Experienced Dredge Tugboat Deckhand

Curtin Maritime•New Orleans, LA
•Onsite

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring experienced Dredge Tugboat Deckhands, with multiple openings, to support dredging and marine construction operations. Candidates must have previous experience aboard tugboats supporting dredging operations. Deckhands II and III work directly with the Port Captain and Vessel Captain and are expected to uphold the company’s standards and values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency. Candidates may live anywhere in the United States; the company coordinates and pays for travel to and from the vessel. The role involves supporting towing and dredging operations, handling lines and rigging, working with barges and dredging equipment, maintaining vessels, and completing deck, engine-room, and house duties. Deckhand II compensation is $300–$400 per day; Deckhand III compensation is $400–$475 per day. The company offers medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, AD&D/life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match, among other coverage options.

Requirements

  • Previous experience aboard tugboats supporting dredging or marine construction operations is required.
  • Experience with towing, positioning, and securing barges and dredging equipment.
  • Familiarity with deck rigging, line handling, and safe operations around heavy marine equipment.
  • Ability to work safely and effectively in active dredging environments.
  • Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or emergencies.
  • Ability to understand and respect the chain of command and take direction.
  • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to traverse uneven ground and walk on gangways at various heights.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps or ladders several times a day.
  • Ability to safely lift at least 40 pounds and move heavy, large, or awkward equipment.
  • Physical dexterity and strength to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on poorly accessible equipment.
  • Ability to work below decks in areas that may experience periods of darkness and to work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment aboard the vessel.
  • Must be able to swim.
  • Must pass a Coast Guard physical and drug test.
  • Deckhand II requires a TWIC Card, MMC (Ordinary Seaman), Coast Guard Medical Certificate, passport, and STCW Basic Training.
  • Deckhand III requires the Deckhand II listed licenses and requirements, plus Able Body Seaman-Special (MT only), STCW Proficiency Survival Craft (Lifeboatman-Ltd), and Qualified Rigger (Dredge only) and OSHA 30 (Dredge only).
  • Maintain good personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Nice To Haves

  • Experience assisting with anchor handling and dredge support operations.
  • Deckhand II preferred: Able Body Seaman Endorsement (Unlimited, Limited & Special) and STCW Proficiency Survival Craft (Lifeboatman).
  • Deckhand III preferred: STCW RFPNW (MT only).

Responsibilities

  • Work safely as directed by a supervisor and follow vessel safety procedures.
  • Work independently on projects and tasks.
  • Learn and become proficient with the company’s vessels and understand deckhand functions aboard them.
  • Complete the Labor Training Program binder.
  • Assist with towing, including making and breaking tows in various configurations such as tow wire, push, and hip.
  • Handle lines, rigging, barges, and dredging equipment, including barge tie-ups and unties, crane signaling, and rigging.
  • Perform basic vessel maintenance, including painting and paint preparation, greasing, and caring for lines and rigging.
  • Assist with painting, forklift operations, rigging, welding, electrical, and engineering work as needed.
  • Use basic VHF radio procedures and perform basic barge calling.
  • Perform marlinspike tasks, including splicing and tying specified knots.
  • Read and log engine-room gauges, identify abnormal operating conditions, and notify the Chief Engineer or watch officer.
  • Clean and inspect equipment, trace systems, and perform basic maintenance and services.
  • Maintain fresh-water levels and assist with shopping, provisioning, inventory, cooking, and cleaning.
  • For Deckhand III, identify maintenance needs and plan corrective projects and tasks.
  • For Deckhand III, use the Vessel Management System and run the deck and lead the deck crew during operations.
  • For Deckhand III, handle anchors, rig tandem tows, prepare and rig barges for tow, perform advanced cargo lashing, and conduct advanced barge calling and piloting.
  • For Deckhand III, apply basic electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and mechanical knowledge.
  • For Deckhand III, lead deck-crew planning and stowing for long voyages, including long-term food menus and forecasting consumables.

Benefits

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Short-term disability insurance
  • AD&D/life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Option to elect incremental life insurance for the employee and dependents
  • Option to elect a health and/or dependent Flexible Spending Account
  • Company-coordinated, fully paid travel to and from the vessel
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