Marine Deckhand - Seasonal Job at The Boat Company in Juneau

Southeast Alaska is a wild, rich, and dynamic region of Alaska. Standing on a beach in Frederick Sound, it is possible to see rainforest behind you, high mountain peaks with glaciers in front of you, and Humpback Whales feeding in the rich water surrounding you. No wonder this area is a destination for many tourists each summer. However, many visitors never get a chance to have an intimate experience here as most of their time is spent aboard large cruise ships or in port.

The Boat Company’s (TBC) aim is to provide a more intimate experience in this incredible place. The hope is that this intimate experience combined with a knowledgeable crew will foster a sense of stewardship in our passengers. This is extremely important because Southeast Alaska is home to the 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest. This is the largest National Forest in the United States and, as such, each of us has a say in managing this forest. TBC believes that to know Southeast Alaska is to love Southeast Alaska and by educating our passengers about this area and the issues that face it, they will be more likely to take an active role in deciding what the future holds for this national treasure.

** This is a seasonal position that generally runs from March to September. However, if interested and if necessary, may result in a backfill or "fill-in" for the current operating season.

Deckhands are licensed skiff captains and are responsible for taking guests out in small boats for shore excursions, whale watching, and fishing expeditions.  Deckhands also serve as ordinary seamen (or, if certified, as able seamen) and are required to carry out all normal deck department duties aboard ship such as line handling, anchoring, and washing-down.  The First Mate directs and supervises Deckhands. 

In the case when a vessel does not sail with a Second Mate position, one of the deckhands will be designated Safety Officer and perform the duties of Safety Officer.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

Shore excursion and fishing guide (60%): 

• Guide guests on a wide variety of excursions, including sport fishing, hiking, and beachcombing.
• After sport fishing activities, assist in cleaning, filleting, packing, and storing catch.
• Record accurate and detailed data during and after each guided sport-fishing excursion in Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) sport fish logbooks and TBC catch record books.
• Assist Naturalist with interpretive program (i.e., presentations and informal discussions) according to knowledge and ability.

Deck department duties (30%): 

• Assist with normal maintenance and improvement projects such as painting/varnishing, splicing lines, and wash-down chores under the supervision of the First Mate.
• Haul and set anchor and fake chain.
• Participate in skiff and kayak launching and retrieval. When vessel comes alongside the dock or when skiffs approach or depart the boarding areas, pass lines and assist guests according to need or at direction of First Mate. 
• Assist with luggage handling, trash removal, loading provisions and other turn-around chores in port.
• Participate in safety drills.

Helmsman or lookout duties (10%): 

• Steer vessel or stand as lookout during periods of reduced visibility or at any other time deemed necessary and prudent by the Captain in accordance with normal bridge management procedures.
• Will act as a member of a watch team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education or technical training of a specialized nature is required.
• Minimum U.S. Coast Guard issue OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) license upon inland waters is required.
• Minimum of 1 – 3 years in the maritime industry with progressively responsible experience is required.
• Communication skills must include the ability to understand and carry out directions, and relay information and instructions to other members of the crew or passengers.
• Must be able to read and write text designed to communicate technical information.
• Must be able to lift/carry upwards of 75 pounds with assistance or 50 pounds without assistance.
• Must have vision that allows for safe operation of the vessel in situations that are likely to occur when navigating night and day, rear round.
• Must have color vision that enables identification of navigation lights, signals, and symbols, as well as warning lights or symbols.
• Depth perception must be adequate for navigation in close quarters, including lock or bridge approaches.
• Interpersonal skills must include the ability to regularly deal with people of different ages and differing physical abilities both aboard ship and during shore excursions.
• Patience and thoughtfulness while addressing the particular needs of guests are essential.
• Must be capable of demonstrating proficiency in the safe and effective use of pepper-spray, which is required equipment on all shore excursions where there may be risk of encounters with aggressive bears.
• Fishing experience is a plus

GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Deckhand/Guides sign-on to a vessel for a tour of duty that encompasses the entire four to five month operating season, and must be physically capable of maintaining rigorous work schedules consisting of twelve to fourteen-hour days over much of this time.  Most of TBC’s cruises of seven-day duration, and at the end of each cruise there is a short twenty-four hour turn-around period in port during which time Deckhands assists with various shipboard duties such as luggage handling, refueling, and loading stores.  For the purpose of maintaining safety and security on board, the Captain may direct Deckhands to stand security watch during turn-around periods in port. 

Physical demands generally include frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, pulling/pushing, grasping, and the passing or receiving of numerous different sized objects weighing up to 75 pounds while loading ships’ stores.  When heavy or awkward items are being moved, personnel should use lifting devices such as cranes or chain falls, or seek assistance from other personnel.  When an object is too heavy or too awkward for one person to move safely, it is the responsibility of the individual to obtain assistance as necessary. 

• Must be capable of boarding and exiting a vessel without physical assistance by climbing up or down dock ladder or vessel boarding steps.
• Must be capable of climbing into or out of a skiff from dock or boarding area without assistance in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to climb or descend one or more sets of steep stairs or vertical ladders both inside and outside the vessel in all weather conditions.
• Must have the ability to climb an eight-foot vertical ladder and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
• Must have hearing, vision, and vocal abilities that allows performance of duties safely when aboard vessel, aboard skiffs, and on shore. Must be capable of hearing alarms and signals from the vessel.  In addition, must be able to communicate with vessel or other crewmembers by radio. 
• Must be capable of performing the duties listed in the vessel Station Bill (copy provided upon request).
• Must be able to don a life vest or jacket and/or survival suit without assistance, and, having done so, must further be able to walk without assistance to any assigned life vessel station or life craft for boarding.
• Must be capable of working and living on board a vessel for the tour of duties duration and without having access to hospital services, prescription medications, or medical treatment except for first aid assistance and/or treatment at local area clinics, if available.
• Must be willing and capable of assisting other crewmembers such as the Engineer, Head Chef, and stewards in the performance of their work duties at any time during tour of duty duration.
• May be required to use hand tools, power tools, painting equipment, and personal protective gear. Power tools may be heavy or awkward and may generate dust or loud noise.