AustralianCourses
Career pathway

Deck Hand

ANZSCO 899211

Employed

2,500

Part-time share

27%

Female share

16%

Median age

39 yrs

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Salary and some workforce figures are suppressed for this occupation because Jobs and Skills Australia / the ABS do not publish estimates for small populations (typically fewer than 50 employed people) or because the figures have been perturbed for privacy. They are shown as unavailable rather than zero.

About this career

Deck Hands perform maintenance and lookout tasks aboard ships.

What they typically do

  • Handles ropes and wires, and operates mooring equipment when berthing and unberthing.
  • Stands lookout watches at sea and adjusts the ship's course as directed.
  • Assists with cargo operations using on-board equipment and stows and secures cargo.
  • Patrols ships to ensure safety of the vessel, cargo and passengers.
  • Performs routine maintenance and checks on deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging, and lifesaving and fire fighting appliances.

States and territories

Share of workers by location

QLD
29.6%
NSW
24.6%
WA
22.2%
VIC
9%
TAS
7.7%
SA
4.5%
NT
2.1%
ACT
0.4%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Deck Hand.

  • Certificate III in Marina Operations

    MAR30122 · AQF 3 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Chief Integrated Rating)

    MAR40121 · AQF 4 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating)

    MAR30220 · AQF 3 · 4 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal)

    MAR10424 · AQF 1 · 23 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)

    MAR10224 · AQF 1 · 31 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate II in Fishing Operations

    SFI20219 · AQF 2 · 8 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Fishing Operations

    SFI30219 · AQF 3 · 10 providers

    View qualification