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Entry Level Deckhand Offshore Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

... entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside ...

Curtin Maritime

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside ...

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Entry Level Deckhand Offshore information

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$12

$21

$30

How much do entry level deckhand offshore jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level deckhand offshore in the United States is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a deckhand with no experience?

To become an entry-level offshore deckhand with no experience, you should obtain basic safety certifications such as STCW and OSHA, gain physical fitness, and apply to companies that offer on-the-job training. Prior experience in manual labor or maritime environments can be helpful but is not always required for entry-level positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Deckhand Offshore position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Deckhand Offshore, you should possess good physical stamina, basic seamanship knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety equipment, marine radios, and certifications such as Basic Safety Training (STCW) are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help individuals excel in this physically demanding environment. These abilities are vital to ensure safety, efficient vessel operations, and positive collaboration on offshore crews.

How much do offshore deckhands make?

Offshore deckhands typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. They often work on a rotational schedule and may receive additional pay for overtime, hazard pay, or specialized skills such as crane operation or safety training.

Can you get an offshore oil rig job with no experience?

Entry level deckhand offshore positions typically require little to no prior experience, but candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent and be physically fit. Employers often provide on-the-job training, and certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) can improve chances of hiring. Having relevant skills like teamwork, safety awareness, and familiarity with safety equipment is beneficial.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level deckhands working offshore?

Entry level deckhands offshore often face challenges such as long shifts, unpredictable weather conditions, and extended periods away from home. The physical labor can be demanding, including tasks like maintenance, rigging, and cargo handling, all of which require constant attention to safety procedures. You'll also need to quickly adapt to living and working in tight quarters with other crew members, which fosters camaraderie but requires good interpersonal skills. Overcoming these challenges not only helps you succeed in your role but also prepares you for more advanced positions in the maritime industry.

How do I get offshore with no experience?

To become an entry-level offshore deckhand with no experience, you should obtain basic safety certifications such as STCW and OSHA, and gain physical fitness for demanding work environments. Many companies offer on-the-job training or entry-level programs, so applying to these opportunities and demonstrating a willingness to learn can help you start in the industry.

What is an Entry Level Deckhand Offshore job?

An Entry Level Deckhand Offshore is a beginner position in the maritime or oil and gas industry, responsible for assisting with vessel maintenance, cargo handling, and general deck operations. Duties include cleaning, painting, securing equipment, and supporting crew members with tasks such as mooring and line handling. This role requires physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work long hours in challenging offshore conditions. Training and certifications, such as a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), may be required. It's an excellent starting point for those looking to build a career in offshore operations.

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Entry Level Deckhand Offshore jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Deckhand Offshore job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,879 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Deckhand - NOAA Research Vessel Support

Deckhand - NOAA Research Vessel Support

@Orchard

Falmouth, MA • Remote

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Deckhand – NOAA Research Vessel Support (Levels I & II)

Remote/Offshore within Massachusetts or Rhode Island – accessible to Falmouth/Woods Hole, MA, and Narragansett RI (with assignments on NOAA and partner vessels throughout the Northeast U.S.)

 

@Orchard LLC has been awarded the PEMAD sea-going support contract through NOAA Fisheries. We are actively hiring Deckhands (Levels I & II) to support NOAA Fisheries’ research operations aboard the R/V Gloria Michelle and other survey vessels. Deckhands are essential to the safe and effective deployment of scientific gear, vessel operations, and maintenance. This is a hands-on role requiring seamanship, technical skills, and the ability to work in a small crew environment on extended research trips.

Responsibilities
  • Safely deploy and retrieve scientific sampling gear (trawls, dredges, grabs, CTDs, sensors, etc.).Conduct routine vessel operations, including docking, line handling, watches, and housekeeping.
  • Assist with cruise staging/de-staging, loading/unloading of stores, supplies, and scientific equipment. 
  • Support deck operations during research missions, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
  • Perform net mending, gear repair, and hydraulic/electrical maintenance as needed.
  • Assist with vessel system maintenance (diesel engines, generators, hydraulics, deck machinery).
  • Operate deck equipment (winches, cranes, derricks, reels, anchor windlass) under the officer's direction. 
  • Stand lookout, wheelhouse, and anchor watches using navigation equipment (charts, GPS, radar, fathometers).
  • Support trawl repair and equipment troubleshooting while underway.
  • Work in close quarters with diverse crews, maintaining professionalism in challenging conditions.
  • Report safety issues and operational concerns to NOAA Officers in Charge (OIC/JOIC).
Qualifications

General Requirements (all levels):

  • Ability to work at sea for extended periods in varied weather.
  • Physically capable of lifting and carrying 55lbs, climbing ladders, and working on rolling decks. 
  • Willingness to work long days (12 hours standard, occasional extended shifts).
  • Positive and professional demeanor in small crew environments.
  • Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or ability to obtain before starting).
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to operate government vehicles.
  • Applicants must pass a drug test, background check, and NOAA medical clearance (including TB test).

Level I (Assistant Deckhand / Junior):

  • Entry-level trawling or oceanographic gear-handling experience desired but not required.
  • Exposure to hydraulic winches, cranes, or trawl operations is a plus.
  • Able to follow instructions and support the senior deck crew with gear operations and maintenance.

Level II (Experienced Deckhand / Lead):

  • Minimum 3 years of trawling/oceanographic experience (hydraulic winches, cranes, trawls, net mending, gear repair).
  • Strong preference for candidates with an Able Seafarer (AB) Fishing credential (experience requirement may be halved).
  • Demonstrated ability to operate and repair vessel systems (diesel, hydraulics, deck machinery).
  • Proven experience managing deck operations safely and efficiently while underway. 
  • Familiarity with NOAA Small Boat Policy requirements is strongly preferred.

To learn more about this opportunity to serve the NOAA Fisheries mission of advancing Fisheries science, please apply.

Established in 2010, @Orchard has an exceptional reputation, providing staffing solutions to time-sensitive, talent scarcity issues to deliver better talent management ROI.  Our specialty lies in the critical area of program talent acquisition and resource management, not in one narrow skillset, but across many areas of technical and functional delivery. To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atorchard.com.