Deckhand Crew Member

The deckhands must have the ability to swim in case they should fall
overboard while handling a line. They must also have the dexterity to
climb down into the engine room, walk around the sides of the vessel to
tie and untie the vessel, and perform various maintenance operations.
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_ Must see to safe boarding and be attentive to passengers in order to break
a potential fall/slip
_ It is important that they are personable and good at dealing with the
public
_ Must have a certain amount of mathematic ability for fare collection and
_ Maintaining accurate passenger counts
Any deckhand who shows the desire or initiative to pursue a USCG
Master’s License is encouraged to do so. She/ He is also encouraged to
fine-tune other associated skills, as well as people skills, as these skills
are also important to our operation

Deckhand Duties for a Ferry Transportation Boat
AM Shift Duties (Active Onboard Responsibilities)

(Begins before or around the first ferry departure.)

Morning startup:
1. Pre-engine Check:
Check coolant
Check oil levels
Check transmission fluid
Check air vents
Check fuel level

1. Pre-Departure Checks:
○ Inspect vessel for cleanliness and safety.
○ Assist in fueling (if required).
○ Check mooring lines and docking equipment.
○ Ensure life jackets and safety gear are in place.
○ Conduct a pre-trip inspection with the captain and crew.
○ Perform the first bi-hourly engine room check, inspecting:
-Fuel levels, oil pressure, cooling systems, and engine temperature.
-Leaks (oil, fuel, coolant, or water intrusion).
-Any unusual noises, vibrations, or odors.

2. Passenger Assistance & Payment Collection:
○ Greet passengers and collect fares or verify tickets.
○ Answer questions about payment options, ticket prices, and trip schedules.
○ Assist elderly or disabled passengers and families with small children.
○ Direct vehicles (if applicable) for organized loading. ( bikes, strollers, scooters, etc.)

3. Docking and Navigation Support:
○ Secure and release mooring lines for arrivals and departures.
○ Assist the captain in lookout duties, including monitoring for hazards.
○ Communicate with other crew members for smooth operation.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance:
○ Clean and wipe windows for clear visibility.
○ Sweep and mop decks.
○ Wipe down passenger seating areas.
○ Remove any debris or hazards on board.

5. Safety and Emergency Preparedness:
○ Monitor passenger behavior to ensure compliance with safety rules.
○ Be ready to assist in emergency situations.

6. Ongoing Bi-Hourly Engine Room Checks:
○ Inspect:
-Fuel levels, oil pressure, cooling systems, and engine temperature.
- Leaks (oil, fuel, coolant, or water intrusion).
- Loose hoses, pipes, or connections.
○ Report any issues to the captain or engineer.

7. Providing Local Information:
○ Answer passenger questions about local attractions, dining, and general area
knowledge.
○ Provide updates on weather conditions or ferry delays.

PM Shift Duties (Active Onboard Responsibilities)

(Focuses on evening operations and securing the ferry for overnight storage or maintenance.)

1. Passenger Assistance, Payment Collection & Questions:
○ Continue assisting passengers with boarding, payment, and ticket verification.
○ Provide assistance with personal belongings and vehicles (if applicable).
○ Answer passenger questions about the last trips of the day, payment options,
and general area knowledge.

2. Docking and Navigational Support:
○ Assist with mooring and unmooring procedures.
○ Maintain lookout duties if needed.

3. Cleaning and End-of-Day Maintenance:
○ Clean windows for the next day’s operations.
○ Deep clean passenger areas (wipe down handrails, sanitize seats, empty trash).
○ Hose down decks and exterior areas if needed.
○ Check for and report any damages or maintenance issues.

4. Shutting Down the Vessel:
○ Secure the vessel at the dock for the night.
○ Check and store safety equipment properly.
○ Lock up designated areas as required.

5. Reporting and Handover:
○ Inform the next shift (or supervisor) about any issues that need attention.
○ Fill out any required logs for incidents, maintenance, or passenger concerns.

6. Final Bi-Hourly Engine Room Check:
○ Conduct final engine room inspection before securing the vessel.
○ Ensure all systems are shut down properly or prepared for the next shift.
○ Look for any new leaks or fluid accumulations.
○ Ensure no loose hoses, pipes, or unusual smells are present.

7. End-of-Shift Recap & Learning:
○ Attend any required end-of-shift recap meetings.
○ Review safety quizzes and complete any required assessments.
○ Go over any lessons learned from drills or daily operations.

Additional Off-Duty Responsibilities (Outside of Active
Transportation Shifts)

(These duties are mandatory but may not occur every shift.)

1. Attending Drills & Safety Training:
○ Participate in scheduled safety drills (e.g., fire, man overboard, abandon ship).
○ Take part in emergency evacuation procedures and rescue simulations.
○ Stay updated on changes to maritime safety regulations and company
policies.

2. Meetings & Team Briefings:
○ Attend pre-shift and post-shift meetings to discuss ferry operations.
○ Participate in company-wide or team meetings for updates and performance
reviews.

3. Quizzes & Knowledge Recaps:
○ Complete required safety quizzes and knowledge assessments after drills.
○ Review company policies, emergency procedures, and passenger service
guidelines.

4. Equipment Maintenance & Vessel Upkeep:
○ Assist in deep cleaning sessions or scheduled maintenance days.
○ Perform painting, rust removal, or minor repairs when assigned.
○ Help replace worn-out safety equipment (e.g., life jackets, fire extinguishers).
5. Continuing Education & Certifications:
○ Take courses for maritime certifications (STCW, first aid, CPR, etc.).
○ Learn new navigation techniques or emergency response skills.

Final Key Takeaways:

✔ Windows cleaned every shift.
✔ Safety drills attended regularly.
✔ Quizzes and recaps completed to stay sharp.
✔ Bi-hourly engine room checks, including leak inspections.
✔ Handling passenger payments & ticket verification.
✔ Answering passenger questions about payment, trips, and local attractions.
✔ Off-duty responsibilities like attending drills, meetings, and continuing education.