Deckhand – Cruise Ship Exterior Cleaning and Docking Support
Coral Star Cruises
Available Locations:
cape town, Western Cape
Job Description
Job Summary
As a Deckhand at Coral Star Cruises, you will be a frontline ambassador for shipboard safety, cleanliness, and seamanship. You’ll support all exterior maintenance (washing, polishing, rust removal, painting), assist with mooring and unmooring operations, handle lines and fenders, drive and maintain small craft/tenders when qualified, and participate actively in safety drills and emergency responses. This role is hands-on, physically demanding, and perfect for seafarers who take pride in a spotless ship and precise deck operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Docking & Mooring Support
- Assist with arrival and departure procedures, including line handling, heaving line throwing, and fender placement.
- Follow bridge and Bosun instructions precisely to ensure safe and timely operations.
- Exterior Cleaning & Maintenance
- Wash down, scrub, and polish exterior decks, bulkheads, rails, windows, and superstructure.
- Conduct chipping, sanding, priming, and painting to prevent corrosion and maintain vessel appearance.
- Maintain deck equipment (winches, windlasses, capstans, mooring lines) under supervision.
- Safety & Compliance
- Participate in mandatory safety drills (fire, abandon ship, MOB) and act per assigned emergency duties.
- Comply with ISM/ISPS, MARPOL, STCW, and company policies.
- Properly use and care for PPE, tools, and chemicals; follow lockout/tagout procedures.
- Boat/Tender Operations (if certified)
- Assist in launching, recovering, and operating tenders/lifeboats as directed.
- General Deck Operations
- Set up and secure gangways, safety nets, and embarkation areas.
- Support cargo/bunker operations as instructed (monitoring, spill prevention/cleanup preparedness).
- Report defects, hazards, and near-misses promptly and accurately.
- Guest-Facing Conduct
- Provide courteous, professional assistance to guests encountered on deck, maintaining high service standards.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Valid STCW Basic Safety Training (or willingness and eligibility to obtain before embarkation).
- Valid Seafarer Medical Certificate (e.g., ENG1 or equivalent) fit for sea service.
- Proven knowledge of seamanship basics: knots, splicing, line handling, safe lifting, painting preparation.
- Ability to understand and follow standing orders, SOPs, and safety instructions in English.
- Physically fit to perform heavy manual work, work aloft and in varying weather conditions.
- Comfortable working at height, over water, and with chemicals/power tools while using PPE.
Experience
- Essential: 6–12 months of experience in a deckhand, AB, OS, or similar maritime role or strong evidence of practical seamanship skills (e.g., yachting, offshore, ferries, navy/coast guard).
- Preferred:
- Prior cruise, ferry, or passenger vessel experience.
- AB (Able Seafarer-Deck) endorsement and/or Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSC/PSCRB).
- Familiarity with ISM/ISPS Code and MARPOL requirements.
Working Hours
- Contract length typically 4–8 months onboard (followed by time off), subject to fleet and itinerary.
- Rotational shifts including nights, weekends, port and sea days; overtime as required by operations.
- Participation in emergency duties and drills outside regular hours is mandatory.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Technical: Seamanship, rigging, safe tool handling, corrosion control, painting systems, tender/lifeboat operations (if certified).
- Safety-Oriented Mindset: Hazard recognition, proper use of PPE, adherence to procedures, strong situational awareness.
- Teamwork & Communication: Calm under pressure, clear radio and verbal communication, respect for chain of command.
- Attention to Detail: Pride in exterior presentation standards and preventative maintenance.
- Adaptability: Ability to work in changing climates, sea states, and port conditions.
Benefits
- Competitive tax-efficient salary (paid monthly while onboard).
- Accommodation and meals provided onboard.
- Medical coverage while on contract, including accident and emergency treatment.
- Uniforms and PPE supplied.
- Travel arrangements to and from the vessel as per company policy.
- Training & certification support for eligible crew (e.g., additional STCW modules, PSC/PSCRB, AB upgrade).
- Career path toward Able Seafarer, Bosun, and Officer roles for high performers.
Why Join Coral Star Cruises
- Work with a safety-first, people-centric cruise line that invests in your growth.
- Gain multi-ship, multi-itinerary experience across diverse geographies.
- Join a collaborative deck team where high standards of seamanship and maintenance are recognized and rewarded.
- Be part of delivering memorable guest experiences by keeping our vessels immaculate and operations precise.
How to Apply
- Prepare your documents: CV/resume, STCW certificates, seafarer medical (ENG1 or equivalent), passport/CDC/Seaman’s Book, CoC/CoP (if any), and references.
- Email your application: careers@coralstarcruises.com (subject line: Deckhand – Exterior Cleaning & Docking Support).
- Screening & interview: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a technical interview and document verification.
- Join the fleet: Upon successful medical and background checks, you’ll receive your embarkation schedule and onboarding instructions.