Deckhand Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Deckhand positions on commercial vessels, offshore platforms, and research ships can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when they require specialized maritime training or technical certifications. Maritime employers often sponsor foreign workers due to skill shortages, particularly for roles involving navigation systems, safety protocols, or specialized vessel operations. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary:
The Deckhand monitors deck areas onboard the vessel(s) as well as passengers, to ensure safety during ferry operations, dockside and underway. 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.
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 an understanding of all phases of shipboard safety procedures and knowledge of the location and use of all firefighting and safety equipment (i.e., fire extinguishers, fire stations, life preservers, work vest, life floats, and rescue boat).
- Handle and dispose of all chemicals and other types of hazardous or caustic materials in compliance with Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), 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.
- Sell tickets and concessions, responsible for ticketing equipment, inventory, and cash.
- Provide refreshments including alcoholic beverages at times, to guests.
- Perform lookout duties while underway, including watching for other vessels and monitoring the waterway for potentially unsafe conditions.
- Assist in boarding and disembarking of passengers and vehicles.
- Assist with filling potable 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.
- Assist with training of crew as directed.
- Comply with rules and regulations contained in the crew handbook and as directed by supervisor.
- Understand and comply with the Safety Management System (SMS).
- Understand and comply with Ship Instructions (SIs).
- Maintain Crew Qualification binder.
- Collaborate with other HMS 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 the vessel is in an inspection-ready condition at all times.
- Present professional level of customer service and appearance to all clients and at all times, both internal and external.
- Responsible for handling money and balancing deposits/money bags.
- Report safety, operational, and environmental issues to the vessel master.
- Additional job duties as assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- HS Diploma or equivalent
- 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
- Obtain and maintain certification for alcohol service after training completion
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to effectively interact with the passengers, guests, and fellow employees
- Ability to work in a 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
- Valid Driver’s License
- Copy of DD214, if Veteran status
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Compensation based on licensing/credentials.
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.
Position Summary:
The Deckhand monitors deck areas onboard the vessel(s) as well as passengers, to ensure safety during ferry operations, dockside and underway. 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.
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 an understanding of all phases of shipboard safety procedures and knowledge of the location and use of all firefighting and safety equipment (i.e., fire extinguishers, fire stations, life preservers, work vest, life floats, and rescue boat).
- Handle and dispose of all chemicals and other types of hazardous or caustic materials in compliance with Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), 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.
- Sell tickets and concessions, responsible for ticketing equipment, inventory, and cash.
- Provide refreshments including alcoholic beverages at times, to guests.
- Perform lookout duties while underway, including watching for other vessels and monitoring the waterway for potentially unsafe conditions.
- Assist in boarding and disembarking of passengers and vehicles.
- Assist with filling potable 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.
- Assist with training of crew as directed.
- Comply with rules and regulations contained in the crew handbook and as directed by supervisor.
- Understand and comply with the Safety Management System (SMS).
- Understand and comply with Ship Instructions (SIs).
- Maintain Crew Qualification binder.
- Collaborate with other HMS 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 the vessel is in an inspection-ready condition at all times.
- Present professional level of customer service and appearance to all clients and at all times, both internal and external.
- Responsible for handling money and balancing deposits/money bags.
- Report safety, operational, and environmental issues to the vessel master.
- Additional job duties as assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- HS Diploma or equivalent
- 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
- Obtain and maintain certification for alcohol service after training completion
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to effectively interact with the passengers, guests, and fellow employees
- Ability to work in a 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
- Valid Driver’s License
- Copy of DD214, if Veteran status
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Compensation based on licensing/credentials.
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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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Deckhand Jobs
Target offshore and research vessels
Offshore oil platforms, research vessels, and specialized maritime operations have higher sponsorship rates than traditional fishing boats due to technical skill requirements and federal contracting needs.
Emphasize specialized maritime certifications
STCW Basic Safety Training, radar operation certificates, or crane operation licenses demonstrate the specialized knowledge that strengthens H-1B petitions for deckhand positions requiring technical expertise.
Focus on navigation and safety technology roles
Deckhand positions involving GPS systems, electronic chart plotting, or safety equipment maintenance are more likely to qualify as specialty occupations than general deck maintenance work.
Research maritime contractors with federal projects
Companies with NOAA, Coast Guard, or Navy contracts often need security-cleared personnel and are more willing to sponsor foreign workers for specialized deckhand roles.
Consider seasonal fishing operations in Alaska
Alaska's fishing industry uses H-2B visas for seasonal deckhand work, offering an alternative path when H-1B requirements don't align with traditional fishing operations.
Highlight degree relevance to marine operations
Marine biology, naval architecture, or maritime technology degrees directly support specialty occupation arguments for deckhand roles involving technical equipment operation or environmental monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do deckhand positions qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Traditional deckhand roles rarely qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as they don't typically require a bachelor's degree. However, specialized deckhand positions on research vessels, offshore platforms, or technical maritime operations that require specific certifications and specialized knowledge may qualify for H-1B if they meet specialty occupation requirements.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a deckhand?
Marine biology, naval architecture, maritime technology, or marine engineering degrees most directly support H-1B petitions for specialized deckhand roles. The degree must relate to the specific technical aspects of the position, such as operating navigation equipment, conducting research operations, or managing specialized vessel systems.
How to find Deckhand jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Deckhand jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international workers with sponsoring employers. Focus on maritime companies, offshore drilling operators, cruise lines, and shipping companies that commonly hire Deckhands and sponsor work visas like H-2B visa or regional maritime worker visas. Filter specifically for positions offering sponsorship support.
Can fishing boat deckhands get work visa sponsorship?
Most fishing operations use H-2B seasonal worker visas rather than H-1B for deckhand positions. H-2B is designed for temporary, seasonal work and doesn't require a college degree. Alaska's fishing industry is a major user of H-2B visas for foreign deckhand workers during fishing seasons.
What maritime certifications help with visa sponsorship?
STCW Basic Safety Training, radar observer certificates, crane operation licenses, and marine radio operator permits demonstrate specialized knowledge. Offshore safety certifications like BOSIET or HUET are particularly valuable for oil platform deckhand positions. These certifications support arguments that the role requires specialized training beyond general labor.
Do offshore platform deckhand jobs sponsor work visas?
Offshore oil and gas companies more frequently sponsor work visas than traditional maritime employers due to specialized safety requirements and technical operations. These positions often require specific certifications, safety training, and technical knowledge that can support H-1B specialty occupation arguments, especially for roles involving equipment operation or safety systems.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Deckhand jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.