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Deckhand Trainee Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Deckhand Trainee information

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$12

$20

$28

How much do deckhand trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for deckhand trainee in Indiana is $20.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee deckhand?

A Trainee Deckhand is an entry-level position in the maritime industry, responsible for assisting with the maintenance, cleaning, and operation of a vessel. Duties typically include handling ropes, maintaining deck equipment, and supporting the crew with daily tasks. This role provides hands-on experience and is a stepping stone to more advanced deck positions. Training is usually provided on the job, but basic certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) may be required.

What are the typical responsibilities of a trainee deckhand during a standard shift?

As a Trainee Deckhand, your daily duties often include tasks such as cleaning and maintaining the vessel, assisting with loading and unloading cargo, handling mooring lines, and participating in safety drills. You’ll also support experienced deckhands and officers with navigation watch or general deck operations. The work is physically demanding and usually takes place outdoors in various weather conditions, but you’ll gain practical maritime experience and have opportunities to learn from seasoned crew members. This hands-on training is an excellent introduction to the maritime industry and can lead to advanced deckhand or officer roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the trainee deckhand position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Deckhand, you need basic seamanship knowledge, physical fitness, and the ability to follow safety instructions, usually combined with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with marine safety equipment, deck maintenance tools, and certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) is often required. Strong teamwork, willingness to learn, and good communication skills are valuable soft skills for this entry-level maritime position. These qualities ensure you can handle the physical demands, understand safety procedures, and contribute positively to operations on board.

What are the most commonly searched types of Deckhand jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Deckhand jobs in Indiana are:

Deckhand Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Deckhand Trainee job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,705 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Jeffersonville IN Harbor Deckhand

Evansville Marine Service

Jeffersonville, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for the overall safety of the towing vessel.
  • Responsible for aiding in the safety of all coworkers.
  • Responsible for informing the Master-on-Duty of any unsafe or hazardous conditions on the vessel.
  • Report any and all hazardous or unsafe conditions and making corrections when able.
  • Make and break tow for customer vessels and other EMS boats.
  • Pick up and deliver barges to and from customer docks.
  • Perform look-out duties for the Master-on-Duty when transiting locks & dams, bridges and other high-risk maneuvers.
  • Tie lines and lay wires on barges.
  • Operate winches and ratchets.
  • Handle, splice, and throw lines.
  • Perform daily routine maintenance of all the vessel's critical systems, including propulsion, steering, and electrical systems.
  • Perform daily inspection of the vessels firefighting and lifesaving equipment.
  • Help to keep the engine room and all its components clean and in good working order.
  • Perform routine housekeeping duties - ability to clean-as-you-go is a must.
  • Participate in all drills and safety meetings.
  • Learn and perform assigned duties in emergency situations.
  • Learn when to use PPE and know the right type(s) to use for any task.
  • Ordering stores and supplies on a regular basis.
  • Taking on fuel, water, oil, etc.
  • Provide continuous training for other new hires and Job Corps trainees.
  • Conduct daily safety inspections of equipment and vessel structure, including walking and visually inspecting the exterior of each deck, the engine room, the wheelhouse, and any other areas of the vessel that are critical to the safety of the vessel and the crew.
  • Assist new crewmembers on tow for training purposes, including donning PPE, which may include a personal flotation device (PFD), as well as eye protection, face protection, splash protection, foot protection, hearing protection, or hand protection, depending on the task.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Speak, read, and write English well enough to maintain vessel logs, read training materials, and follow written instructions.
  • Climb at least 3 sets of stairs or ladders in short succession (from wheelhouse to engine room).
  • Hear and respond to radio communications with significant background noise.
  • Lift, pull, push, and carry ship's stores, vessel's rigging and other equipment up to 70lbs over distances of up to 1000'.
  • Perform general vessel maintenance in tight quarters, including stooping, crouching, and crawling while using hand tools and power tools.
  • Routinely walk and maintain balance across uneven, slippery, or unstable surfaces without assistance
  • Step over high doorsills, bullrails, and other structural obstacles.
  • Walk up or down a ramp with an incline of up to 10 (17% grade), and length up to 100'

EMERGENCY DUTIES

In addition to the routine physical standards above, a Deckhand may face emergency situations that require brief but intense physical activity during drills and training. As mariners, we are our own First Responders, and must be able to:

  • Participate in drills that may include carrying firefighting equipment up several flights of stairs, retrieving objects from the water, and carrying dewatering pumps in a short amount of time.
  • Assist an injured person from a barge to the boat.
  • Carry a 40lb extinguisher up one or more flights of stairs.
  • Crawl on all fours across steel decking to escape a smoke-filled area.
  • Extract an unconscious person from a vessel in distress.
  • Hear, and rapidly respond to, alarms, bells, and whistles.
  • In short succession, carry a 50lb de-watering pump, carry a 5g gas can, and carry accompanying hoses (20-30lbs each);
  • Set up and start the de-watering pump and effectively operate a firehose under high pressure.
  • Retrieve an unconscious adult from the water and onto the boat.
  • Throw a 5lb ring buoy at least 25' and retrieve it with an adult attached.
  • Unface and face-up the boat alone to retrieve unconscious or immobile victims from the water or from a barge.

This list is not exhaustive. Deckhands are expected to perform any duties required of them by the Master-on-Duty of the vessel to which they are assigned, and those duties may include assisting other teams at EMS as needed.

Requirements

  • Applicants must meet the Physical Requirements and be able to perform the Emergency Duties itemized above..
  • Applicants must have reliable transportation to and from work.
  • Applicant must be able to pass a TSA background check.
  • Applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment DOT 5-panel Urine Drug Test.

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