Deckhand

Deckhand

Under supervision, performs deckhand duties in compliance with agency standard operating procedures, the Safety Management System (SMS), the Vessel Security Plan (VSP) and applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations on a municipal ferry vessel and at a ferry terminal; performs related work. Examples of typical tasks include performing general deckhand duties, including cleaning the vessel and/or terminal areas, as directed. Performing lookout and emergency duties of the assigned duty station, such as launching and manning rescue boats and life rafts; operating firefighting equipment; and assisting in vessel to vessel transfers, under the direction of an Officer. Operating boarding doors, gates, aprons and bridges. Handling gangways and mooring lines. Directing passenger and vehicle traffic, as assigned. Patrolling deck and assigned duty station to ensure that all is in a safe and clean condition; assisting passengers, as needed; reporting any suspicious circumstance or object to an Officer or Ferry Terminal Supervisor. Performing heavy manual labor, such as handling vessel and terminal supplies and trash; and loading and unloading freight. Participating in safety meetings and fire and lifeboat drills.

Credential/certificate requirement: Within 6 months of appointment all candidates must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the following endorsements: a) Able Seaman - any category, or a superior endorsement; and b) Lifeboatman or Lifeboatman-limited. A valid U.S. Coast Guard medical certificate without restriction for applicable service; and within thirty (30) days of appointment, all candidates must possess: A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Note: All credentials and certificates must be maintained for the duration of employment. TWIC requirement: Once selected for employment at the Staten Island Ferry, federal regulations require that the applicant must either undergo a federal background check as part of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program or already possess a TWIC. The TWIC must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment. For further program information, visit: Medical/drug testing requirements: Medical guidelines established by the U.S. Coast Guard apply to the position of Deckhand. Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a medical examination prior to appointment and thereafter, pursuant to Coast Guard regulations. Candidates must also pass a drug screening to be appointed. All candidates are subject to random drug and alcohol testing during their employment.

Minimum qualifications: 1. Two years of full-time satisfactory paid experience as a deckhand on ocean, coastwise or inland steam or motor vessels, or equivalent seagoing experience in a sea service of the Armed Forces of the United States; or 2. Graduation from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), with an Associate degree in marine technology, such as the maritime technology degree awarded by Kingsborough Community College, including or supplemented by at least one year of deck duty; or 3. Graduation from one of the U.S. Coast Guard approved maritime or sea service academies listed below, including the curriculum, program, or qualification indicated: a) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (deck curriculum); or b) The U.S. Coast Guard Academy or the U.S. Naval Academy with a qualification as an underway Officer in charge of a navigational watch; or c) The Deck Class of a Maritime Academy approved by and conducted under the rules prescribed by the Maritime Administrator (see 46 CFR 11.407), including the program in the Deck Class of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. Note: To be acceptable, the education and experience described in "1", "2" and "3" above must have been obtained within the last 10 years.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.