16 Deckhand Skills for Your Career and Resume

Deckhands are responsible for a variety of tasks on board a vessel, from cleaning and maintenance to helping with the operation of the ship. Deckhands need to have a strong work ethic, as well as a good understanding of safety procedures. They also need to be able to work well as part of a team. If you’re interested in becoming a deckhand, learning about the necessary skills can help you prepare for this career.

Navigation

Navigation is the ability to use tools like a compass and GPS to find your way from one location to another. Deckhands often need navigation skills because they work on vessels that travel through water, which means they can’t rely on landmarks for guidance. Navigation also helps deckhands know where important equipment is located so they can operate it properly.

CPR & First Aid

A deckhand should have basic knowledge of first aid and CPR. This can help them in the event of an emergency on a boat, where medical supplies may be limited. Deckhands also need to know how to react if someone gets hurt or injured while working on a boat. For example, they should know how to treat cuts and burns and how to stop bleeding if someone has an injury that requires stitches.

Line Handling

Line handling is the ability to use ropes and pulleys to control a vessel. Deckhands often need to handle lines when docking or undocking boats, pulling in fishing nets and raising and lowering sails. This skill requires attention to detail and close observation of the task at hand. It also requires physical strength to pull on heavy ropes and pulleys.

Radio Communication

Deckhands need to be able to communicate with their fellow crew members and other maritime personnel. This includes communicating over the radio, which requires a basic understanding of marine communication protocols. It also includes being able to relay information verbally to your captain or first mate.

Communication skills are important for deckhands because they allow you to work as part of a team. They can also help you understand instructions from your superiors and ensure that everyone on board is aware of any safety concerns.

Deck Sweeping

Deckhands often perform duties like deck sweeping, which involves removing debris from the deck of a ship. This is an important skill for deckhands to have because it ensures that the deck remains clean and safe for crew members to walk on. Deckhands also use their ability to sweep when they’re cleaning up spilled materials or other messes.

Anchor Handling

Anchoring is the process of securing a boat to a dock or shore. It’s an important skill for deckhands because it ensures that boats stay in place and don’t drift away. Deckhands also use anchoring skills when they’re working on buoys, which are anchored to keep water traffic safe.

Anchoring requires knowledge of how to read charts and understand nautical language so you can navigate safely. You may also need to know how to operate different types of anchors, such as chain, mushroom and Danforth anchors.

Garbage Removal

Garbage removal is a necessary skill for deckhands because it’s their job to keep the boat clean. Deckhands should be able to remove garbage from the ship and dispose of it properly. They may also need to clean up after passengers who leave behind trash on the deck. This can include cleaning up food spills, cigarette butts or other debris that passengers have left behind.

Physical Strength

Physical strength is an important skill for deckhands to have because it can help them perform their job duties. Deckhands often need to be physically strong enough to lift heavy objects, such as cargo containers and machinery, so they can secure them properly on a ship. They also use physical strength when performing tasks like climbing the rigging of a ship or hoisting supplies onto the vessel.

Hose Operation

Deckhands need to know how to operate hoses for tasks like cleaning and maintaining the deck of a ship. This includes knowing where to store them, how to connect them to equipment and how to use them safely. You may also be responsible for operating firefighting equipment on board a ship, so it’s important to learn how to do this skillfully.

Adaptability

Deckhands need to be able to adapt to changing conditions on the water. Weather can change quickly, and a deckhand might have to shift their duties or alter their schedule to accommodate for it. They also need to be flexible with regard to working with other crew members. A deckhand may start out as an assistant to another member of the crew but then take over that person’s role when they leave.

Boat Maintenance

Deckhands are responsible for maintaining the boat they work on. This includes cleaning, repairing and performing routine maintenance on all aspects of the vessel. You may be required to perform basic carpentry tasks like fixing a railing or replacing decking. It’s important to know how to maintain your own equipment so you can continue working safely.

Leadership

A deckhand needs to be able to lead a team of other crew members. This means you need to have strong leadership skills, including the ability to delegate tasks and motivate others. You also need to know how to take charge in emergency situations when the captain isn’t available. Strong leadership skills can help you advance your career as a deckhand because it shows an employer that you can manage a team effectively.

Life Raft Operation

Life raft operation is a necessary skill for deckhands to have. In the event of an emergency, it’s important that you know how to operate life rafts and other safety equipment on board vessels. This ensures your own safety as well as the safety of others. It also helps ensure that you can help save lives if someone else needs assistance.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Deckhands often work on a team, so flexibility can help them adjust their duties when necessary and collaborate with others effectively. For example, if one deckhand needs to take time off for an emergency, another deckhand may need to fill in for them temporarily. Flexibility allows a crew member to step up and perform well in this new role.

Teamwork

Deckhands work in teams with other crew members to complete tasks on a boat. They must be able to communicate effectively and support one another when performing duties such as fishing, navigating or docking the ship. Deckhands also rely on their team members for safety while working at sea. For example, if a deckhand falls overboard, their fellow crew members may need to use teamwork to rescue them from the water.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly. Deckhands need strong communication skills because they often work in teams and must be able to understand their supervisor’s instructions, relay safety concerns to fellow crew members and communicate with customers when selling food or drink on a cruise ship.

Communication also includes written communication, which deckhands use to fill out logs detailing their duties for the day and send messages to one another via radio.

How Can I Learn These Deckhand Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the skills necessary to be a deckhand. You can take classes at a local community college or online. You can also find training programs through maritime academies or the Coast Guard. You can also learn through on-the-job training if you are able to find a deckhand position.