Deckhands
perform an essential role in the day-to-day operations of a ship. Usually
working under the direction of a manager, deckhands are responsible for
upholding high standards of cleanliness and ensuring that all machinery is
maintained in good condition. In addition, deckhands operate key equipment for
communication and navigation, manage cargo and may also be required to prepare meals
and cabins. It is crucial that deckhands maintain transparent communication
with their fellow seafarers to ensure that they can adapt to unforeseen
circumstances, as deckhand Alasdair Babber Shah
knows from experience.
A deckhand’s repertoire of tasks can be extensive. As
well as needing the knowledge to assist engineers with routine maintenance tasks
such as changing oil and fuel filters, they are also required to set
gangplanks, attach and remove hoists and provide high-quality customer service.
The embedded infographic takes a look at the superyacht
market and its projected growth.
The Ideal
Candidate for a Deckhand
Before embarking on a career at sea, it’s important to
ascertain whether the life of a deckhand is suitable. Deckhands need to be physically
strong in order to haul and unload cargo, as well as use excellent balance to
move around a ship and negotiate slippery surfaces. Good vision is also
essential to enable deckhands to inspect vital equipment and identify any
potential problems.
As well as facilitating the day-to-day processes of the
ship, deckhands such as Alasdair Shah are also required to provide a high level
of customer service. It is crucial that passengers have an enjoyable experience
and the role of deckhand requires regular interaction with those travelling on
board.
Finally, deckhands must be prepared to work in a wide range of weather conditions and ensure that they have a deep understanding of maritime safety regulations.
How
to Become a Deckhand
To become a deckhand, prospective seafarers are not
required to complete a formal qualification. However, there are various
training programmes that provide an excellent foundation for a career as a
deckhand. These programmes are designed to give an in-depth understanding of
the required knowledge and skills as well as an overview of relevant
regulations. It is also important to bear in mind that different categories of
vessel may require deckhands to acquire particular licences or qualifications.
Securing an entry-level position on a ship is the ideal
way for prospective deckhands to build experience. These positions are usually
posted on job seeker websites and notice boards. It is also worth looking on
social media channels for likely openings. For those looking to secure one of
these positions, it is essential to compose a well-written CV.
