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How much do key lakes jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for key lakes in the United States is $12.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $13.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Marine Deckhand (Key Lakes)?

To thrive as a Marine Deckhand, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong physical stamina, and basic seamanship skills. Familiarity with marine safety procedures, vessel maintenance tools, and certifications such as STCW or TWIC are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities help deckhands excel in the dynamic environment aboard ships. These skills and qualifications ensure safe vessel operations, effective collaboration, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by crew members working aboard Key Lakes ships, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Crew members aboard Key Lakes ships often face challenges such as extended periods away from home, adapting to variable weather conditions on the Great Lakes, and working in a close-knit team environment. Applicants can prepare by building strong communication skills, maintaining physical fitness, and gaining familiarity with maritime safety protocols. Flexibility and a positive attitude are important, as schedules and duties can change quickly depending on shipping demands and weather.

What is the difference between Key Lakes vs Key Lake?

AspectKey LakesKey Lake
CertificationsTypically requires environmental or geological certificationsSimilar certifications, often overlapping
Work EnvironmentLocated near multiple lakes, outdoor and fieldworkLocated at a specific lake site, fieldwork and site management
Industry UsageUsed in environmental, geological, and resource management contextsPrimarily in mining, resource extraction, and environmental monitoring

Key Lakes and Key Lake are terms used in environmental and resource industries. Key Lakes refers to multiple lakes involved in projects, while Key Lake typically denotes a specific site, often related to mining or resource extraction. The roles often require similar certifications and involve outdoor work, but their usage depends on whether the focus is on a group of lakes or a particular location.

What are Key Lakes?

Key Lakes refers to a shipping company, typically known as Key Lakes Inc., which operates a fleet of bulk carrier vessels on the Great Lakes region of North America. They specialize in transporting bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal, grain, and limestone across various ports in the United States and Canada. Key Lakes is recognized for its commitment to efficient maritime transportation and has been a significant part of the Great Lakes shipping industry. The company is also known for managing and operating freighters for other firms, such as the American Steamship Company.
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Key Lakes jobs near you
Infographic showing various Key Lakes job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,000 per year, or $12.5 per hour.

Mate with Pilotage-Key Lakes/Great Lakes Fleet (MM&P)

Http://www.keyship.com/

Traverse City, MI

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Are you looking for a change in your Maritime Career? Have you ever wanted to sail on the Great Lakes? If so, then this position is for you!

Key Lakes/Great Lakes Fleet is looking for Mates to sail with us on the Great Lakes. If this is the career change you are looking for, then grab your credentials and apply today! We would be glad to welcome you onboard!

Job Purpose/Summary: The mate supervises and coordinates activities of crew aboard ships, boats, barges, or dredges.

Essential and Major Duties:

  • Stands the 812 navigation watch
  • Fills out the trip sheets
  • Fills out the Army Corps of Engineers Vessel Operation Report
  • Inventories and maintains all medical equipment and kits

Other Functions:

  • Develops and maintained good customer relations for the fleet
  • Other functions as assigned by the Captain

Required Qualifications:

  • Must hold the following Merchant Mariner Credentials:
  • First Class Pilot of vessels of unlimited tonnage upon the Great Lakes between Duluth, Gary and Buffalo and Between Port Weller and Cape Vincent (preferred)
  • Mate of selfpropelled vessels not including auxiliary sail
  • Mate of unlimited tonnage upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters/upon Oceans/near coastal waters
  • Radar Observer
  • Must hold a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Must be willing to live 7 days a week in a remote environment with limited access to medical supplies and medical personnel
  • Maintain licenses and qualifications as required by regulation, both current and future
  • Maintain good health in compliance with USCG NVIC 0408 including US Coast Guard vision and hearing requirements
  • Must have written and verbal command of the English language

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Holds the Merchant Mariner Credentials: Bridge Resource Management Training
  • Has at least 02 years of sailing experience

Physical Requirements:

Will be required to pass the Physical Standard as published in USCG NVIC 0408. May be required to stand, sit, crouch or lay prone for long periods of time. Will work as necessary in confined or watertight spaces. May have to navigate tripping hazards, uneven and rolling decks, and climb both stairs and ladders. May be required to push, pull, lift, or hoist equipment up to or in excess of 127157 pounds.

Work Environment:

As expected in the Great Lakes region, an employee will be exposed to seasonal weather including below freezing in the winter to high and humid temperatures in the summer. The employee may also be exposed to loud sounds and be required to wear and use hearing protection as required. Certain cargo ships may contain salt, silica, coal, and other hazardous dusts that may be inhaled and require the use of a respirator.

Equipment:

Will use communication systems and navigation suite equipment. Operates the bosun's chair. Uses fall protector as necessary. May be required to use worktype PFD/life jackets, SCBA/respirators, hard hats and eye protection.

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