Deckhand Jobs in the U.S. Maritime Industry
66 open deckhand positions, updated October 15, 2026
Open Deckhand Positions
Deckhand
Marshland Equipment Rentals
Experienced Dredge Tugboat Deckhand
Curtin Maritime, Corp.
Deckhand
Tradewinds Bar and Grill
Deckhand / Bartender / Tour Narrator
Tradewinds Bar and Grill
Deckhand
Boston Harbor City Cruises
Deckhand
Businelle Towing
Deckhand
International Ship Repair & Marine Services Inc
Deckhand on Passenger Boat; log seatime
Treasure Coast Sailing Adventures
Intermediate & Experienced Inland Deckhand
Kirby Inland Marine Lp
Commercial Fishing Deckhand
Master Piece
Gillnet Deckhand
Master Piece
Entry Level Inland Deckhand
Kirby Inland Marine Lp
Deckhand, XF-5788-06 (06083)
US Army Corps of Engineers
AB Deckhand
Centerline Logistics Corporation
Marine Maintenance Deckhand
State of North Carolina - Department of Transportation
Marine Maintenance Deckhand
State Of North Carolina
Crewboat Deckhand 1 (Port Fourchon)
Weeks Marine, Inc.
Deckhand Leader.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Liftboat Deckhand
All Coast LLC
Deckhand
Callan Marine LTD
Deckhand
Moran Towing Corporation
Deckhand – Cycling Specialist
Bespoke Crew
Deckhand/Mate
Sweet Liberty
Deckhand 1 (Venice)
Weeks Marine, Inc.
Young Brothers Inter Island Casual Deckhand
YOUNG BROTHERS
About Deckhand Jobs
Deckhand is the way most people get onto a boat without a license. On inland towboats the job is building and breaking tow: running wires and ratchets, making barges up, handling lines at locks and fleets, standing watch, and keeping the boat painted and clean between all of it. On offshore supply vessels it leans toward cargo work, rigging, crane signaling and mooring. On harbor tugs it is line handling under time pressure, often at odd hours.
The credential bar is low on purpose. A TWIC, a Merchant Mariner Credential with an entry-level rating, a physical and a clean drug screen will get you hired by most inland companies. Several of the big towing outfits run their own deckhand training academies and pay you through them.
Pay is almost always a day rate, paid only for days worked, so the rotation drives the annual number as much as the rate does. Most inland companies run 28 on and 14 off; some run 20/10. Offshore is commonly 28/28.
The volume is on the Gulf Coast and the Western Rivers. Louisiana, the Houston Ship Channel, Paducah and the Ohio and Mississippi systems carry most of the openings, with steady demand on harbor tugs in every major port.
Time on deck is the currency. Log it, and it converts into an AB endorsement, a Tankerman ticket, or a seat in the wheelhouse as a Steersman.
Where Deckhands Are Hiring
Companies Hiring Deckhands
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a license to work as a deckhand?
- No. Deckhand is an unlicensed position. You need a TWIC and a Merchant Mariner Credential with an entry-level rating, plus a DOT physical and drug test. Some companies will walk you through the paperwork.
- What is a typical deckhand rotation?
- Inland towing usually runs 28 days on and 14 off, or 20/10. Offshore boats often run 28/28. Harbor and ferry work is more often day work with regular shifts.
- What comes after deckhand?
- Sea time as a deckhand counts toward an Able Seaman endorsement, and on towing vessels toward Apprentice Mate (Steersman). Many deckhands also add a Tankerman endorsement, which usually pays better.
- Is deckhand work dangerous?
- It carries real risk. Line handling, wire, ratchets and moving barges are where most injuries happen. Companies run safety programs and PPE requirements, and experienced deckhands are careful about where they stand.