Deckhand Intern

Summary 

Will work under the Operations team with primary duties focused on getting qualified as a Deckhand within a tour company that operates 100-ton vessels. Upon being checked off as a deckhand, the student will then work with the engineering department to learn what is required to maintain these vessels, assisting in preventative maintenance, oil changes and replacing small machinery parts. During the internship, the student will also work with Operations team to learn dispatch & logistics of moving equipment, vessels and people in a fast-paced environment. Primarily duties and responsibilities will be to be utilized as a relief/fill-in deckhand when needed. During that time, they will be under the direction of a captain, to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of the vessel. Assist the Captain in monitoring vessel systems and troubleshooting problems. Interact with passengers and perform customer service duties. Provide passenger safety while underway and always maintain an impeccably clean & safe vessel. Upon Completion of the internship, we submit an overall review of candidate.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

• Must have basic knowledge of marine diesel engine systems 
• Check all engine/jet fluids upon arriving on the vessel each morning, bring all equipment online, log all entries, and report any issues to the captain
• Direct and assist passenger movement on and about the vessel in ocean swell
• Participate in passenger safety orientation and maintain safe conditions underway, assist crew/passengers in emergencies
• Vessel duties include line handling while shipside in ocean swell, assisting with docking/undocking of the vessel, and mooring with cruise ships as requested by the vessel captain 
• Complete routine engine room checks underway, reporting any issues or concerns to the captain. Making minor mechanical repairs and adjustments as necessary
• Assist the captain in the wheelhouse with navigating in ice conditions and low visibility, and wildlife spotting. Driving when directed by the captain  
• Maintain vessel appearances, with regards to cleanliness and safety, in engine and jet rooms, in voids, and on decks. Assist other crew in maintaining vessel appearance in cabins, heads, and on decks
• Under the direction of the captain, complete all routine vessel maintenance daily. This will include, but not be limited to cleaning, sanitation pumping, restocking, and refueling 
• Assist the captain in performing required safety checks of all essential equipment weekly. Maintain current and accurate logbooks
• Work with the port engineer and captain to complete all mandatory vessel maintenance monthly, including but not limited to oil/filter changes, zinc/belt replacement, etc.
• Identify problems, inform the captain and port engineer, and assist in performing needed repairs.
• Perform other assigned duties under the supervision of the captain
• Special projects may be assigned as required by the captain

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

• Requires basic seamanship skills 
• Must be clean, well-groomed, courteous, honest, and most important, reliable
• Mechanical aptitude and experience with marine diesel engines required 
• Must be able to work as a team with other crew to provide quality experience for customers, including answering questions and providing commentary
• Must be able to work as a team member and be comfortable interacting with guests
• Must be comfortable walking about the vessel and working in ocean swell  
• Writing skills capable of completing forms and making log entries  
• Must be 21+
• Must have some vessel/crew experience
• Valid US driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test

Required Certifications 

• Certifications required before the first day of employment include:
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Alaska Food Handler card 
• TAPS certification to serve alcohol (Employees 21+ must obtain)

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience on passenger-carrying vessels as a deckhand
• Marine diesel mechanics or electrical/electronic background
• Experience working on or operating vessels in Southeast Alaska 
• Experience line handling and working in ocean swell 

Traits and Characteristics 

To deliver world-class experiences guided by the following Alaska Native cultural values safely and sustainably.  

Embrace Traditional Alaska Native Cultural Values that include Humility and pride, Respect for all people, including oneself, Respect for nature, Humor, Patience, Strength, and Holding each other up. 

Follow & Deliver Core Values: 

• Safety First: We prioritize our guests and team members' safety and well-being, ensuring secure and enjoyable experiences.
• World-Class Employment: We strive to be a world-class place of employment, valuing hard work, mentorship, a sense of ownership, and opportunities for career growth.
• World Class Guest Services: We are committed to exceeding guest expectations, delivering world-class experiences that showcase our hospitality and the beauty of Alaska.
• Collaborative Professionalism: Embracing collaboration within our organization with a professional spirit, understanding that amidst laughter and play, our dedication to excellence and integrity remains unwavering.
• Community Collaboration: Actively choosing to partner with neighbors and the community across Alaska, making a conscious effort to support local businesses and create social and economic opportunities through meaningful cooperation beyond our organization.
• Sustainability at our core: We are dedicated to sustainable operations for future generations.
• Curiosity & Innovation: We encourage a culture of curiosity and innovation, striving to be early adopters in technology and staying ahead in our commitment to continuous improvement.
• Integrity- Driven Decisions: Integrity guides every decision we make, ensuring transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in all aspects of our operations.
• Cultural Respect & Sharing: We deeply celebrate and honor our Alaska Native heritage, fostering intergenerational connections, embracing family values, and contributing to the cultural richness of our communities.

