Deckhand Jobs
Deckhand jobs are open across commercial fishing, passenger vessels, tugboats, and offshore marine operations, at every level from entry-level deck crew to experienced mate, with specializations in navigation assistance, cargo handling, and vessel maintenance. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
Find Deckhand JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 20+ Deckhand jobs
INTRODUCTION
Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group’s Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systems. Hornblower Group’s subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group’s additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada.
Position Summary:
The Deckhand monitors deck areas onboard the vessel, as well as passengers and vehicles, to ensure safety during ferry operation and/or special events. The Deckhand handles lines and rigging to launch or dock the boat and performs custodial and/or general maintenance tasks as directed. The Deckhand provides a high level of customer service to all guests. Part-time and full-time available.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitor passenger & crewmember safety issues on the vessel. Ensure that safety equipment is utilized and appropriate guidelines are followed for all tasks involving physical risk or hazardous materials
- Participate in meetings, training, drills and safety audits as required by USCG & company policy
- Develop understanding of all phases of shipboard safety procedures and knowledge of location and use of all firefighting and safety equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers, fire stations, life preservers, work vest, life floats, and rescue boat)
- Use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Handle and dispose of all chemicals and other types of hazardous or caustic materials in compliance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) (as required).
- Report safety related concerns.
- Handle mooring lines to dock or undock the vessel.
- Responsible for getting underway, mooring, anchoring, handling lines, and bridge operations in all weather conditions.
- Perform lookout duties while underway, including watching for other vessels and monitoring the waterway for potential unsafe conditions.
- Assist in boarding and disembarking of passengers and vehicles.
- Assist with filling water, bunkering fuel, connecting and disconnecting shore power as directed.
- Perform cleaning and custodial tasks of the vessels and property, including maintenance and construction tasks as assigned and minor engineering repairs and rounds as directed.
- Seek the highest levels of quality and professionalism.
- Work to achieve the highest levels of performance and productivity.
- Assist with training of crew as directed.
- Seek continuous improvement.
- Understand and comply with the Safety Management System (SMS).
- Understand and comply with Ship Instructions (SIs).
- Maintain Crew Qualification binder.
- Collaborate with other PCF personnel to remain attentive to regulatory requirements and alert to regulatory changes.
- Assist the Master in ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations.
- Assist the Master in ensuring vessel is always in an inspection-ready condition.
- Present professional level of customer service and appearance to all clients, both internal and external.
- Report safety, operational, and environmental issues to the vessel master immediately.
- Additional job duties as assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- HS Diploma
- Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card), and/or ability to obtain and maintain
- Valid First Aid/CPR Certification, and/or ability to obtain and maintain
- Valid Driver’s License
- Copy of DD214, if Veteran status
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to effectively interact with the passengers, guests, and fellow employees.
- Ability to work in fast-paced, quickly-changing environment
- Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office familiarity
- Minimum six (6) months customer service experience preferred
- Previous marine experience or watch standing experience preferred
- One (1) year experience as Deckhand onboard vessels; passenger vessel experience preferred
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests as mandated by the USCG including but not limited to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident/incident testing.
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.
INTRODUCTION
Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group’s Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systems. Hornblower Group’s subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group’s additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada.
Position Summary:
The Deckhand monitors deck areas onboard the vessel, as well as passengers and vehicles, to ensure safety during ferry operation and/or special events. The Deckhand handles lines and rigging to launch or dock the boat and performs custodial and/or general maintenance tasks as directed. The Deckhand provides a high level of customer service to all guests. Part-time and full-time available.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitor passenger & crewmember safety issues on the vessel. Ensure that safety equipment is utilized and appropriate guidelines are followed for all tasks involving physical risk or hazardous materials
- Participate in meetings, training, drills and safety audits as required by USCG & company policy
- Develop understanding of all phases of shipboard safety procedures and knowledge of location and use of all firefighting and safety equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers, fire stations, life preservers, work vest, life floats, and rescue boat)
- Use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Handle and dispose of all chemicals and other types of hazardous or caustic materials in compliance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) (as required).
- Report safety related concerns.
- Handle mooring lines to dock or undock the vessel.
- Responsible for getting underway, mooring, anchoring, handling lines, and bridge operations in all weather conditions.
- Perform lookout duties while underway, including watching for other vessels and monitoring the waterway for potential unsafe conditions.
- Assist in boarding and disembarking of passengers and vehicles.
- Assist with filling water, bunkering fuel, connecting and disconnecting shore power as directed.
- Perform cleaning and custodial tasks of the vessels and property, including maintenance and construction tasks as assigned and minor engineering repairs and rounds as directed.
- Seek the highest levels of quality and professionalism.
- Work to achieve the highest levels of performance and productivity.
- Assist with training of crew as directed.
- Seek continuous improvement.
- Understand and comply with the Safety Management System (SMS).
- Understand and comply with Ship Instructions (SIs).
