The opportunity
About the role
Senior Deckhand
American Cruise Lines is seeking Senior Deckhands for our U.S. - flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.
Senior Deckhands are second year shipboard crewmembers reporting directly to the Mate and working alongside Deckhands in all watch standing, line handling, cleaning, maintenance, sanitation, and logistics tasks. Senior Deckhands are responsible for the daily execution and repairs of shipboard work list issues, ensuring the Mate and Engine Room Attendant are updated daily. Our Senior Deckhands are team-oriented, self-disciplined, and hands-on workers. Our Senior Deckhands are daily exemplars for Deckhands and self-motivated in developing skills, leadership, and marine licensing toward promotion to Third Mate.
Our Marine Officers are positive, people-oriented, meticulously groomed every day in service to our guests and as examples to fellow crewmembers. American Cruise Lines offers competitive pay and benefits, along with comprehensive professional development programs. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities
• Execution of safe, secure, clean, and comfortable onboard environment for passengers and crew.
• Completing daily shipboard work list repairs.
• Handling lines, gangways, anchors, and marine equipment under the guidance of Captains and Mates.
• Standing deck watches including helm, gangway, and security.
• Loading and unloading guest luggage, ship stores, garbage, and daily logistics tasks.
• Cleaning all exterior decks, verandas, windows, furniture, and marine spaces.
• Washing, drying, and folding all ship laundry.
• Continual availability to assist guests and crew.
• Rotate through day-night watch and task schedules averaging 12-hrs daily.
• Maintain exemplary professional grooming and uniform appearance.
Work Schedule
• Typical Year Round Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off.
• This is a full-time, exempt position.
Qualifications
• High school graduate required, college experience desired.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Physical and mental resilience to accomplish manual labor tasks through day-night shifts.
• Meticulous personal grooming and discipline.
• Friendly and positive interpersonal skills.
• Team experience and strong communication skills.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Essential Functions
• Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
• Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
• Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
• Ability to stand for your entire shift.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
• Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive daily rate.
- Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
- Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to complete an employment application for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand this job description, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits.
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.
