Careers

Do you want to be Deckhand?

Would you like to participate in anchoring, berthing and refueling a Coast Guard vessel? Would you like to be a member of a Fast Rescue Craft, Armed Boarding or Rescue Specialist Team? Are you looking for the opportunity to work your way up through the officer ranks? Then, we may have the job for you! 

What do they do?

Deckhands work on deck under the supervision of the boatswain. The responsibilities of a deckhand can vary from day-to-day, so no day is the same. Duties range from routine shipboard maintenance, fire and security rounds, steering the vessel and lookout duties. Deckhands perform general maintenance work so that the deck department is clean, safe and operational. They also repair and paint decks, operate cargo equipment, handle mooring lines, hookup towing lines, retrieve and launch lifeboats and fast rescue crafts, load, stow and off-load cargo and supplies.

How do I become a Deckhand?

If you are interested in becoming a deckhand, you must complete a Bridge Watch Training course at a recognized institute. You will also be required to write an examination at Transport Canada in order to obtain a Bridge Watch Certificate.

Like all positions on Canadian Coast Guard vessels, you will require a Marine Emergency Duties (MED) certificate (A1, B1, B2) and a valid Transport Canada medical certificate.

Individuals interested in the Officer Training Program offered at the Canadian Coast Guard College should visit the college website for more information at www.cgc.gc.ca.

Openings for jobs with the Canadian Coast Guard are advertised through the Public Service Commission website at www.jobs.gc.ca.

Spotlight on… Perry Kirby, Deckhand, CCGS Terry Fox

Perry Kirby enjoys the adventure and travel involved with life at sea. "There is always something different and new every day," Perry says.

Like many marine workers, Perry enjoys the benefits of the rotation system. He works 28-days on followed by 28-days off.

This document is also available for download or viewing as a PDF version (1.3 MB).

Published By:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Communications Branch
P.O. Box 5667
St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1

DFO/2009-1610
Catalogue Number: Fs154-7/30-2010
ISBN: 978-1-100-51374-4
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2010