Hello gcaptain, Long time reader first time poster.
I’ve seriously been trying the search, and cant seem to get anything at all (search may be broken or incompatible with my browser because i get a little off google searching)
I’ve worked on a bunch of different kinds of sailboats , and a bit on a pilot boat, one run on a research vessel, and I’ve just been offered a job on a 150 or so foot OSV in the gulf as a deckhand. I’ve been working in a boatyard lately and been trying for the last year to “go commercial” by just non stop applying for jobs, mostly with tug outfits and trying to network (i have a number of friends who work on tugs). I count myself very lucky to have an offer in this economy.
I’m super exited to go to work, but what i’d really like is a bit of a job description… I’m going to be essentially a totally green hand again… What did i just sign up for? I’m not “afraid of work”, or prone to sea sickness, i’ve seen truly rough seas and worked through them (not without discomfort at times) I’m happy to help in the galley, chip rust, scrub bilge/head, climb masts, and get wet for a month at a time, and I’m eager to learn. I realize though that i hardly know what an OSV does, let alone what i’ll be responsable for as a deckhand. I guess nobody is going to expect me to know how to run the ship myself, everyone had their first day too… I’d appreciate any suggestions, what do you wish you knew before your first day? what did you wish you had thought of to put in your sea bag?
Ordinary Seaman are responsible for keeping the vessel in a clean, tidy condition and work under the direction of the mate. The ordinary seaman must be familiar with all necessary deck functions including mooring and securing the vessel. One performs a variety of duties to preserve painted surfaces of the ship and to maintain lines, running gear, and cargo handling gear in safe operating condition.
Functions
handles lines to moor vessel to wharves, another vessel or rig
chips, cleans, paints and removes rust spots from deck, superstructureand sides of ship using hand or air chipping hammer and wire brush
sweeps and washes decks using broom, brushes, mops and hose to remove oil, dirt and debris
sweeps and mops the vessel interior
maintains entire vessel interior including sanitation and lavatories
lubricates deck machinery and equipment
splices and repairs cables and ropes using hand tools
stands watch from bow of ship or wing of bridge for obstructions in path of ship
assists the mate in the launching of survival craft during emergencies
performs any other additional duties that may be assigned
Minimum Requirements
must possess a valid USCG merchant mariner's document (z-card) with minimum endorsement of OS, Wiper, SD (FH)
valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card)
due to high volume of applicants, 6 months prior vessel experience is preferred but not required
high school diploma preferred but not required
must pass pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check and Safe Gulf class
subject to random drug screening
must be capable of working offshore in harsh weather environments for periods of 3 to 6 weeks
must have reliable transportation to and from work for crew changes
I hand all my new hands this when they step on board.
Deckhand Daily Duties
Wheel House
Using a paint brush dust off all electronics (I.E. radios, keyboards, radar, etc.)
Wipe dash, throttles, wheel, computer table, and chart table with 409. Be sure to get under non-slip mats and other stuff lying on tables. Place back in a neat fashion when through.
Wipe down all seating surfaces with 409.
Using Windex clean windows and compass, radar screen, and any other reflective surface every other day.
Dump any ashtrays and wipe out with 409.
Clean all hand rails with 409.
Change garbage bag.
Sweep and mop being sure to sweep off rugs and pick them up. Also be sure to get around and UNDER all garbage cans.
Heads
Wipe down mirror with Windex
Clean sink (including faucet), counter, and toilet with 409. On toilet be sure to clean from the handle all the way to the floor.
Clean inside of toilet with Comet.
Check that there is toilet paper left on the roll and some nearby. Same goes for paper towels and air freshener all around the boat.
Wipe out soap dish by sink and in shower replace soap as needed (I.E. When they are less than 1/8 in thick.)
Change garbage bag.
Do laundry every other day, more often if needed. Fold and put clean laundry in proper place when dry.
Sweep and mop being sure to sweep off rugs and pick them up. Also be sure to get around and UNDER all garbage cans.
