Deckhand

Deckhand

This is where the journey begins. Once deckhands have mastered the requirements of this position they will move up to takerman trainee and start training on the barges then move up to the position of tankerman. This rapid career advancement takes around 12-18 months on average and more than doubles their starting deckhand wages.

Deckhand Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• 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.
• Deckhands work under the supervision of the vessel Captain or the tankerman on watch.
• The standard work schedule for all deckhands is 28 days on the boat, 14 days off; however this work schedule may vary.
• All crew live, eat, and work aboard the vessel.

*All applicants must:

• be able to swim
• have and maintain a valid Driver’s License
• have a High School Diploma or equivalent