Deckhand - Crane Operator

As the Crane Operator Deckhand, you will be a vital member of one of our Alaskan tender vessels responsible for operating cranes and winches to load and unload fishing boats, assist in vessel maintenance and repairs alongside the Engineer, maintain a safe and clean working environment, and contribute to the overall efficiency of tendering operations. This position demands a high level of physical fitness, the ability to work in challenging weather conditions, and a strong commitment to safety at sea. The goal is to provide fast accurate offloads from the fishermen. You will need to be proficient at tying up fishing boats and the tender when taking fish and unloading at the processing facility. Additionally, you will be required to assist in cleaning the fish holds after delivering fish to maintain a sanitary environment for the product.

Essential Functions/Qualifications  

The responsibilities of the position include the following:  

• Deck duties tying up the vessel, dropping the anchor, offloading fishing boats.  
• Routine maintenance of deck equipment and keeping the deck clean and orderly.  
• Stand watch with the person on watch to become knowledgeable of all ship systems.  
• Participate in Safety drills and know your role in a shipboard emergency.  
• Follow directions from the vessel captain or the deck boss.  
• Ensure the safe and efficient loading and unloading of vessels.  
• Inspect and maintain cranes and other lifting equipment according to safety regulations.  
• Assist with general vessel maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, painting, and minor repairs.
• Assist in the preparation of the vessel for departure and arrival.
• Assist with various deckhand duties, such as handling lines, mooring operations, and cargo handling.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and the ability to perform minor repairs on equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, climbing, and working in various weather conditions.
• Strong understanding and adherence to all safety regulations and procedures related to crane operation and maritime work.
• Participate in drills, required safety training, and any other company required courses. 
• Other duties as assigned to ensure the vessel and organization is fully supported and successful.      
  
  

Competencies  

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following functional and interpersonal competencies:     

Functional  

• Nautical Skills: Basic knowledge of nautical terms, navigation, and seamanship. 
• Physical Fitness: Lift and carry weight in excess of 50 pounds repeatedly. Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time. Work long hours in all kinds of weather.  
• Safety Awareness: Strong understanding of safety regulations and procedures, including vessel emergency response. 
• Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with various marine equipment, including winches, cranes, and anchors. 
• Maintenance Skills: Basic mechanical skills to assist with maintenance and repairs of vessel equipment. 
• Environmental Awareness: Understanding of environmental regulations and practices to protect marine ecosystems. 
  
  

Interpersonal  

• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, often in close quarters and under demanding conditions 
• Communication: Clear and effective communication skills. Understand and follow instructions, directions, safety rules and procedures in English.  
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt and comfortably operate in an environment with varying shifts and hours.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve problems that may arise in the workplace. 
• Stress Management: Ability to work under pressure and maintain a positive attitude. 
  
  

Education and Experience  

• 1 year deckhand experience on a vessel required. 
• Good work ethic and positive attitude. 
• Ability to live on a vessel for possibly 100 days.  
• CPR/First Aid Certification a plus.
  
  

Work Environment and Schedule  

This role as the Deckhands is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. They are frequently exposed to a full spectrum of outside weather conditions from wet/humid conditions with extreme cold to dry sunny conditions with exposure to direct sunlight. The Deckhand is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be loud at times.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision and depth perception. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision and depth perception.  Position requires presence on a fishing vessel in Alaska for the season, spending a significant amount of time on board the vessel in shared courters at sea.  

Physical Demands  

This position is physically demanding, often requiring long hours and exposure to harsh weather conditions. The job involves heavy lifting, as well as strenuous activities like pulling lines and maneuvering equipment. Deckhands may work in wet, slippery conditions, and they must be able to stand for extended periods and climb ladders and other structures. Additionally, the work can be physically exhausting, requiring stamina and endurance. Employees are regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. Employees are frequently required to climb or balance. Occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.  

Mental Activities  

Excellent in working as a team with good work ethics, good decision-making skills and is occasionally required to use interpersonal skills, mentoring, problem analysis, training, and supervision skills. Able to multitask in a very stressful and fast-paced work environment. Pay attention to details and have a high level of accuracy, be flexible and stress resistant. The employee will occasionally be required to exercise independent judgment and use discretion. Presentation and sharing of information should be handled in a direct, appropriate, and helpful manner. Maintains a reputation for honesty, confidentiality, reliability, and fairness. Is willing to admit mistakes and does not misrepresent him/herself for personal gain. Performs work with energy and drive; values planning, but will take quick, decisive action when an opportunity presents itself. 

Silver Bay Vessel Management Co. Perks  

Benefits and Perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Silver Bay and the state where you work.  

• Health Insurance: Seasonal Employees and their families are eligible for health benefits that include medical, dental and vision benefits once the employee meets the required 1560 hours worked to become benefit eligible. Employees are also eligible to receive basic life insurance.  
• Employee Assistance Program:  Available for employees and their families.     
  
  

Silver Bay Seafoods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. 

If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to humanresources@silverbayseafoods.com.