Deckhand Jobs for OPT Students
Deckhand jobs on OPT are available with maritime operators, ferry services, research vessels, and charter companies. Your OPT work authorization must match a qualifying job category, and STEM OPT extensions don't apply here. Roles are hands-on, full-time, and often seasonal, so timing your job search around your OPT start date matters.
See All Deckhand JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 53+ Deckhand jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 53+ Deckhand jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Deckhand roles.
Get Access To All JobsCompany Overview
Livestock Nutrition Center specializes in blending customized rations, supplements and premixes to meet the specific nutritional needs of Livestock Producer's operations. We understand that management, performance objectives and feeding practices can be vastly different between operations, and that these differences dictate specific nutritional or formulation requirements. Our experienced sales staff and nutritionist will work with the Producer to design a feeding program that is specific to their operation.
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to add value to the suppliers and end users in the feed ingredient supply chain through distribution, processing and service.
Guiding Principle
Our focus is to provide customized feeding programs, nutritional products, and expert service to livestock producers that promote their long-term success and profitability.
Position Summary:
Livestock Nutrition Center is seeking to hire a hardworking, safety-focused Deckhand. The Deckhand will primarily be responsible for assisting with barge movement, operations, maintenance, and safety. The Deckhand will have the opportunity to expand their daily responsibilities & duties, with business needs. This position will regularly be scheduled, and have an on-call aspect, due to daily movement of barges.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Switching and fleeting of barges.
- Transferring and laying rigging.
- Handling lines, including splicing and throwing lines.
- Standing lookout.
- Assisting in making locks and bridges.
- Operating boat and barge winches.
- Securing vessel and barge(s) to docks.
- Build, break, and check tow in all weather conditions.
- Ensure products are transported to their destination safely.
- Assist in tow to boat engine maintenance tasks.
- Inspect barges for damages and leaks; at times, this requires climbing into confined spaces.
- Complete daily and periodic maintenance and housekeeping tasks of the vessel and barge(s).
- Report vessel condition information to Tugboat Pilot.
- Strictly adhere to safety requirements, policies, and procedures as outlined in the employee manual and safety meetings.
- Any other tasks as assigned from time to time by management.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Vessel/ barge engine and machinery maintenance experience preferred.
- Ability to work safely.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Experience with marine industry preferred.
- Experience with heavy equipment preferred.
- Effective written and verbal communication, and ability to give distances/ direction over a radio.
- Reliable, regular on-time attendance is required and essential to the operation of the LNC team.
- Ability to work with a flexible schedule, which may include regular weekend work, and work an on-call basis.
- Able and willing to work in special conditions, including but not limited to working outdoors in various weather climates, as well as working on the water, with heights, and in confined spaces.
- Ability to work well with a team and take directions from the boat captain.
- Can read and speak English.
- Willing to submit to background/drug checks and provide employment references.
- Must pass a USCG accepted Color Vision Test to recognize color, navigation markings, and coded objects.
Physical Requirements:
- Standing for up to 10 hours throughout the shift, and up to 6 hours at a time.
- Frequent walking and standing on vessel decks during navigation and inspections.
- Ability to regularly carry, move, push, pull, and/or lift up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to climb ladders, gangways, and stairways between vessel levels.
- Ability to maintain balance on moving, wet, or uneven surfaces.
- Occasional bending and stooping.
- Ability to reach while operating controls, handling equipment, accessing storage areas.
- Hand dexterity in order to operate controls, radios, navigation equipment, and tools.
- Ability to read navigation instruments, identify markers and vessel lights, and maintain situational awareness.
- Ability to hear radio communications, alarms, machinery sounds, and crew instructions.
- Ability to work extended shifts, commonly 8 hours or longer, while maintaining alertness and operational awareness.
Environmental Conditions:
- Exposure to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
- Exposure to vessel vibration, engine noise, and moving machinery.
- Work near water with risk of slipping or falling.
- Occasional confined space entry for inspection purposes.
Safety Requirements:
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including life vest/PFD, safety boots, eye protection, and hard hat when required.
- Compliance with company safety programs and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
- Participation in emergency response drills and procedures.
Benefits and Perks:
All full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.
Company Overview
Livestock Nutrition Center specializes in blending customized rations, supplements and premixes to meet the specific nutritional needs of Livestock Producer's operations. We understand that management, performance objectives and feeding practices can be vastly different between operations, and that these differences dictate specific nutritional or formulation requirements. Our experienced sales staff and nutritionist will work with the Producer to design a feeding program that is specific to their operation.
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to add value to the suppliers and end users in the feed ingredient supply chain through distribution, processing and service.
Guiding Principle
Our focus is to provide customized feeding programs, nutritional products, and expert service to livestock producers that promote their long-term success and profitability.
Position Summary:
Livestock Nutrition Center is seeking to hire a hardworking, safety-focused Deckhand. The Deckhand will primarily be responsible for assisting with barge movement, operations, maintenance, and safety. The Deckhand will have the opportunity to expand their daily responsibilities & duties, with business needs. This position will regularly be scheduled, and have an on-call aspect, due to daily movement of barges.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Switching and fleeting of barges.
- Transferring and laying rigging.
- Handling lines, including splicing and throwing lines.
- Standing lookout.
- Assisting in making locks and bridges.
- Operating boat and barge winches.
- Securing vessel and barge(s) to docks.
- Build, break, and check tow in all weather conditions.
