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Senior Deckhand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deckhand

Seldovia, AK

$150 - $180/day

Load and unload passengers under direction of the Senior Deckhand or Vessel Captain * Respond as assigned to all vessel emergencies in accordance with safety procedures * Actively engage passengers ...

Deckhand

Seldovia, AK · On-site

$150 - $180/day

Load and unload passengers under direction of the Senior Deckhand or Vessel Captain * Respond as assigned to all vessel emergencies in accordance with safety procedures * Actively engage passengers ...

Load and unload passengers under direction of the Senior Deckhand or Vessel Captain * Respond as assigned to all vessel emergencies in accordance with safety procedures * Actively engage passengers ...

Be Seen First

The Senior Deckhand has overall responsibility for ensuring the safety of passengers and maintaining the boats. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES § Prepare boat before start up (put up flag, put ...

Be Seen First

The Senior Deckhand has overall responsibility for ensuring the safety of passengers and maintaining the boats. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES § Prepare boat before start up (put up flag, put ...

Deckhand

Providence, RI · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Senior Deckhand * Mate * Vessel Captain - Seastreak sends its mutiple Senior Deckhands to Captains school every year to obtain their USCG 100 ton Captains License We are an equal opportunity employer.

Deckhand

Providence, RI · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Senior Deckhand * Mate * Vessel Captain - Seastreak sends its mutiple Senior Deckhands to Captains school every year to obtain their USCG 100 ton Captains License We are an equal opportunity employer.

Deckhand

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50/hr

Work your way up through our training program to become a Senior Deckhand or even a Captain, if interested. Please note Deckhands are considered Department of Transportation employees, and therefore ...

Deckhand

Atlantic Highlands, NJ · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Senior Deckhand * Mate * Vessel Captain We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, race, color ...

Deckhand

Atlantic Highlands, NJ · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Senior Deckhand * Mate * Vessel Captain We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, race, color ...

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Senior Deckhand information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior deckhand jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior deckhand in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Senior Deckhand faces when overseeing less experienced crew members?

As a Senior Deckhand, one of the main challenges is ensuring that junior crew members understand and consistently follow safety protocols, especially during high-pressure operations like docking or maintenance in rough weather. Effective communication and leadership are essential, as you are often responsible for delegating tasks and providing on-the-job training. Balancing your own duties with mentoring responsibilities can be demanding, but it is also a key part of the role that prepares you for further advancement within the maritime industry.

What are Senior Deckhands?

Senior Deckhands are experienced crew members on boats or ships who assist with the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the vessel. They are responsible for supervising junior deckhands, handling mooring lines, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the deck, and sometimes assisting with navigation. Senior Deckhands often serve as a bridge between junior crew and officers, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and safely. This role requires strong seamanship skills, leadership abilities, and a good knowledge of maritime safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Deckhand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Deckhand, you need strong seamanship skills, knowledge of vessel operations, and experience with maintenance tasks, typically gained through maritime training and relevant certifications such as STCW. Familiarity with navigation equipment, safety systems, and deck machinery is essential for daily operations. Leadership, teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills for supervising junior crew and ensuring smooth onboard collaboration. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining vessel safety, operational efficiency, and a cohesive crew environment.

What is the difference between Senior Deckhand vs Deckhand?

AspectSenior DeckhandDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, First Aid, Marine RadioSTCW Basic Safety, First Aid
ExperienceSeveral years, leadership rolesEntry to mid-level, limited leadership
Work EnvironmentCommercial vessels, yachts, shipsSimilar marine settings
ResponsibilitiesSupervising crew, maintenance, safety checksAssisting with deck operations, cleaning, maintenance

The main difference between a Senior Deckhand and a Deckhand lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Deckhands typically have more years of experience, hold additional certifications, and take on supervisory roles, whereas Deckhands focus on assisting with daily deck tasks. Both roles work in similar marine environments and are essential for vessel operations.

More about Senior Deckhand jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Deckhand jobs? Cities with the most Senior Deckhand job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Deckhand jobs? The most popular types of Deckhand jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Deckhand jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Deckhand jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Deckhand job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Marine Operations - Senior Deckhand

Marine Operations - Senior Deckhand

Hornblower

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$29 - $33/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines


Job description

Position Summary:
Do you share Hornblower's passion for providing amazing experiences? If you're an enthusiastic team player who thrives in an environment where communication, creativity, and cooperation are encouraged, this may just be the opportunity for you.
The Senior Deckhand serves as a crew member with greater experience, knowledge, and responsibility than required to serve in the established Deckhand position as outlined in United States Coast Guard Navigation and Inspection Circular (NVIC) 1-91. The Senior Deckhand is responsible for supervising the work of other deckhands during normal operations and will act as a team leader in response to emergency situations. The Senior Deckhand sets the example regarding company policies, procedures, and standards.
The right person will be adaptable, dynamic, and embody Hornblower's RESPECT SERVICE SYSTEM.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assign deck crew tasks and provide direction
  • Stand bridge watch and assist in the safe navigating and maneuvering of the vessel
  • Take command if captain becomes incapacitated
  • Provide exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers as prescribed in Our Respect Service System (RSS)
  • Maintain the cleanliness and safety of the vessel
  • Load or unload materials from vessels
  • Handle lines to moor vessels to pier when necessary
  • Stand watch in order to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses
  • Provide assistance to Engineer to operate and maintain ship equipment such as engines and generators, and winches
  • Escalate any mechanical or maintenance issues to the Director of Marine

Additional Responsibilities:
  • Be prepared to begin work at scheduled time
  • Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards
  • Additional job duties as assigned

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • HS Diploma
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card), and/or ability to obtain and maintain
  • Valid First Aid/CPR Certification, and/or ability to obtain and maintain
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Copy of DD214 if Veteran status
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to effectively interact with the passengers, Riders, and fellow employees.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, quickly changing environment.
  • Minimum three (3) months experience as a Deckhand.
  • Submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests as mandated by the USCG including but not limited to pre- employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident/incident testing.
  • Will be required to be available for work weekends and on all major holidays.

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