Deckhand/AB

Curtin Maritime•Long Beach, CA

1d•$280 - $475•Onsite

About The Position

Deckhands aboard Curtin's ASD ship-assist and escort tugs (e.g., Tuuli C) will work directly with the Port Captain and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard while assisting deep-draft vessels in and around the San Pedro Bay Port Complex. This is a full-time position based in the San Pedro Bay Port Complex (Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach). Shift-based schedule to support 24/7 ship-assist and escort operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays as vessel and customer schedules require. Unlike Curtin's ocean towing positions, this role is harbor-based and does not typically require extended time away from home.

Requirements

TWIC Card
MMC (Able Seafarer – Special)
CG Medical Certificate – no night restrictions
Pass physical & drug test
Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency
Understand and respect the chain of command; ability to take direction no matter how it is given
Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-traffic harbor environment with frequent close-quarters maneuvering around deep-draft vessels, other tugs, and dock structures
Agility to traverse uneven ground and to walk, gangways at various heights
Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day
Ability to lift 100 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward
Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; make up tows with wire rigging; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible
Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces
Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard vessel
Must be able to swim
Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness

Nice To Haves

STCW Basic Training
STCW PSC Limited
STCW RFPNW
STCW Able Seafarer Deck
Prior ship-assist / escort experience in the Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach (San Pedro Bay Port Complex) or a comparable high-traffic deep-draft harbor strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Work safely as directed by supervisor
Proactively learn and become proficient with the various vessels in our fleet and understand your basic functions as a deckhand on them.
Completion of Curtin's Deckhand Training Manual
Ability to work independently on projects and tasks, progressing to running the deck and leading the deck crew for all ship-assist, barge work and escort operations
Ability to identify maintenance needs and plan projects and tasks to correct them
Experienced in use of the Vessel Management System
Making up on hip, push and hawser towing astern
Making off lines on cleats, H-bitts, and double bitts
Proper line retrieval, boat hook, grapple hook, heaving line, and messenger line use, including messenger lines passed down from a ship's crew during ship-assist operations
Operation of the quick-release hydraulic towing winch/hook under direction of the Captain or Mate
Rigging and handling escort bridles for direct and indirect towing
Fendering and hull-contact awareness when working alongside a ship's hull
Throwing lines (on/off bits, heaving and grapple lines)
Ship-assist radio calling and VHF working-channel etiquette with pilots, dock, and agents
Call in a barge as the lookout for the tug operator via VHF radio
Pre-job vessel checks
Crane signaling and rigging
Basic vessel maintenance, including painting and prepping for paint, greasing, caring for lines and rigging, etc.
Preparing and rigging the tug for ship-assist jobs across container ships, tankers, car carriers, bulk carriers, and barges
Advanced line handling in close quarters with other tugs, line handlers, and dock structures
Splices (3 strand, eye, short, end and quick splices)
Tending winches
Knots (becket bend, sheet bend, double sheet bend, monkey fist, barrel hitch)
Proficient in all vocabulary listed in Deckhand Training Binder
Stand watch
Reading gauges/ logging and being able to identify when something is operating outside of normal specifications to notify the Chief Engineer or watch officer.
Clean and inspect equipment
Trace systems
Perform basic maintenance/services
Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and mechanical skills
Connect/disconnect shore power
Inventorying, cooking, cleaning
Maintain fresh water
Shopping
Ability to lead deck crew in planning and stowing for extended duty periods, including provisioning and forecasting use of consumables