DECKHAND

Most deckhand positions involve helping out on a boat. Deckhands can get jobs on many different types of boats, so specific duties can vary. On commercial fishing boats, deckhands operate the fishing gear (such as nets and fishing line) and help to haul the fish into the boat. Once the fish are on the boat, deckhands clean and salt the fish and put the catch on ice for the long trip back to land.

Deckhand jobs on cruise ships are not easy to get because most cruise ships hire crewmembers who are not American. However, small cruise ships and riverboats do hire American deckhands. On a riverboat or cruise ship, a deckhand does everything from painting and cleaning to helping dock the boat.

On cargo ships, deckhands (sometimes also called seamen) perform many jobs. They sometimes steer the ship or stand watch—looking out for other ships and making sure the ship is on course. They help dock the ship when it lands. They may help load or unload cargo and may keep track of cargo during the ship's journey. Deckhands also make sure the ship is clean and in good working order.

Deckhands who work on private boats or yachts help to sail the boat and make sure it is clean and running well. On boats with a small crew, deckhands sometimes also have other duties, such as cooking. Passenger ferries hire deckhands to help dock the boat, load cars and passengers, and collect money from passengers.

Being a deckhand can be dangerous. Weather conditions can sometimes be harsh. If the boat has a problem and is far from land, the crew needs to solve the problem on their own because there is no one else to help them. There is also the risk of falling overboard, particularly on a fishing boat or large cargo ship.

Some types of boats may be at sea—and away from land—for weeks or months at a time. Deckhands who work on cargo ships, fishing boats, or cruise ships usually work for several months at a time, and then have a month or two off. While they are at sea they might be on duty for four hours, then off duty for eight hours, seven days a week. Deckhands on passenger ferries or boats in rivers and harbors usually have a much more regular work schedule. They might work eight- or twelve-hour shifts, five days a week. Or they may work steadily for a week and then have a week off.