific boat, potential deckhands should think about whether they can handle the physical demands of the job.
If you’ve decided to start working as a deckhand, there are a few steps you can take to get your first deckhand job. Before applying for a job, you should obtain a Merchant Mariners Document (MMD), also known as a Z-Card, from the Coast Guard. Although this is only required when working on ships over 100 tons, it can make a potential deckhand more valuable to shipping companies if they need to transfer to a large ship.
Experience is important for any job, but it is especially important for someone applying for a deckhand position. In situations where deckhands rely on one another for safety, inexperience can lead to dangerous situations. Anyone who has watched a documentary about crab or lobster fishing knows how one mistake can put everyone on board in danger. Simple work around local ships or even working for a relative who owns a boat can provide experience. The Navy is an excellent option for sailors seeking long-term careers in boating because it provides the experience and discipline that employers seek.
Finding a deckhand job is similar to finding any other job once you have some experience. Candidates should look through classified ads and speak with boat captains. Another option for finding work is to go straight to the source and inquire at the local docks if anyone is hiring. Candidates should be prepared to give detailed accounts of their experience and character, just as they would for any other job.