Deckhand Technician Training

The hands on skills deckhand training includes lessons on how to moor and anchor lines; repair  and maintain ships and their engine rooms and ensure passenger and crew safety.  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.

This Deckhand Program is beginning on January 6th, 2026 through February 11th, 2026.

If you are interested in applying, please fill out the form below. A representative will email you shortly with more information: https://bwi.tfaforms.net/f/BWCinterest

For more information please contact BWC@bwiny.org or Maria.Gelman@kbcc.cuny.edu

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.