Deckhand

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harbor Docking and Towing is seeking a harbor tug deckhand to assist the tug Master and crew in safe, orderly operations. The role requires Merchant Mariner Credential, Medical Credential, and TWIC, with a focus on safety, environmental health, and security standards.

Responsibilities include maneuvering the towing vessel under supervision, maintaining crew discipline, participating in drills, and relaying vessel or crew deficiencies to the master.

Qualifications

• OS/Wiper credential required; National Able Bodied Seaman-Limited or higher preferred.
• TWIC card required and driver’s license.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Maneuver towing vessel safely under supervision.
• Maintain order and discipline among crew.
• Participate in drills, training, and safety evolutions.
• Report deficiencies to the master.
• Assist in vessel orientation for new crew.
• Maintain professional conduct with customers and company personnel.
• Other duties as assigned by the master or company officials.

Skills

Oral & written comms

VHF radios

Radar operation

AIS receivers

Vessel handling

Watchstanding

Safety awareness

Team communication

Education

High School Diploma

OS/Wiper credential

Tools

-

Job description

Role Objectives

The role of harbor tug Deckhand is to assist the tug Master and crew in the timely, efficient, and orderly operation of the company’s tug. All Deckhands must hold the appropriate and unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential, Medical Credential, and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card. The Deckhand must be familiar with and dedicated to the safety, environmental health, security, and maintenance standards of the crew, vessel, and company.

Key Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of a qualified operator, maneuvering the towing vessel in a safe, disciplined, prudent, and orderly manner,
• Maintaining unity, good order, and discipline among the crew,
• Familiarizing him/her self with the responsibilities, authority, and duties of the permanent deckhand and Mate (Pilot),
• Rapidly acquiring expertise in company policies and procedures,
• Ensuring that company policies and procedures are followed,
• Actively participating in drills, training, company meetings and on board safety evolutions, and enhancing the safety and security posture of the vessel,
• Assisting in vessel orientation for new crewmembers,
• Reporting deficiencies in the vessel or crew to the master,
• Maintaining a professional attitude during operations and whenever dealing with customers, partners or company personnel,
• Other appropriate tasks and duties as may be assigned from time to time by company officials or the master.

Skill Requirements

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing,
• Effectiveness in operating equipment associated with navigation and communications, such as VHF radios, radar units, AIS receivers, and personal computers,
• Safe, proper and effective operation of all tools and equipment,
• Appropriate vessel handling, navigation, watchstanding, and seamanship experience,
• Strong problem-solving ability,
• Good spatial orientation and assertiveness,
• Effective social adaptability, interpersonal skills, and resilience.

Knowledge Requirements

• The minimum credential of OS/Wiper. Prefer National Able Bodied Seaman-Limited or higher and experience on towing on Inland or Near Coastal routes.

Education

• High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)

Additional Qualifications

• TWIC card and driver’s license required, plus reliable transportation in the states of Louisiana and Texas,
• Must reside in the vicinity of either Lake Charles, LA or Point Comfort, TX, or be willing and able to relocate as necessary at own expense.

Physical Requirements

• The worker will exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
• Requires hearing, talking, grasping quickly, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, crawling and swimming.
• The worker is required to have the ability to see details at a distance and depth perception to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away or to judge the distance between him/her and an object. Must have normal color vision.
• The worker is subject to environmental conditions with no protection from the weather.
• The worker is subject to noise, vibration, hazards, and is frequently in close quarters and small enclosed area and is required to function in small vessels.