Deckhand
Location - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Employment Type - Full-Time
Schedule
· Seven (7) days on, seven (7) days off
· Weekends and holidays required if they fall during scheduled work rotation
· Additional shifts available
· Overnight, long-distance towing, and special project assignments
About Us
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale has been serving South Florida boaters since 1989. We provide 24/7 marine assistance, towing, salvage, launch services, line handling, and commercial marine support throughout South Florida, the U.S. East Coast, and the Bahamas. We are a locally-owned and operated company committed to safety, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.
Position Summary
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale is seeking motivated and hardworking Deckhands to assist with towing, salvage, launch services, vessel maintenance, and daily marine operations. This is a hands-on position in a fast-paced environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn.
We are looking for individuals with a strong work ethic and attention to detail. Candidates must be willing to learn, work hard, and grow within the company.
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale promotes from within, and this position is intended for individuals whose long-term goal is to become a Captain. The ideal candidate lives in or near Fort Lauderdale and either currently holds a USCG Captain’s License.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
· Assist Captains with towing, salvage, launch, and marine assistance operations.
· Handle towing lines, rigging, anchors, and other deck equipment safely and efficiently.
· Conduct routine inspections of vessels, equipment, and safety gear.
· Assist with fueling and inventory management.
· Help maintain the operational readiness, cleanliness, and overall condition of the company fleet.
· Perform preventative maintenance and assist with minor repairs.
· Support launch services, personnel transfers, and commercial marine operations.
· Assist with loading, unloading, and securing equipment and cargo.
· Participate in emergency response, towing, and salvage operations.
· Complete assigned training and development programs.
· Represent the company professionally when interacting with customers and the public.
· Strong work ethic able to work unsupervised and supervised to accomplish various tasks as needed
· Willingness to learn
· Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
· Ability to work weekends, holidays, and extended hours when required.
Required Qualifications
· OUPV or higher USCG Captain’s License
· Valid Driver’s License.
· Ability to participate in a random drug testing program.
· Valid Passport or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
· Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC Card within 90 days of employment.
· Ability to obtain and maintain STCW certification within 90 days of employment.
· Ability to obtain a Scuba certification within 90 days of employment.
· Ability to obtain and maintain a Port Everglades ID within 90 days of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
· Previous experience working on vessels or at sea.
· Vessel maintenance and mechanical skills.
· Experience with towing operations, cranes, rigging, or heavy equipment.
Physical Requirements
· Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds.
· Ability to handle lines, towing gear, anchors, and rigging equipment safely.
· Ability to board vessels from docks, seawalls, floating docks, and vessels of varying sizes.
· Ability to climb ladders and move safely between vessels.
· Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach for extended periods.
· Ability to work on uneven, wet, and slippery surfaces.
· Ability to work outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, wind, and direct sunlight.
· Ability to safely perform duties while underway in varying sea conditions.
· Ability to enter confined spaces when required.
· Ability to respond to emergency situations during scheduled work periods.
Benefits
· 401(k)
· Health Insurance
· Dental Insurance
· Supplemental Insurance
· Paid Time Off
· Professional Development and Training Opportunities
Why Join Our Team?
· Locally-owned and operated since 1989.
· Clear advancement path to Captain positions.
· Extensive hands-on training and real-world marine experience.
· Opportunity to participate in towing, salvage, launch services, and commercial marine operations.
· Stable, year-round employment.
· Work alongside experienced Captains and marine professionals.
· Build a long-term career in the marine industry.
· Be part of a team dedicated to helping South Florida boaters every day.