- Maintain Crew Qualification binder.
- Collaborate with other PCF personnel to remain attentive to regulatory requirements and alert to regulatory changes.
- Assist the Master in ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations.
- Assist the Master in ensuring vessel is always in an inspection-ready condition.
- Present professional level of customer service and appearance to all clients, both internal and external.
- Report safety, operational, and environmental issues to the vessel master immediately.
- Additional job duties as assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- HS Diploma
- Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card), and/or ability to obtain and maintain
- Valid First Aid/CPR Certification, and/or ability to obtain and maintain
- Valid Driver’s License
- Copy of DD214, if Veteran status
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to effectively interact with the passengers, guests, and fellow employees.
- Ability to work in fast-paced, quickly-changing environment
- Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office familiarity
- Minimum six (6) months customer service experience preferred
- Previous marine experience or watch standing experience preferred
- One (1) year experience as Deckhand onboard vessels; passenger vessel experience preferred
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests as mandated by the USCG including but not limited to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident/incident testing.
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.
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Find Deckhand JobsDeckhand Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Hornblower16
- Brunswick1
- Brunswick Corporation1
- Glacier Fish Company1
- Icy Strait Point1
Top Industries Hiring
- Transportation & Logistics16
- Manufacturing2
- Agriculture & Farming1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
- Hospitality & Tourism1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in deckhand jobs.
- Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card
- USCG Merchant Mariner Credential or OUPV license for the applicable vessel class
- STCW Basic Safety Training certification for passenger or offshore vessels
- Prior deckhand or deck crew experience on commercial, charter, or towing vessels
- Ability to stand extended watches, lift heavy deck equipment, and work in all weather conditions
- Proficiency in line handling, anchoring, mooring, and basic vessel maintenance tasks
Tips for Your Deckhand Job Search
List every maritime credential you hold
Your TWIC card, OUPV license, and any STCW basic safety certifications belong at the top of your resume. Hiring managers on commercial vessels screen for these before reading anything else, so put them in a dedicated credentials section above your work history.
Tailor your resume to vessel type
A resume written for a fishing boat job reads differently than one for a passenger ferry or a towing vessel. Highlight the specific vessel types, waterways, and cargo or passenger volumes you've worked with so employers can immediately see you've done their kind of work.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists deckhand openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by water body and region
Filter openings by inland waterway, coastal, Great Lakes, or offshore classifications. Employers hiring for the Mississippi River system want different experience than those running Pacific Ocean charter boats, so matching your background to the right water body gets your application taken seriously faster.
Prepare hands-on scenarios for your interview
Interviewers for deckhand roles routinely ask how you handled rough weather, equipment failures, or man-overboard drills. Walk through a real situation you managed, what you did, and the outcome. Abstract answers about being a team player won't land as well as a concrete story from the water.
Follow up through the vessel operator directly
Many smaller charter companies and fishing operations manage hiring through a captain or port manager rather than an HR department. After applying, a brief follow-up call to the dock office often moves your application ahead of the stack faster than waiting on an email response.
Deckhand Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most deckhands?
The companies hiring the most deckhands right now include Hornblower, Brunswick, and Brunswick Corporation, with the largest share of openings in California, Massachusetts, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Demand tends to concentrate with operators running multi-vessel fleets on inland waterways and coastal passenger routes.
How many deckhand jobs are remote?
About 0% of deckhand openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting that most deckhand work is physically performed aboard a vessel. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote component are fleet scheduling, vessel logistics coordination, and shore-side maritime operations support roles that carry a deckhand background requirement.
How do you become a deckhand?
Start by obtaining a TWIC card, which requires a federal background check and is mandatory for most commercial marine environments. Next, earn a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential at the entry level, then complete STCW Basic Safety Training if you plan to work on inspected passenger vessels or offshore. Apply for entry-level deck crew positions and build documented sea time, which you'll need to advance your credentials and take on more responsibility aboard larger vessels.
Can you get hired as a deckhand with no experience?
Yes, many fishing charter operations, ferries, and small inland towing companies hire first-time deckhands who hold a current TWIC card and are willing to work entry-level hours. Volunteering on sail training vessels or completing a maritime vocational program gives you documented sea time and references that substitute for paid experience. Focus applications on smaller operators and seasonal roles, where owners train new crew directly rather than requiring a full credential stack from day one.
What does the deckhand interview process look like?
Most deckhand interviews begin with a phone or video screening to verify your credentials and availability, followed by an in-person or dock meeting with the captain or port manager. Expect questions about your sea time, specific vessel types you've operated on, and how you've handled emergency or safety situations. Some employers finish with a brief practical assessment or a trial day on the water before extending an offer, particularly for year-round or live-aboard positions.
Where can I find and apply to deckhand jobs?
You can find and apply to deckhand jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings for roles that match your credentials, vessel experience, and preferred region, then apply directly to each opening that fits.
See All Deckhand Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any deckhand role that fits.
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