Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Ferry Deckhand

🎯 Role Definition

As a Ferry Deckhand, you are the backbone of the vessel's daily operations and a front-line ambassador for our service. This is a physically demanding, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers, vehicles, and the vessel itself, from pre-departure checks to docking procedures. Working as part of a close-knit crew in a fast-paced, all-weather environment, you will handle mooring lines, direct traffic, perform critical maintenance, and be a vital component of our emergency response team. This position is ideal for a reliable, team-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a commitment to safety and customer service.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Construction Worker
Customer Service Representative
Entry-Level Maritime Trainee or Fishing Crew

Advancement To:

Able Seaman (AB)
Bosun (Boatswain) / Lead Deckhand
Ferry Mate (with additional training and licensure)

Lateral Moves:

Deckhand on a Tugboat, Private Yacht, or Cargo Ship
Port Worker or Longshoreman

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct vehicle and foot passenger traffic during loading and unloading procedures to ensure safe, efficient, and orderly embarkation and disembarkation.
Secure the vessel to the dock by expertly handling, throwing, and managing heavy mooring lines and wires during arrival and departure maneuvers.
Operate ramp and apron machinery, including hydraulic and mechanical systems, to facilitate the safe transfer of vehicles and passengers between the vessel and the terminal.
Act as a primary lookout on the vessel's bridge or other designated watch stations, vigilantly scanning for navigational hazards, other vessels, and marine life.
Perform regular safety and security patrols of the vessel, including passenger areas, car decks, and restricted zones, to identify and address potential hazards.
Participate actively in all required emergency drills, including firefighting, man overboard, and abandon ship procedures, demonstrating proficiency with safety equipment.
Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the location and proper use of all firefighting and lifesaving equipment, such as fire extinguishers, life rafts, and personal flotation devices.
Assist in deploying and retrieving rescue boats and other emergency response equipment as directed by the ship's officers during drills or actual emergencies.
Perform deck maintenance tasks, including chipping, scaling, priming, and painting of decks and superstructures to prevent corrosion and maintain vessel integrity.
Conduct routine cleaning and sanitation of all exterior decks, passenger walkways, and vehicle spaces to ensure a safe and presentable environment.
Handle cargo and freight, ensuring it is properly stowed, secured, and lashed down on the vehicle deck to prevent shifting during transit.
Monitor the placement and securing of vehicle chocks and tie-downs to ensure all vehicles are safely immobilized for the duration of the voyage.
Stand helm or steering watches under the direct supervision of a licensed officer, executing rudder commands accurately and maintaining a steady course.
Provide immediate assistance to passengers in case of medical emergencies or other incidents, administering basic first aid and alerting the appropriate personnel.
Ensure strict compliance with all company policies, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, and international maritime laws (SOLAS) pertaining to safety and vessel operation.

Secondary Functions

Proactively engage with passengers to provide information, answer questions about the vessel, route, and safety procedures, and offer directional assistance.
Maintain a clean, professional, and approachable demeanor, serving as a visible and helpful representative of the ferry service to enhance the customer experience.
Perform routine maintenance and inspections on deck machinery, mooring equipment, and safety gear, reporting any deficiencies or malfunctions to the senior deck officer.
Assist engineering staff with minor maintenance tasks and provide support during bunkering (refueling) operations as directed.
Conduct regular inventory checks of deck supplies, safety equipment, and cleaning materials, reporting needs to the Bosun or Mate.
Maintain ship's logs and records related to safety rounds, maintenance activities, and passenger counts as required by the vessel's command.
Raise and lower the national and company flags at appropriate times and according to maritime custom.
Manage crowd control during peak travel times or special events to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Line Handling & Knot Tying: Proficiency in handling heavy mooring lines and tying essential maritime knots (e.g., bowline, clove hitch, sheet bend).
USCG Regulations: Working knowledge of and ability to comply with U.S. Coast Guard safety, security, and operational regulations.
First Aid/CPR Certification: Current certification in basic first aid, CPR, and AED usage is often required or highly desirable.
Basic Marine Maintenance: Skills in chipping, painting, rust removal, and general upkeep of a vessel's deck and superstructure.
Operation of Deck Machinery: Experience with operating ramps, capstans, winches, and other hydraulic/mechanical deck equipment.
Firefighting Training: Completion of a Basic Marine Firefighting course is highly preferred.
Watchstanding Procedures: Understanding the duties and responsibilities of a lookout and helmsman as per maritime standards.

Soft Skills

Situational Awareness: Exceptional awareness of surroundings to identify potential safety hazards for passengers, crew, and the vessel in a dynamic environment.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to work closely and communicate clearly and concisely with other crew members in a loud, fast-paced setting.
Physical Stamina & Strength: Capability to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions, including lifting up to 50-75 lbs and standing for long periods.
Customer Service Orientation: A friendly, helpful, and professional demeanor when interacting with a diverse public.
Calm Under Pressure: The ability to remain composed, think clearly, and act decisively during emergencies or high-stress situations.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong work ethic with a commitment to being on time and ready for duty for all scheduled shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly assess situations, such as a vehicle issue or passenger concern, and find a practical solution.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Graduation from a maritime academy or a vocational program in marine technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Maritime Operations
Marine Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years. Many positions are entry-level and provide on-the-job training.

Preferred: Previous experience in a maritime, commercial fishing, or demanding general labor role is a strong asset. Possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is highly preferred and may be required for employment.