Tug Deckhand

ORION; Port Lavaca (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

ORION is seeking a Deckhand to support safe and efficient vessel operations. You will perform general deck duties, handle lines for mooring and towing, and assist with crane lifting tasks while maintaining cleanliness and safety standards.

The role requires reliable communication with crew, adherence to safety procedures, and the ability to work 12-hour shifts on a two weeks on, one week off schedule. Prior marine experience is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Marine vessel experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with crew.
• Able to understand and follow supervisor directions.
• Able to complete any required safety training.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts (2 weeks on, 1 week off).

Responsibilities

• Performs general deck duties for safe, efficient vessel operation.
• Handles lines to moor vessels and rig towing lines.
• Rigs cables for lifting with cranes or barges.
• Checks engine fluids and alarms before start; monitors for leaks.
• Loads/unloads materials from vessels and docks.
• Maintains and cleans equipment, deck, and bilges.
• Keeps vessel appearance neat and compliant with safety rules.
• Serves as Lookout/Watch when underway and checks lights.
• Participates in safety and environmental initiatives.

Skills

Effective communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Follow directions

Job description

This position is accountable for performing general deck duties as assigned by the Master/Captain, Mate, Wheelman or Port Captain. Incumbents are responsible for performing daily checks on engines, housekeeping, and appearance of the vessel, securing deck lines, assist the crew as needed and a variety of other related duties.

The incumbent must support the guiding beliefs and core values of Orion, which are centered on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Teamwork most importantly, with each built upon the all-important foundation of Integrity.

Specific Responsibilities

• Performs general deck duties that are required for safe, efficient operation of the vessel.
• Handles lines to moor vessels or rig towing lines.
• Rigs cables for lifting with cranes or anchor barges.
• Checks engine fluid levels, belts and alarm system before the equipment is started. After equipment is started and during rounds check for visible leaks and abnormalities.
• Loads and unloads materials from vessels/barges and docks/trucks.
• Performs maintenance on equipment including de-rusting, painting, and cleaning.
• Cleans equipment, vessels, and compartments.
• Cleans engine room, including engines, bulkheads, overhead, piping, deck, deck plates, tanks, and bilges.
• Maintains bilges oil/fuel free.
• Maintains overall appearance of the vessel ensuring that proper storage and housekeeping are observed.
• Cleans vessel on a regular interval and maintains equipment exposed to outside elements that cause deterioration.
• Keeps deck clear of obstructions of any type that may cause slips, falls or that otherwise may be a safety hazard. Serves in the capacity of Lookout or Watch when underway to other locations.
• Checks running light of tug and tow and correct discrepancies on the lights.
• Conducts rounds (as needed, a minimum of hourly) on the vessel (including Galley, Berthing, Engine room) and tow, checking for general fire, taking on water (sinking), proper tow attitude, proper tow configuration, and general conditions.
• Participates in Safety and Environmental initiatives that will contribute to compliance of State/Federal regulations and improve existing Company programs.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

• Responsible and accountable for incumbent’s own personal safety.
• Responsible and accountable for the safety of all co-workers and any others incumbent comes in contact with.
• Authorized and obligated to stop work on any task or series of tasks whenever an unsafe condition or situation is anticipated or is observed.
• Complies with all applicable laws, regulations and Company policies and procedures, and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
• Reports any and all violations of applicable laws, regulations or Company policies and procedures promptly, and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
• Performs other related administrative and technical duties as may be assigned or requested by immediate supervision (such as certification training, safety training, procedure review, etc.).
• All employees, current and former, must maintain confidentiality by not disclosing to others any confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to the Company.

Position Requirements

Prior marine vessel experience is preferred but not required. However, the incumbent must:

• Be able to communicate effectively and work well with other crew members.
• Be able to understand and follow specific directions from supervision.
• Be able to submit to and successfully complete any specific safety or job training that may be required by the customer, the job and/or the contract with client.
• Have the ability to work with close supervision and be capable of repeating tasks of short duration according to established operating procedures and work practices.
• Be capable of working within standards of accuracy as dictated by the customer.
• Be able to abide by safety rules and regulations.
• Be able to work 12-hour shifts with 2 weeks on and 1 week off.

The Company expects and requires incumbent and each of its other employees to observe and fulfill the above and all other safety responsibilities and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Physical/Mental Requirements

The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.

The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFD’s), or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

In Addition, Deckhands Must Also Be Capable Of

• Standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, squatting, climbing, reaching, sitting, and repetitive motions for long periods of time.
• Performing repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, and back in performance of work.
• Climbing vertical ladders to heights of 50’.
• Have the agility to walk from docks and vessels to vessels with vertical and horizontal separation and to walk and climb in limited spaces.
• Working in confined spaces.
• Working at elevated heights.
• Lifting alone objects up to 50 lbs. as required.
• Adapting to extreme temperature changes.
• Adapting to outdoor conditions and prolonged exposure.
• Remaining calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident. Must be capable of evacuating the work area in a timely manner should an emergency situation arise.