Deckhand

BC Ferries; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional ferry service provider is seeking a DECKHAND in Nanaimo. This role involves directing vehicle and foot passenger traffic, communicating with the crew, and maintaining vessel safety. The ideal candidate must have Marine Emergency duties training and a valid Seafarers’ Medical Certificate. This position offers an opportunity to support community service while ensuring safety on the vessel. Applications are welcomed from all qualified individuals, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Marine Emergency duties training – STCW Basic Safety (MED A1 and MED B2) and Proficiency in Survival Craft (MED B1) required.
• Ability to react in a safe and effective manner during emergencies.
• Working knowledge of safe work practices and seamanship.

Responsibilities

• Direct vehicle and foot passenger traffic on the vessel.
• Communicate with ships’ officers and ticketing staff.
• Patrol the vessel for safety hazards and compliance.

Job description

Overview

DECKHAND – Nanaimo

The opportunity: We are seeking a customer-minded individual who plays a critical role in vessel operations and safety. Reporting to the Chief Officer, Deckhands are responsible for:

Responsibilities

• Directing vehicle and foot passenger traffic on the vessel, and to and from shore to the vessel
• Communicating in person and or by radio with ships’ officers and ticketing staff
• Checking propane tanks are shut off, and tagged
• Securing car decks and foot passenger gates prior to departure
• Carrying out under direction general ships’ husbandry, cleaning and maintenance duties of the interi or and exterior of the vessel including but not limited to garbage pickup, cleaning mess rooms, stairwells and interior windows; pushing, pulling and lifting heavy stores; chipping and scrapping surfaces; and painting
• Patrolling the vessel to watch for unusual situations, potential safety hazards and passenger compliance with regulations; standing fog, bridge or anchor watch; steering the vessel under the direction of a deck officer when serving as a quartermaster; and keeping a constant lookout for marine traffic and navigational hazards
• Performing additional duties as assigned which may include standby anchors during docking; participating in fire and boat drills; performing emergency duties; conducting checkoffs for self-contained breathing apparatus and firefighting; doing vehicle counts; assisting with annual refit and life raft exchange; spreading salt; splicing rope; taking inventory; and changing navigation lights

What You Bring To The Team

This position requires Marine Emergency duties training – STCW Basic Safety (MED A1 and MED B2) and Proficiency in Survival Craft (MED B1). You have the ability to react in a safe and effective manner during an emergency and to direct and control vehicles and passengers. You have a working knowledge of safe work practices and seamanship and ability to climb ladders, handle ships’ lines and move heavy objects. Preference may be shown to applicants with a Bridge Watch rating or higher certificate. Applicants must hold a valid Seafarers’ Medical Certificate.

Join us!

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by March 1, 2026. Please ensure to upload any relevant certificates you currently hold during the application process.

"We connect communities and customers to people and places important in their lives"

At BC Ferries, our employees are our most important assets in delivering our commitment to customer safety, service and satisfaction. We support employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.