Job Description

Under supervision, performs deckhand duties in compliance with agency standard operating procedures, the Safety Management System (SMS), the Vessel Security Plan (VSP) and applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations on a municipal ferry vessel and at a ferry terminal; performs related work.


EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL TASKS: Performs general deckhand duties, including cleaning the vessel and/or terminal areas, as directed. Performs lookout and emergency duties of the assigned duty station, such as: launching and manning rescue boats and life rafts; operating firefighting equipment; and assisting in vessel to vessel transfers, under the direction of an Officer. Operates boarding doors, gates, aprons and bridges. Handles gangways and mooring lines. Directs passenger and vehicle traffic, as assigned. Patrols deck and assigned duty station to ensure that all is in a safe and clean condition; assists passengers, as needed; reports any suspicious circumstance or object to an Officer or Ferry Terminal Supervisor. Performs heavy manual labor, such as: handling vessel and terminal supplies and trash; and loading and unloading freight. Participates in safety meetings and fire and lifeboat drills.

CREDENTIAL/CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENT:
1.Within 6 months of appointment all candidates must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the following endorsements: a) Able Seaman - any category, or a superior endorsement; and b) Lifeboatman or Lifeboatman-limited.
2. A valid U.S. Coast Guard medical certificate without restriction for applicable service; and within thirty (30) days of appointment, all candidates must possess:
3. A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Note: All credentials and certificates must be maintained for the duration of employment.


TWIC REQUIREMENT: Once selected for employment at the Staten Island Ferry, federal regulations require that the applicant must either undergo a federal background check as part of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program or already possess a TWIC. The TWIC must be obtained within 30 days of appointment, and be maintained for the duration of employment. For further program information, visit:

MEDICAL/DRUG TESTING REQUIREMENTS: Medical guidelines established by the U.S. Coast Guard apply to the position of Deckhand. Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a medical examination prior to appointment and thereafter, pursuant to Coast Guard regulations. Candidates must also pass a drug screening to be appointed. All candidates are subject to random drug and alcohol testing during their employment.


Work Location:
1 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301

Hours / Shift:
32 hours/variable, including nights/weekends

Please visit and search for Job ID Number: 727293. For current City employees, please log into Employee Self Service (ESS) at and follow the Careers link. Most public libraries have computers available for use.

No phone calls, faxes, emails or personal inquiries permitted. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Residency must be established within 90 days of appointment. For more information about DOT, visit us at:

DECKHAND (FERRY) - 91529 Minimum Qualifications

1. Two years of full-time satisfactory paid experience as a deckhand on ocean, coastwise or inland steam or motor vessels, or equivalent seagoing experience in a sea service of the Armed Forces of the United States; or


2. Graduation from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), with an Associate degree in marine technology, such as the maritime technology degree awarded by Kingsborough Community College, including or supplemented by at least one year of deck duty; or


3. Graduation from one of the U.S. Coast Guard approved maritime or sea service academies listed below, including the curriculum, program, or qualification indicated:


a) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (deck curriculum); or


b) The U.S. Coast Guard Academy or the U.S. Naval Academy with a qualification as an underway Officer in charge of a navigational watch; or


c) The Deck Class of a Maritime Academy approved by and conducted under the rules prescribed by the Maritime Administrator (see 46 CFR 11.407), including the program in the Deck Class of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.


Note: To be acceptable, the education and experience described in "1", "2" and "3" above must have been
obtained within the last 10 years.

55a Program
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Job Tags

Full time, Local area, Shift work, Night shift,

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