Deckhand

Description

Salary

$35,000 - $45,000 - Beginning wage depends on previous experience level. Experience not required to obtain position.

Job purpose

Deckhands carry out a range of basic duties essential to the running and maintenance of a boat. All deckhands assist in keeping the vessel clean and operational, keeping lookout, steering and adjusting the course as directed and dealing with any emergencies that occur.

Duties and responsibilities

· Deckhands assist others on the vessel in preparing barges for the loading and discharging of products at ports across the inland waterway system.

· Deckhands build and break tow by using lines, wires, ratchets and stationary winches.

· Deckhands perform a variety of tasks which include but not limited to standard housekeeping duties, painting, chipping, transferring rigging, vessel and barge maintenance, midstream fuel transfers, cooking, assisting in making bridges and locks, etc. These duties are performed in all types of weather, day and night, while the vessel is underway.

· Deckhands must be capable of lifting or moving objects that are heavy and awkward.

· The standard work schedule for all deckhands are 12 hour shifts (5 nights, 5 days, and off for 6 days) starting at 6am to 6pm.

· Must be familiar with Wepfer Marine, Inc. policies, procedures, safety rules and regulations, and must abide by them at all times as well as applicable laws, regulations, and other legal requirements.

· From time to time, perform other tasks that may be assigned by the Captain.

Requirements

Qualifications

Qualifications include:

• Experience
• Successfully pass pre-employment screening including but not limited to drug and alcohol testing.
• Able to pass a TSA background check

Working conditions

Deckhands work as part of a team and must follow safe work practices to minimize the risk of danger to themselves, other crew members. They often work outdoors, in a range of weather conditions, though even when working indoors they may be exposed to rough weather conditions, which can be unpleasant. Hours of work can vary greatly depending on the type of vessel and the season, with longer shifts generally required during peak season. Typical work shifts, include 12 hour shifts which may fall on some nights, weekends, and holidays. There is a rotating shift; 5 days, 5 nights, then 6 off days.

Physical requirements

The physical work demand for this position are classified as very heavy work, during which the employee will exert 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force consistently to move objects when making tow or performing other tasks. Safety equipment is very important and can include fire-extinguishers, life jackets and inflatable life rafts.