Experienced Deckhand - Unlicensed and Licensed 2024

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

General Description:

USCG AB License or equivalent deckhand experience on board trawler fishing vessels required.

Deckhands perform deck operations which include: set and haul back fishing nets, release fish into the hold; clean, maintain and organize fishing gear; maintain and repair nets and equipment; operate deck gear, hoists and cranes; maintain and operate skiff and life rafts; follow directions in the case of an emergency and work under the direction of the captain and mate. Deckhands participate in vessel offload and backload which may last longer the regular 16.5 hours per day work schedule. Deckhands may work in many areas of the vessel including the factory, freezer hold, or on adjoining docks or vessels during offload or backload. Deckhands also perform the work of a fish processor (see fish processor job description).

Essential Duties:

Deckhands must be able to:

• Safely and competently work in extreme weather and sea conditions as needed.
• Prepare trawl nets and gear for use.
• Guide nets, cod-ends and lines onto a net drum during haul backs.
• Release fish into holding tanks.
• Clean and repair nets and fishing gear.
• Operate and maintain hoists, cranes and other equipment used to load/unload product and supplies.
• Tie and untie the vessel to other vessels or the dock.
• Operate and maintain safety equipment such as the skiff and life rafts.
• Safely transfer crew on/off the vessel.
• Keep trawl decks and other open decks organized and clear of debris.
• Must be able to communicate and understand visual or verbal directions over loud background noise.
• Use and operate commercial fishing equipment such as trawl gear, net reels, hoists, cranes, hooks, slings, winches, hydraulic equipment, knives, shovels, net mending equipment, common hand and power tools, and two-way radios.

Work Schedule:

• Typical work hours are 16.5 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Work hours may be extended during offload or backload which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
• While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
• Employees will be exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets and aluminum pans. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.