Deck Hand I

The Deckhand directs vehicles safely on and off the ferry. Performs deck evaluations, operates vehicle safety barricades and vehicle loading ramps. Directs, spaces, and parks vehicles on the ferry deck. Maintains security on deck, observing passengers for compliance with all USCG, Federal, State and local regulations, reports any violations to the ferry pilot. Responsible for accurately counting vehicles and passengers, reporting count to ferry pilot.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as lookout for the pilot and vessel when ferry is underway. Stands lookout during periods of restricted visibility and assists the pilot in maneuvering the vessel in high density traffic areas under all weather and sea conditions in accordance with the Inland Rules of the Road and rules of good seamanship.
• Serves as secondary enforcement authority for Federal, State and local regulations governing operation of the ferry and safe welfare of the vessel. Reports all observations, actions and matters affecting the stability, operational capacity, safety and welfare of the vessel, crew and passengers to the ferry pilot.
• Checks all vehicles for hazardous cargo, safe and unsafe loads, height, max weight etc. to ensure ferry is compliant with regulations; flags vehicle traffic and assists in the removal of stalled vehicles as needed.
• Assists ferry pilot in the daily inspection of the operational condition of all emergency, fire fighting, life saving and operating equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance work, including washing down of vessel, mopping, scrubbing, disinfecting, exterior and interior cleaning, washing of bulkheads and overheads, gangway hardware inspection, lubricates machinery, primes and paints, and splices and repairs ropes and cables as needed.
• Makes regular rounds of the engine room and deck to ensure good, safe, and operational order.
• Participates in periodic all-hands drills and emergency exercises.

Other Duties:
This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or G.E.D. from an accredited education institution.
• One year of deckhand or marine experience.
• Valid Texas driver's license and Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Participation in a random drug and alcohol testing program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to follow/enforce maritime laws, rules and regulations, seamanship.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a TWIC card.
• Certified in CPR, First Aid and AED.
• Ability to communicate and work well with staff and the general public.
• Knowledge of ferry maneuvers.
• Ability to respond to emergency/high-stress events such as a fire.
• Ability to understand and operate machinery and rigging.
• Knowledge of engines and similar mechanical equipment.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to pass a U.S. Coast Guard physical.
• Physical ability to perform job duties including: walking, bending, climbing stairs, swimming (in emergency situations), pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods of time.
• Must regularly lift and/or move at least 50 pounds.
• Marine operations are subject to varied wake and motion.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications. 

Position Type and Typical Hours Work:

• This is a full-time position. 
• On-call after hours, various rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays. 
• Emergency situations may require additional hours.

Work Environment:
Work environment is mostly outdoors and involves working in inclement weather, extreme heat, extreme cold, and confined spaces.

Reporting Relations:
Reports To Position:  Ferry Pilot