Deckhand – Passenger Area and Deck Maintenance Operative
cruise ship jobs
Available Locations:
cape town, Western Cape
Job Description
Job Summary
As a Deckhand focused on passenger areas and deck maintenance, you will help keep all open decks, promenades, tender platforms, gangways and exterior passenger zones safe, clean and guest‑ready at all times. You’ll support mooring operations, assist during embarkation/tendering, execute planned maintenance (washing, rust removal, painting, varnishing), and participate in all safety and emergency drills in line with maritime regulations (STCW/MLC). This role blends frontline guest interaction with hands‑on technical upkeep—perfect for safety-minded, service-oriented professionals who enjoy life at sea.
Key Responsibilities
- Passenger-area upkeep: Clean, wash down and sanitize exterior guest spaces, railings, furniture, lifejacket stations, and gangways.
- Deck maintenance: Chipping, sanding, priming, painting, varnishing, greasing, minor repairs, and corrosion control per PMS (Planned Maintenance System).
- Mooring & anchoring support: Handle mooring lines, fenders, heaving lines, and assist during arrival/departure under supervision of senior deck officers/boatswain.
- Boat/tender operations: Assist with launch and recovery of lifeboats/tenders; help guests safely embark/disembark during tender operations.
- Safety & drills: Actively participate in weekly drills (fire, abandon ship, crowd management) and maintain readiness of lifesaving appliances and firefighting equipment.
- Watchkeeping & patrols: Conduct gangway watch, deck patrols, and report hazards, spills, or unsafe behavior immediately.
- Waste & environmental compliance: Segregate and dispose of waste according to MARPOL and company environmental procedures.
- Guest service: Provide courteous assistance, clear directions, and proactive support to passengers in outdoor areas.
- Documentation: Complete maintenance logs, safety checklists, and report defects through established shipboard systems.
- Cross-functional support: Cooperate with Hotel, Housekeeping, Security, Technical and Marine teams to execute shipboard operations efficiently.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Valid STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certificates (PST, PSSR, FPFF, Elementary First Aid).
- Crowd Management / Crisis Management & Human Behaviour certificate (or willingness to obtain before joining).
- Valid ENG1 (or equivalent) seafarer medical fitness certificate.
- Strong understanding of safe line handling, lifting, and working aloft/overside procedures.
- Ability to use hand and power tools (grinders, needle guns, pressure washers, spray/brush painting equipment).
- Good verbal English; additional languages are a plus.
- Proven commitment to Safety, Security & Environmental (SSHE) standards.
- High physical fitness and stamina; able to lift, carry, climb, and work in varying weather conditions.
- Customer-service mindset with professional demeanor in guest-facing areas.
Experience
- Preferred: 1–2 contracts (or 12+ months) as Deckhand/Ordinary Seaman/maintenance operative on cruise, ferry, yacht, or offshore vessels.
- Considered: Strong shore-based marine/maintenance background (marinas, ports, shipyards) with the required STCW/medical certificates.
- Familiarity with MLC 2006, MARPOL, and onboard PMS tools is advantageous.
Working Hours
- Typical schedules are long and variable (often 10–12 hours per day, 7 days a week) within MLC rest hour requirements.
- Contract length: commonly 4–6 months onboard followed by paid/unpaid vacation per company policy.
- Rotational watches including early mornings, late nights, port days, and sea days.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of deck seamanship, rope/line types, knots/splicing, and mooring principles.
- Understanding of slip/trip/fall prevention, lockout/tagout, and permit-to-work systems.
- Paint systems knowledge (surface prep, coatings, curing, PPE).
- Situational awareness and effective communication during emergencies.
- Team player with discipline, punctuality, and the ability to follow chain of command.
- Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and over the ship’s side with proper gear.
Benefits
- Competitive tax-advantaged salary paid in USD/EUR (per company policy).
- Free accommodation & meals onboard, plus laundry for uniforms.
- Global travel and the opportunity to visit multiple ports and destinations.
- Medical coverage while onboard and repatriation insurance.
- Uniforms, PPE, and training provided.
- Career growth path to Able Seafarer Deck (AB), Bosun, and beyond, with sponsored certifications for high performers.
- Paid travel to/from the vessel as per company policy.
Why Join Cruise Ship Jobs?
- Be part of a professional, safety-first marine team on modern cruise vessels.
- Gain international sea time and progress towards higher STCW deck ratings.
- Work in a diverse, multicultural environment with strong teamwork and camaraderie.
- Receive continuous training, structured performance feedback, and clear promotion tracks.
How to Apply
- Prepare your documents:
- Updated CV/Resume highlighting sea service or relevant maintenance experience.
- Copies of STCW certificates, ENG1 (or equivalent), passport, seaman’s book (if available).
- Vaccination records as per cruise line requirements.
- Submit your application: Send everything to the recruitment email/portal specified by Cruise Ship Jobs with the subject line: “Deckhand – Passenger Area & Deck Maintenance Operative – Your Name”.
- Screening & interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a technical/safety interview and documentation verification.
- Pre-joining: Complete medicals, background checks, and any additional training mandated by the company/flag state.