Environmental Conditions 

The environmental conditions are those that an employee may be subject to while performing the essential functions of this job.  

• Moderate to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, ocean swell, and frequent use of required protective clothing including raingear and life preserver
• Ability to fit through a 28-inch void hatch
• Must be comfortable working in enclosed, sometimes hot and noisy environments
• Must be comfortable working in ocean swell

Physical Demands 

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Must be physically able to work a typical workday of about 10-14 hours per day, 5-7 days a week
• Ability to stand for long periods of time on steel decks with constant vibration and moderate levels of noise 
• Fit through a 28-inch void hatch
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 
• Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel
• Ability to walk and work efficiently in ocean swell
• Alternate Sit/Stand or Walk at Will: The ability to alternate between sitting and standing is present when a worker has the flexibility to choose between sitting or standing as needed when this need cannot be accommodated by scheduled breaks and/or lunch period.
• Climbing Ramps/Stairs: Ascending or descending ramps and/or stairs using feet and legs. Hands and arms may be used for balance (e.g., to hold a railing). Note: Stairs involved in commuting/getting into a building are excluded if work is always performed in one building. Stairs onto a vehicle or a piece of machinery/equipment are included.
• Climbing Ladders/Ropes/Scaffolding: Ascending or descending ladders, scaffolding, ropes, poles and the like using feet/legs and/or hands/arms.
• Communicating Verbally: Expressing or exchanging ideas using the spoken word to impart oral information to clients or the public and to convey detailed spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

• Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
• Far Visual Acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. This is not just the ability to see a person or object, but the ability to recognize features as well.
• Color vision: Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• Fine Manipulation: Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than the whole hand or arm as in gross manipulation.
• Foot/Leg Controls: Use of one or both feet or legs to move controls on machinery or equipment. Controls include, but are not limited to, pedals, buttons, levers, and cranks. Gross Manipulation: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s). Note: Fingers are involved only to the extent that they are an extension of the hand.
• Hearing Requirements: The ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds (e.g., machinery alarms, medical codes/alarms). A yes or no answer is captured for each of the five hearing requirements listed:
  • One-on-one (in person)
  • Group or conference (in person)
  • Telephone
  • Other sounds
  • Passing of hearing test required
• Lifting/Carrying: Lifting is to raise or lower an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling). Carrying is to transport an object – usually by holding it in the hands or arms but may occur on the shoulder.
• 50 lbs
• Near Visual Acuity: Clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less (i.e., working with small objects or reading small print), including the use of computers.
• Peripheral Vision: Observing an area that can be seen up and down or to right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point.
• Pushing/Pulling: This may involve the use of hands/arms, feet/legs, and/or feet only done with one side of the body or both sides.
• Pushing - Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force
• Pulling - Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force
• Reaching At/Below Shoulder Level: Extending hand and arms from 0 up to 150 degrees in a vertical arc. Reaching requires the straightening and extension of the arm and elbow and the engagement of the shoulder. The elbow does not need to be locked at any time and the arm does not need to remain in a continuously straight position.

• Reaching Overhead: Extending hands and arms in a 150 to 180-degree vertical arc. Reaching requires the straightening and extension of the arm and elbow and the engagement of the shoulder. The elbow does not need to be locked at any time and the arm does not need to remain in a continuously straight position.

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job.  

• This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays during the tour season
• Must adhere to Allen Marine, Inc., & Affiliated Companies, and the United States Coast Guard Consortium Drug & Alcohol Policies & Procedures
• Hazardous Contaminants: Exposure to a substance that negatively affects the respiratory system, eyes, skin, or other living tissue via inhalation, ingestion, or contact
• Proximity to Moving Mechanical Parts: Operation of or proximity to moving materials, mechanical parts, settings, or any moving objects (most commonly moving machinery or equipment) that could cause bodily harm
• High, Exposed Places: Exposure to possible bodily injury from falling
• Noise Intensity Level: The noise intensity level to which the worker is exposed in the job:
  • Moderate
  • Loud
  • Very Loud