Deckhand

BC Ferries; Sidney; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine transportation company in British Columbia is seeking a Deckhand for vessel operations. The ideal candidate will direct traffic, ensure safety protocols, and perform maintenance duties. Applicants should possess marine emergency training and a valid Seafarers’ Medical Certificate. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to community service in a safety-focused environment. Apply by December 18, 2025.

Qualifications

• Preference for applicants with a Bridge Watch rating or higher.
• Must hold a valid Seafarers’ Medical Certificate.
• Must be customer-oriented and safety-minded.

Responsibilities

• Direct vehicle and foot passenger traffic on the vessel.
• Check propane tanks and secure car decks before departure.
• Perform general cleaning and maintenance duties.
• Patrol the vessel for safety and compliance.
• Participate in emergency duties and drills.

Skills

Marine Emergency duties training

Ability to react safely during emergencies

Working knowledge of safe work practices

Seamanship

Ability to climb ladders

Ability to handle ships’ lines

Ability to move heavy objects

Education

Valid Seafarers’ Medical Certificate

Bridge Watch rating or higher

Job description

Job Description

DECKHAND

Swartz Bay

The opportunity

We are seeking a customer‑minded individual who plays a critical role in vessel operations and safety.

Reporting to the Mate, Deckhands are responsible for:

• 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 general ships’ husbandry, cleaning and maintenance duties of the interior 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 check‑offs 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 December 18, 2025. 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.