Deckhand Technician Training

Deckhands are entry-level crew members that work on seafaring vessels. They work with crew members to ensure that the vessel is being operated efficiently, safely, and up to US Coast Guard standards. Our hands-on Deckhand Training Program teaches the skills needed for immediate employment and provides information for career advancement. Throughout this training, you will:  

Trainees will: 

  • Learn to handle mooring lines and rigging to launch or dock the boat. 
  • Perform assigned tasks within legal requirements of USCG and other regulatory agencies. 
  • Assist with filling water, bunkering fuel, and shore power connect & disconnect, engine  room repairs & maintenance as directed. 
  • Learn and practice getting underway, mooring, anchoring, handling lines, ship’s ramps,  and shore side facilities in all weather conditions. 
  • Learn to monitor passenger & crewmember safety issues on the boat. 
  • Ensure that safety equipment is utilized, and appropriate guidelines are followed for all  tasks involving physical risk or hazardous materials. 
  • Learn and demonstrate practical knowledge of all phases of shipboard safety procedures  and knowledge of location and use of all firefighting and safety equipment (i.e. fire  extinguishers, fire stations, life preservers, work vest, life floats, rescue boat). 
  • Participate in meetings, training, drills, and safety audits as required by USCG &  company policy. 
  • Perform cleaning tasks of the vessels & property as required. 
  • Perform maintenance and construction tasks as required. 
  • Assist in boarding and disembarking of passengers.

The next Deckhand Training Program will be starting likely in late April or early May of 2025. 

To be placed on the waitlist for the next training, please email Vanessa Fantauzzi at Vanessa.Fantauzzi@kbcc.cuny.edu and ask to be put on the Deckhand Training Prospective Students List.

To apply and attend the program, you must attend a virtual info session. Sessions are held every Wednesday at 11am. To sign up for the info session, please click on the following link: https://form.jotform.com/pincc/kbccinterestform_pincc

** If the link above is not working, it means that applications are not yet being accepted. If that is the case, please email Vanessa to be put on the prospective students list and check the link again in a week or two.

Eligibility: 

  • 18 years old and over. Must provide ID.
  • Eligible to work in the US with documentation.
  • Have a HS diploma or GED.
  • Must be able to submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests (including cannabis/ marijuana) as mandated by the USCG including, but not limited to before employment, randomly, upon reasonable suspicion, and post-accident/incident testing.
  • Able to pass U.S Coast Guard Physical Requirements.
  • Must be eligible to apply for and obtain a MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential) and a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). Information about these will be provided during the training.  

Benefits: 

Students will receive a wide variety of career and workforce readiness skills needed to become a deckhand. The training will provide students with a solid foundation for a successful career in the Maritime Industry.

Student will obtain certificates for the Deckhand Training, Fire Safety Training, Food Handlers Cards, CPR, and a free Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) card.