How to become a Deckhand

Deckhands undertake a wide range of fishery and maritime work on land and at sea, including communications, supply, seamanship, hospitality and stores. They may also use equipment such as nets, lines and traps to catch fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

Personal requirements for a Deckhand

Physically fit (a medical examination may be required)
Normal colour vision (to become a skipper, although restricted licences may be available)
An awareness of maritime safety issues
Good hand-eye coordination
A good sense of balance
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Able to work as part of a team

Education & Training for a Deckhand

You can work as a deckhand without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become a deckhand through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Duties & Tasks of a Deckhand

Deckhands:

Relay information to crew, other ships and harbour authorities using radio and satellite equipment
Provide hospitality services such as table preparation, bar service and cabin care for patrons
Attach runners, weights, buoys, anchors, poles, stakes, wood or metal beams to nets, traps or pots
Sort, clean, process, preserve and package catches
Load, unload and stow supplies and equipment
Operate dinghies and dories
Operate winches and other deck equipment.

Tasks

Handles ropes and wires, and operates mooring equipment when berthing and unberthing.
Performs routine maintenance and checks on deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging, and lifesaving and fire fighting appliances.
Stands lookout watches at sea and adjusts the ship's course as directed.
Assists with cargo operations using on-board equipment and stows and secures cargo.
Patrols ships to ensure safety of the vessel, cargo and passengers.

Working conditions for a Deckhand

A deckhand's duties may vary depending on the function of the vessel. A fishing vessel may require the use of pots, lines and scuba equipment, whereas a recreational or transportation vessel may require hospitality services such as table preparation, bar service and cabin care for patrons. Deckhands work in all types of weather conditions and spend long hours at sea. Conditions can be cramped and deckhands may be required to work odd hours. Shifts may include four hours of work followed by four hours of sleep.

Employment Opportunities for a Deckhand

Employment may be available in fisheries cooperatives; state, territory or federal fisheries agencies; fishing gear manufacturers; research vessels; equipment suppliers; and fish processing firms. Many smaller fishing vessels are family owned and operated, and recruitment on such vessels is often from within the family. Demand for people to work on fishing vessels is seasonal. While the fishing sector provides the most job opportunities for deckhands, employment is also available on recreational, transport and other commercial vessels.

Specializations

Skipper

A skipper oversees the maintenance, preparation and operation of vessels, including the hiring of crew and logistics preparation for voyages.

Deckhand

Average age
39 years
Future Growth
Stable
Gender Share
12% female
Average full-time
58 hours
Weekly Pay
Unavailable
Skill level rating
Lower skill
Unemployment
Higher Unemployment
Full-Time Share
78% Full-Time
Employment Size
2,700 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 0.3%
NSW: 27.4%
NT: 1.9%
QLD: 27.6%
SA: 5.8%
TAS: 6.7%
VIC: 9.7%
WA: 20.3%
Age brackets
15-19: 5.1%
20-24: 11.3%
25-34: 24.8%
35-44: 20.7%
45-54: 22.4%
55-59: 8.6%
60-64: 4.4%
65 and Over: 2.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.2%
Bachelor degree: 8.5%
Certificate III/IV: 35.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.6%
Year 10 and below: 18.5%
Year 11: 5.5%
Year 12: 18.7%