Deckhand

Join the Crew at Sea Suite Cruises RVA!

We’re making waves on the James River and want you to be part of the adventure! After an incredible launch of Paddle Club RVA in 2022, the exciting addition of Tiki Club RVA in 2023, and our brand new eco-friendly self-driving option with Retro Boat Rentals RVA in 2024, we’re gearing up for an even bigger and better 2025 season.

Operating out of Rocketts Landing Marina, just outside downtown Richmond, our brand is all about charisma, energy, and great vibes—and we’re looking for crew members who bring the same enthusiasm. If you’re passionate about the water, love an upbeat atmosphere, and want to be part of a fast-growing team, we’d love to have you aboard!

CREW/DECKHAND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Perform opening and closing duties including supply runs, cleanliness checks, unlocking, and prepping the vessel for passengers
• Check in passengers, aid passengers with embarking and disembarking, assist with docking procedures
• Become familiar with basic knots and nautical terminology
• Maintain safety of passengers on board, including giving a safety speech before departing and engaging in monthly safety drills (fire, man overboard, abandon ship, etc.)
• Socialize with passengers and monitor alcohol consumption
• Clean the vessel between cruises to ensure each group has a welcoming atmosphere 
• Become familiar with Fareharbor, and other software used for communication and scheduling
• Become knowledgeable enough about Sea Suite operations to answer various questions and promote our company to people passing by on the dock
• Other duties as assigned 

BACKGROUND

The successful candidate will be an affable, safety conscious crew member. While boating experience isn’t required, general knowledge is helpful. We will be able to teach in any area that lacks previous experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication skills
• Willing to work weekends and holidays
• Able to pass a drug test and be enrolled in a random drug testing program
• Adult/Pediatric CPR and First Aid certified**
• Boater Safety Certificate**

**Not required upon initial employment, but required by the first non-training shift. Employees will be reimbursed for any costs associated with basic certifications after one month of employment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Shifts can last anywhere between 3-12 hours depending on the day
• Candidates should be able to lift the equivalent of a full cooler to be able to assist guests with carrying heavy coolers on and off the boat
• While there is a small canopy to provide shade, this is an outside job that runs rain or shine, and temperatures in the summer can reach upwards of 100 degrees

COMPENSATION 

All starting crew will make $17/hr plus tip. All tips will be split between the captain and the crew. Reimbursements will be provided for any required qualifications after the first month of employment (CPR, Boater Safety Certificate, etc.).

OTHER COMPENSATION

The chance to work with a group of fun and like-minded individuals providing a safe and quality time out on the water, and the ability to take out friends and family on discounted cruises.

Sea Suite Cruises is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against, or harass any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Sea Suite Cruises will take affirmative action to ensure all employment practices are free of discrimination.