Deckhand

Report To

Captain, Relief Captain and Pilot

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Responsible for the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant operation of assigned area by performing the following duties:

The primary function of the Deckhand is to build and break tow. Other key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform vessel maintenance to include cleaning, scraping, painting, changing all oil and filters, and cooking.
• Inspect, correct if possible, and notify the Captain of any conditions that will affect the safety of the tow or tug.
• Assist with the training of newly hired employees.
• Handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking, and docking activities.
• Must be able to work in a rotation watch schedule, involving 6 hours on and 6 hours off, and be able to occasionally work additional hours not to exceed 15 hours in any 24‑hour period or more than 42 hours in a 72‑hour period, except in an emergency or drill.
• Must be able to work on the boat with a work schedule based on a ratio of 2 to 1 (20 days on, 10 days off or 28 days on, 14 days off).
• Must be able to perform all duties while wearing protective equipment to include PVC foul weather gear, life jacket, gloves, and boots.
• Must be able to drive to and from hub cities.
• Must be able to perform all duties necessary to navigate locks.
• Must be able to adhere to and comply with company policies, United States Coast Guard, and environmental regulations.

• Assist in training new personnel.
• Comprehend essential information related to:
• Spill containment and cleanup.
• MSDS sheets and emergency action information.
• Safety meetings.

• Ensure safe, working conditions and orderliness of the vessel.
• Maintain safe, sanitary living and working conditions.
• Follow all company safety rules and environmental regulations.
• Wear safety equipment as required, including gloves, steel toe boots, goggles, rubber boots, slicker suits, respirator, five (5) minute escape pack or negative pressure respirator or supplied airline respirator.
• Assist in safety and rescue operations in emergency situations.
• Assist in emergency firefighting, use firefighting equipment and spill containment equipment.
• Enter and exit hatches/doorways quickly in case of emergencies.
• Physically pull or assist in pulling a 200-300 lb man from the water.

• Tolerate long hours during transfers.
• Communicate with co‑workers, Captains, Pilots, Wheelman, Dispatchers, Port Engineers, Coast Guard Inspectors, and others.
• Remain calm during challenging situations.
• Possess a valid driver's license for operation of any of the company's vehicles.
• Be dependable, conscientious, and show initiative.
• Pay attention to detail.
• Be willing to adhere to orders, rules, and regulations.
• Work as a team player – i.e., work with others and understand customer/supplier wants and needs.
• Be able to handle high‑stress situations and withstand discomfort, unpredictable weather, and potentially hazardous situations.
• Work onboard the vessel for prolonged periods according to work schedule for the vessel, e.g., 28 days on and 14 days off or 20 days on and 10 days off.
• Be willing to work, as operations require, including days.
• Live in close quarters for long periods of time and be able to work away from home for long periods of time.
• Be drug and alcohol free while on company property during the course and scope of company business.
• Be physically fit to perform all essential physical demands of this job safely.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Blessey Marine Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.