Deckhand positions involve crucial responsibilities for those members working on a cruise ship. For example, deckhand jobs can include: monitoring gangways, operating ship drills, and basically being available on deck. Any number of jobs can pop up for a deckhand so it is helpful to think of the position like that of a handyman around the cruise ship.

In addition to making sure things are clean and running smoothly, in a deckhand position you might also have to make minor repairs or solve problems that arise.

Large vessels are known for hiring a large number of international crew members. The same is true for deckhands, where positions are typically set-aside for members from developing nations. These jobs represent good work for people who are in need of steady employment. Smaller ships however often find themselves with deckhands from college graduates. As a general rule, smaller ships have less staff with employees that typically hold more responsibility. On larger ships, you may be assigned only a few related job tasks. Get the scoop on merchant marine jobs in our Maritime careers section.

A deckhand does everything from painting to docking the boat, so within this position there is some opportunity for variety. Those who work hard, enjoy physical labor, and can work independently in addition to taking directions, will make good deckhands. Deckhand jobs are a great way to work up into higher paying jobs onboard a cruise ship. Because a great deal of your job as a deckhand will take place outside, deckhands should be people who enjoy the outdoors, the fresh air and early morning sunsets.

Keep in mind that if you are dead set on sailing the high seas and love being on boats there are a variety of jobs that can fulfill your need for travel with work.

Check out our Alaska fishing jobs section, which is full of information for aspiring deckhands. There are definitely differences between cruise ship and fishing boat jobs, but there are plenty of similarities as well.

Whether on a cruise ship or fishing boat in Alaska, deckhand jobs represent tough, outdoor work that often requires little to no previous experience.

Contracts for a deckhand often last six months and pay varies based on experience, scope of job, and the employer.

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