Description
Lead and coordinate deck operations as the senior deck rating aboard ships or workboats. Supervise and train deckhands; manage mooring, anchoring, rigging, cargo handling, and upkeep of decks, machinery, and safety gear. Requires applicable U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner credentials and strong seamanship.
- • Lead deck crew in mooring, anchoring, rigging, and cargo-handling operations.
- • Enforce safe deck practices and stop unsafe work under the permit-to-work system.
- • Stand lookout and helm watches; steer as directed by the bridge.
- • Handle lines, fenders, capstans, and winches during docking and undocking.
- • Operate and maintain windlass, cranes, davits, and other deck machinery.
- • Launch and recover small boats and rescue boats; assist in man-overboard responses.
- • Inspect decks, rigging, ladders, gangways, and mooring gear for wear and compliance.
- • Maintain lifesaving and firefighting equipment; replace or service as needed.
- • Rig slings, stoppers, and chafing gear; secure and lash cargo and deck loads.
- • Oversee chipping, painting, washing down, and corrosion control of exposed structures.
- • Read and monitor pressures, fluid levels, and gauges on hydraulic or pneumatic deck gear.
- • Use handheld and ship radios to coordinate deck evolutions and communicate with the bridge.
- • Plan deck work around weather, seas, tides, and traffic to minimize risk.
- • Keep deck maintenance logs, work lists, inventories, and permits current.
- • Requisition, receive, and issue deck stores, tools, rope, wire, and PPE.
- • Train and mentor new deckhands in seamanship, equipment use, and safety procedures.
- • Assist officers with assigning deck tasks and watches.
- • Observe loading and discharge to ensure proper handling, stowage, and lashing per specifications.
- • Rig and operate cargo gear, cranes, and hatch covers under officer direction.
- • Prepare the vessel for arrivals and departures; rig pilot ladders, accommodation ladders, and gangways.
- • Handle anchors; walk out, heave in, and secure the chain and windlass brakes.
- • Sound tanks and bilges; read drafts and report results.
- • Conduct toolbox talks and job safety analyses before deck operations.
- • Report hazards, incidents, and near-misses per company and regulatory requirements.
- • Conduct and participate in emergency and safety drills, including fire and abandon-ship drills.
- • Rig towing gear and messenger lines; coordinate with tugs as directed.
- • Set and maintain lifelines, railings, and safety nets; post signage and barriers.
- • Implement spill prevention measures; deploy booms or sorbents during pollution response.
- • Maintain the bosun's locker; inspect, splice, whip, and replace lines and wire rope.
- • Supervise housekeeping of decks, superstructures, and bridges; ensure tools are secured for sea.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
