Deckhand - Unlicensed and Licensed 2026

Job Description

Job Description

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

General Description:

USCG AB License or equivalent deckhand experience on board trawler fishing vessels required.

Deckhands perform deck operations which include: set and haul back fishing nets, release fish into the hold; clean, maintain and organize fishing gear; maintain and repair nets and equipment; operate deck gear, hoists and cranes; maintain and operate skiff and life rafts; follow directions in the case of an emergency and work under the direction of the captain and mate. Deckhands participate in vessel offload and backload which may last longer the regular 16.5 hours per day work schedule. Deckhands may work in many areas of the vessel including the factory, freezer hold, or on adjoining docks or vessels during offload or backload. Deckhands also perform the work of a fish processor (see fish processor job description).

Essential Duties:

Deckhands must be able to:

• Safely and competently work in extreme weather and sea conditions as needed.
• Prepare trawl nets and gear for use.
• Guide nets, cod-ends and lines onto a net drum during haul backs.
• Release fish into holding tanks.
• Clean and repair nets and fishing gear.
• Operate and maintain hoists, cranes and other equipment used to load/unload product and supplies.
• Tie and untie the vessel to other vessels or the dock.
• Operate and maintain safety equipment such as the skiff and life rafts.
• Safely transfer crew on/off the vessel.
• Keep trawl decks and other open decks organized and clear of debris.
• Must be able to communicate and understand visual or verbal directions over loud background noise.
• Use and operate commercial fishing equipment such as trawl gear, net reels, hoists, cranes, hooks, slings, winches, hydraulic equipment, knives, shovels, net mending equipment, common hand and power tools, and two-way radios.

Work Schedule:

• Typical work hours are 16.5 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Work hours may be extended during offload or backload which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
• Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
• While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
• Employees will be exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets and aluminum pans. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.

Requirements

Education, Experience:

• USCG AB License or equivalent experience on board trawler fishing vessels. (Your application will not be considered without this requirement)
• Catcher processor deck experience.
• USCG Basic Firefighting.
• USCG Drill Instructor training.
• Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
• 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years. Work history must be provided during the application process. No Exceptions.

Physical Demands:

All employees must be able to:

• Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob’s ladder without assistance.
• Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
• Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
• Work at least 16 ½ hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
• Stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
• Use fingers, hands and arms to push, pull and reach.
• Bend and twist.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
• Work in a cold and wet environment.
• Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations.
• This job is designated by O’Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities:

All employees must be able to:

• Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.
• Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Live and work with others in close quarters.
• Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
• Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
• Discern between various shades of color for identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms, and warnings.

Benefits

Compensation

• Crew-share compensation
• Average of $500 - $650 per day

Benefits

• Medical insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
• 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.
• Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at-sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck)
• O’Hara will book and pre-pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire- Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.

O’Hara Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.