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A Deckhand performs a range of tasks on a ship or maritime vessel. You might carry out routine cleaning and maintenance tasks or help with loading and unloading activities. Deckhands might ensure cargo is safely stowed and may help with mooring if needed. You might conduct patrols onboard to ensure operations are running effectively and deal with any safety issues.
Deckhands should be physically fit and able to complete various manual handling duties. You should be flexible and able to adapt your schedule when required. It’s important that you can follow instructions and work as part of a team. Communication is important in this role and it’s also crucial that you can follow correct safety procedures at all times.
There are 5 courses available for people who want to become a Deckhand.
Possible job outcomes:
Work on commercial vessels as a deckhand or in the engine room with a MAR10220 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal). This nationally recognised qualification is completed over 7 days at a modern maritime training facility and students learn how to assist with routine maintenance, carry out lookout duties — plus gain essential survival and fire emergency skills. Graduate ready to apply for your General Purpose Hand Near Coastal certificate with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Enquire now for the list of intake dates and training centres..
Average duration: 7 days.
Get your grade 2 coxswain certificate at an advanced maritime training facility with simulated mission bridge and radio room. The Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal) (MAR10418) is a nationally recognised course that qualifies you to operate and command a vessel up to 12 metres long. During a 14 day intensive you’ll be gaining seamanship, survival and emergency response skills and graduate ready to apply for your Grade 2 Coxswain Near Coastal. Enquire now for the next course dates and entry requirements..
Average duration: 2 weeks.
Get your coxswain’s ticket with the MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal). This nationally recognised qualification is the training component of the AMSA certification for coxswain’s working on near coastal commercial vessels up to 12 metres. The course covers: operating inboard and outboard motors, navigating and handling a vessel up to 12 metres, complying with maritime regulations, responding to emergency situations, vessel abandonment procedures, surviving at sea, and more. Enquire now for entry requirements, AMSA certification competencies, and training providers near you that offer this qualification..
Average duration: 4 weeks.
Get a job in a commercial marina with the MAR30122 Certificate III in Marina Operations. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to carry out routine tasks at a marina including refuelling vessels and maintaining marine infrastructure. The course covers: customer service skills, workplace communication and safety, responding to marina emergencies, VHF marine radio skills, navigating a vessel up to 12 metres, abandoning a vessel and surviving at sea. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, marina work competencies, and upcoming course openings in your area..
Average duration: 12 months.
Get a job on a fishing boat with the SFI20219 Certificate II in Fishing Operations. This nationally recognised training course qualifies you for work in the Australian seafood industry, and delivers hands-on skills for living and working on board a commercial fishing vessel. The course covers: communication and shipboard safety, survival at sea, preparing and deploying fishing equipment to land a catch, maintaining the temperature of seafood, repairing nets and fishing equipment. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, graduation outcomes, and upcoming enrolment opportunities..
In Australia, a full time Deckhand generally earns $865 per week ($44,980 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has seen a drop in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 2,700 people employed as a Deckhand in Australia, compared to 3,100 five years ago. Deckhands may find work across regions of Australia where maritime activities are common.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re interested in a career as a Deckhand, consider enrolling in a Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal). This course covers a range of topics including seamanship, survival and emergency response skills. A Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) or a Certificate II in Fishing Operations may also be appropriate.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within maritime. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Maritime
Assistant Shipwright
$960 weekly pay
Coxswain
$865 weekly pay
Deckhand
General Purpose Hand
Second Engineer
Boat Builder
$1,200 weekly pay
Chief Cook
$1,050 weekly pay
Chief Engineer
$1,350 weekly pay
Engineer Watchkeeper
Marine Engineer
$1,600 weekly pay
Marine Mechanic
$1,250 weekly pay
Marine Surveyor
$1,440 weekly pay
Sea Captain
Ship Mate
Shipwright
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
Master Mariner
Naval Architect
$1,730 weekly pay
Ship Master
Learn more about Deckhand courses in your area.