Licensed Deckhand

Lindblad Expeditions; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 39,667 - 41,143; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed minimum gratuities

Job summary

Lindblad Expeditions seeks a Licensed Deckhand to operate Zodiacs and ensure guest safety on U.S.-flagged vessels. The role involves both duty on deck and participation in safety drills.

Candidates must have a minimum 25 GRT Master License, TWIC, and good customer service skills. Compensation ranges from $215 to $223 daily, with a focus on teamwork and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 25 GRT Master License, Upon Near Coastal Waters.
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Valid US Passport or US Permanent Resident Card with valid passport.

Responsibilities

• Operate Zodiacs to transport guests between ship and shore.
• Assist with ship maintenance and safety drills.
• Support bridge watch and handling lines during docking.

Skills

Experience driving Zodiacs

Customer service skills

Attention to detail

Time management skills

Education

Minimum 25 GRT Master License, Upon Near Coastal Waters

Valid TWIC

STCW Basic Safety Training

Tools

Zodiacs

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

As a Licensed Deckhand with Lindblad Expeditions, you will help guide guests through some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking places. Your responsibilities include operating Zodiacs to safely transport guests between ship and shore, and providing a front‑row experience of glaciers, wildlife, and coastlines. You will work as part of a close-knit Deck team on our U.S.-flagged vessels, where safety, teamwork, and curiosity are top priorities.

WORK SCHEDULE

The Rotational Deckhands work a rotational schedule: approximately 2 months on, 1 month off, with about 12 hours per day.

LIVING CONDITIONS

Crew quarters are compact and shared—you will bunk with one or two roommates for the duration of your rotation. The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access, so cell service and internet may be unavailable for extended periods. You must bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medication, as refills cannot be obtained while underway.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role is physically demanding, performed in a moving marine environment. You will stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb steep interior stairs repeatedly throughout a 12‑hour shift, including during periods of significant vessel motion. Your duties require you to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds, and work continuously across cabin cleaning, dishwashing, laundry, and food service often without extended breaks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Ship Maintenance

• Sweep decks, wash windows, keep vessels free of rust, and empty trash receptacles.
• Cleans the public restroom and general interior areas including bulkheads and lockers.
• Prime and paint the vessel as assigned.
• Assist Engineering, Hotel, and Expeditions departments as directed by the Chief Mate.
• Use chemicals for cleaning while ensuring proper PPE, such as gloves and safety glasses.
• May be assigned special projects per the Chief Mate’s work list.

Boat Operations

• Handles lines during docking and undocking procedures.
• Assigned anchoring duties as needed.
• Assist the Bridge Watch Officer with lookout and wheel watch.
• Assist with lowering/raising and tying up/casting off inflatable boats and kayaks.
• Assist with loading guests, staff, and crew in and out of inflatable boats.
• Assist in driving inflatable boats as directed by the Chief Mate.

Safety & Security

• Participate in onboard safety training, meetings, and drills (fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, medical emergencies).
• Participate in shore‑side training as required.
• Conduct hourly security patrols, including engine room and lazarette inspections at night.
• Serve as needed on gangway watch.
• Maintain familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System.

Additional Duties

• Load/off‑load guest luggage.
• Haul ship’s trash, laundry, and stores as needed.
• Pull, clean, and replace galley mats, clean the galley deck, and wash used galley rags.
• Assist in training new rotational and/or seasonal deckhands.

TO BE CONSIDERED

• Minimum 25 GRT Master License, Upon Near Coastal Waters
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Valid US Passport or US Permanent Resident Card with valid passport
• STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)

REQUIRED LICENSES/​CERTIFICATIONS PROVIDED BY LINDBLAD

• USCG Medical Certificate
• STCW Crowd Management (CM)
• STCW Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD)
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience driving Zodiacs or similar small vessels using a tiller outboard motor.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest.
• Maritime/boating experience preferred.
• Good customer service skills; professional demeanor, tact, and courtesy.
• Detail oriented and thorough; able to follow through on assigned tasks.
• Able to work independently using initiative and creativity.
• Strong time‑management skills; able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Works well under pressure.
• Ability to get along well with co‑workers and support a team environment.

COMPENSATION

$215 – $223 a day.

Compensation breakdown: $165–$173 base daily rate + $50 guaranteed minimum in gratuities. Any tips earned above the $50 minimum are yours to keep.

EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT ON

• Compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and completion of required drug tests.
• Pre‑offer background check.
• Post‑offer physical examination and fitness for sea duty.
• Consent to and passing of required tests.
• Current vaccination status, including COVID‑19 vaccination and annual boosters, as required by national and country‑specific regulations.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Using the English language, the candidate must read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos. Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate—both in writing and orally—with a professional demeanor.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. We consider individuals without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.