Deckhand (Car Ferry)

Sealink Travel Group; Auckland; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday leave

Health Insurance

Health and Wellbeing programme

Work-life balance

Job summary

SeaLink is seeking qualified Deckhands to join our team on either a permanent or fixed-term basis. Rosters are 3 days on/3 days off with 13–15 hour shifts. Fixed-term positions run from early October through end of February 2027.

Responsibilities include passenger and vehicle safety, customer service, and assisting Master. Successful applicants must have essential maritime qualifications and a background in hospitality or service.

Qualifications

• Essential qualifications: QDC (or equivalent), First Aid certificate, Radio Operators Certificate of Competency, Seafarers Medical.
• Minimum 2 years’ relevant experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and customer service mindset.
• Ability to work well in a team and under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of passengers and vehicles on and off the vessels.
• Provide a welcoming, safe, and efficient service to customers.
• Assist Vessel Master and/or senior crew as required.
• Make safety announcements and voyage details.
• Conduct vessel rounds and report to Master/Senior Crew.
• Perform visual and radio watch as instructed.
• Assist with securing the vessel and drills on life jackets.
• Operate and maintain the vessel café to a high standard.
• Keep deck, cabin, and facilities clean and tidy.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Customer service experience

Team player

Ability to work 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

To be successful in the role you will have the following skills, knowledge, and qualifications:

• 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.