- Ensure products are transported to their destination safely.
- Assist in tow to boat engine maintenance tasks.
- Inspect barges for damages and leaks; at times, this requires climbing into confined spaces.
- Complete daily and periodic maintenance and housekeeping tasks of the vessel and barge(s).
- Report vessel condition information to Tugboat Pilot.
- Strictly adhere to safety requirements, policies, and procedures as outlined in the employee manual and safety meetings.
- Any other tasks as assigned from time to time by management.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Vessel/ barge engine and machinery maintenance experience preferred.
- Ability to work safely.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Experience with marine industry preferred.
- Experience with heavy equipment preferred.
- Effective written and verbal communication, and ability to give distances/ direction over a radio.
- Reliable, regular on-time attendance is required and essential to the operation of the LNC team.
- Ability to work with a flexible schedule, which may include regular weekend work, and work an on-call basis.
- Able and willing to work in special conditions, including but not limited to working outdoors in various weather climates, as well as working on the water, with heights, and in confined spaces.
- Ability to work well with a team and take directions from the boat captain.
- Can read and speak English.
- Willing to submit to background/drug checks and provide employment references.
- Must pass a USCG accepted Color Vision Test to recognize color, navigation markings, and coded objects.
Physical Requirements:
- Standing for up to 10 hours throughout the shift, and up to 6 hours at a time.
- Frequent walking and standing on vessel decks during navigation and inspections.
- Ability to regularly carry, move, push, pull, and/or lift up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to climb ladders, gangways, and stairways between vessel levels.
- Ability to maintain balance on moving, wet, or uneven surfaces.
- Occasional bending and stooping.
- Ability to reach while operating controls, handling equipment, accessing storage areas.
- Hand dexterity in order to operate controls, radios, navigation equipment, and tools.
- Ability to read navigation instruments, identify markers and vessel lights, and maintain situational awareness.
- Ability to hear radio communications, alarms, machinery sounds, and crew instructions.
- Ability to work extended shifts, commonly 8 hours or longer, while maintaining alertness and operational awareness.
Environmental Conditions:
- Exposure to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
- Exposure to vessel vibration, engine noise, and moving machinery.
- Work near water with risk of slipping or falling.
- Occasional confined space entry for inspection purposes.
Safety Requirements:
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including life vest/PFD, safety boots, eye protection, and hard hat when required.
- Compliance with company safety programs and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
- Participation in emergency response drills and procedures.
Benefits and Perks:
All full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Deckhand
Target employers with H-2B or H-1B sponsorship history
Maritime employers who have sponsored visas before are more likely to understand work authorization. Search USCIS disclosure data for companies that have filed for foreign workers. Prior sponsorship history is a strong signal they won't reject you outright.
Apply well before your OPT start date
Deckhand hiring cycles are often seasonal and tied to vessel schedules. Applying two to three months early gives employers time to verify your EAD and complete onboarding paperwork before the season begins. Late applications rarely succeed for time-sensitive marine roles.
Clarify your TWIC card eligibility early
Many commercial vessel and port employers require a Transportation Worker Identification Credential. OPT students on a valid EAD are generally eligible to apply. Confirming this upfront removes a common employer objection before it derails your application.
Highlight any USCG credentials or safety certifications
U.S. Coast Guard licenses, STCW Basic Safety Training, and CPR certifications signal serious candidates to maritime employers. These credentials are rare among applicants and can offset employer hesitation about OPT work authorization requirements and the associated admin burden.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline
Tell employers exactly when your EAD is valid and how many months remain. Seasonal employers hiring for six-month contracts need to know your authorization covers the full period. Ambiguity about end dates is one of the top reasons OPT candidates get passed over.
Focus on research vessels and university-affiliated programs
Academic institutions operating research vessels are experienced hiring international students. They often have international offices that handle EAD verification. These employers are significantly more likely to extend offers to OPT holders than private commercial operators.
Deckhand jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Deckhand JobsSee all 53+ Deckhand jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Deckhand roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a deckhand on OPT?
Yes, deckhand work qualifies under OPT as long as it's directly related to your field of study, such as marine science, oceanography, maritime studies, or a related program. If your degree is unrelated to maritime work, USCIS may not consider the role authorized employment, which could jeopardize your status.
Does a deckhand job qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
No. Deckhand roles fall under maritime operations and are not classified as STEM occupations under the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If you're on a STEM degree, you would need a different qualifying role to use a 24-month STEM extension. Standard 12-month OPT is what applies here.
What documents do I need to show a maritime employer as an OPT student?
You'll need your valid EAD card, your I-20 with OPT authorization from your DSO, and your F-1 visa stamp. Employers complete Form I-9 using your EAD. Some maritime roles also require a TWIC card, which you apply for separately through TSA. Bring all documents to your onboarding appointment.
Where can I find deckhand jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to find deckhand jobs listed by employers open to hiring OPT students. Most general job boards don't filter by sponsorship or work authorization willingness, which wastes time. Migrate Mate surfaces roles where employers have indicated they'll work with F-1 OPT candidates directly.
What happens if my OPT expires while I'm working on a vessel for a long voyage?
Your employment authorization ends on the EAD expiration date regardless of where you are physically. Working past that date, even at sea, constitutes unauthorized employment and violates your F-1 status. If a voyage extends near your expiration date, you must coordinate with your DSO and employer well in advance to avoid violations.
See which Deckhand employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Deckhand Jobs