Deckhand / able seaman

Deckhands and able seamen perform the physical work of operating and maintaining ships. The work is hard and varied: handling lines and cargo, maintaining the deck and equipment, standing watch, assisting with navigation and mooring, and doing whatever the ship needs in often rough conditions at sea.

They work on merchant, fishing, and other vessels. The role suits strong, hardworking, reliable people who can handle demanding physical work in tough sea conditions, learn seamanship skills, work as part of a crew in close quarters, and accept the rigours and long stretches away from home that life at sea involves.