Deckhand (Car Ferry)

SeaLink NZ; Auckland; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

Travel benefits via vessels to Waiheke

Birthday leave

Health Insurance

Health and Wellbeing programme

Work-life balance

Company cares about people

Job summary

SeaLink NZ is seeking qualified Deckhands for permanent or fixed-term roles in Auckland. Rosters are 3 days on/off with 13–15 hour shifts, supporting the vessel operations and guest services across the Hauraki Gulf.

Ideal candidates hold QDC or equivalent, First Aid, Radio Operators Cert, and Seafarers Medical, with 2+ years of experience, strong interpersonal skills, and a customer-focused hospitality mindset. Pre-employment checks apply.

Qualifications

• QDC or equivalent required.
• First Aid certificate required.
• Radio Operators Certificate of Competency required.
• Seafarers Medical required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety of passengers and vehicles on all vessels.
• Provide welcoming, safe, and efficient service to customers.
• Assist Vessel Master and senior crew as required.
• Make safety announcements and voyage details.
• Conduct vessel rounds and report to Master/Senior Crew.
• Conduct visual and radio watch as instructed.
• Assist with securing the vessel and donning life jackets.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Customer service

Hospitality experience

Under pressure

Quick learner

Education

QDC or equivalent

First Aid certificate

Radio Operators Certificate of Competency

Seafarers Medical

Job description

Majestic scenery. Extraordinary wildlife. And an escape unlike any other. It's all in a typical day's work for us here at SeaLink - connecting people and businesses to the majestic Hauraki Gulf, so they can explore, transport stuff, commute, and share our love for the islands.

At SeaLink, we believe in connection and teamwork. People come and stay at SeaLink - because of "one boat, one team" we might have all arrived on different ships, but we are all on the same boat together, working towards a common goal.

When you join the SeaLink team, you can ensure your work life blend remains stable through routine, and with the flexibility and opportunity to provide a balanced lifestyle - for you and your own family.

At SeaLink, grow and progress personally and professionally. We offer unique career paths for life and with the right attitude, you can thrive and forge a rewarding career within the Sealink family.

About the role

We are looking for qualified Deckhands to join our team on either a permanent or fixed-term basis. Whether you're looking for a long-term career on the water or a seasonal opportunity over our busy summer period, we'd love to hear from you. Fixed-term positions will run from early October through to the end of February 2027.

Rosters are on a 3 day on 3 day off roster (this includes public holidays). Shifts can vary between 13 - 15 hours in duration depending on the day of the week, weather conditions and peak holiday times.

Key accountabilities include

• Ensuring the safety of all passengers and vehicles on and off the vessels
• Providing a welcoming, safe, and efficient service to all customers
• Assisting the Vessel Master and/or senior crew where required
• Make safety announcements including points of interest and voyage details
• Conducting vessel rounds and reporting back to Vessel Master and/or Senior Crew
• Conducting visual and radio watch as instructed
• Assisting with securing the vessel
• Participating in drills on donning life jackets
• Operate and maintain the vessel café to a high standard, creating a welcoming environment and delivering quality service
• Cleaning and tidying the deck, cabin, and facilities as required

Requirements

• Essential qualifications - QDC (or equivalent), Valid First Aid certificate, Valid Radio Operators Certificate of Competency, Valid Seafarers Medical
• Minimum 2 years' relevant experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A quick learner
• A demonstrated ability to work under pressure
• Work well in a team
• Customer service and hospitality experience
• Full/ restricted drivers' licence (due to shift work public transport cannot be relied upon)

Benefits

• Career progression
• Awesome travel benefits via our vessels to Waiheke and Great Barrier Island
• Birthday leave - A paid day off to celebrate your birthday!
• Health Insurance
• Health and Wellbeing programme
• Work-life balance
• The opportunity to work for a company who cares about their people

SeaLink has a strong commitment to workplace health and safety and the well-being of our people. Successful candidates will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical assessment and criminal record check. All applicants will be required to provide proof of their qualifications and eligibility to work in New Zealand.