Galley
Clean counter, sink, outside of refrigerator, and stove with 409.
Clean out all leftover food older than 2 days from refrigerator.
Anytime you see dirty dishes in sink wash them regardless of who put them in there. Put them away when dry. Be sure to check sink for anymore dirty dishes before you go off watch!
Wipe inside and outside of microwave being sure to get under turntable with 409.
Dump slop bucket and wipe out with 409.
Change garbage bag.
Sweep and mop being sure to sweep off rugs and pick them up. Also be sure to get around and UNDER all garbage cans.
When everyone who is up is done eating put food away and clean up galley immediately. Those off watch and asleep know how to use a microwave to reheat leftovers.
Lounge
Wipe all tables and seating surfaces with 409.
Keep area neat and organized. Pick up all work-vest, safety glasses, DVD’s, Magazines, ETC. and put in their proper place. Throw away newspapers after 4 days.
Change garbage bag.
Sweep and mop being sure to sweep off rugs and pick them up. Also be sure to get around and UNDER all garbage cans.
Engine Room
Make engine room check once an hour when running. Let the Captain know when you go to make one and when you come back. (P.S. This is a good time to ask the Captain if he needs anything.)
Look for any abnormal oil or water leaks from engine, clutches, or generators.
If any oil on deck wipe up with rag.
If not familiar with boat get with the engineer ASAP to learn how to start and stop engine, and learn how to pump water.
Outside
Walk around cabin and back deck and pick up all trash left on deck.
Put all loose chains, binders, and tools in their proper place if not being used.
Do not leave line lying loose on deck, secure line when not in use.
If not running rinse cabin and bulwarks with freshwater. If running as soon as we tie up at the dock or moor offshore and the weather is not rough rinse the boat down
Wipe down all walls and ceilings with Pinesol or Mr. Clean. Be sure to wipe down all fire extinguishers, top of lights, and anything else not wiped down during your everyday cleaning.
Take all rugs outside and scrub with deck brush and simple green. Rinse until all soap is out and hang up to dry, replace rugs when dry.
Head
Clean shower with comet.
Take down shower curtain and wash in washing machine with bleach.
Take shower mat and board outside and scrub every inch with comet and deck brush.
Replace aluminum foil if used on soap dishes.
Galley
Remove aluminum foil from oven and clean with oven cleaner.
Replace all aluminum foil in oven under eyes and in drip pans.
Take everything out of refrigerator and freezer and wipe down with warm water. Do the same for any other refrigerators on boat.
Organize deep freezers, defrost as needed.
Organize ALL cabinets and pantries around boat.
Dispose of grease in deep fryer and clean out as needed.
Outside
Alternating weeks- Weather and time permitting
a. Spray all rust spots with acid (Royal 57)
b. Wash cabin from top to bottom with simple green or dawn
c. Wash deck and bulwarks from bow to stern with simple green or dawn
Notes:
All of the above is to be done before 6 am if working nights, washing the boat is exempt as this needs to be done during the day. At 6 am you need to be ready for when the platform calls ready to run the field for the day.
If you see something out of place put it up. If it is dirty clean it, even if you’ve already cleaned it for the day. Do not wait to be told to do so.
When cleaning DO NOT mix cleaning chemicals. This can cause deadly fumes or an explosive reaction.
When done with all assigned duties ask the Captain if there is anything else needed to be done.
When you use the last of something out of the fridge please replace it such as lunch meat, bacon, milk, etc.
“I realize though that i hardly know what an OSV does, let alone what i’ll be responsable for as a deckhand. I guess nobody is going to expect me to know how to run the ship myself, everyone had their first day too… I’d appreciate any suggestions, what do you wish you knew before your first day? what did you wish you had thought of to put in your sea bag?”
There must be some tips, tricks and good advice about OSV deck work that some of you guys would like to pass on.
Please share.
Started out with no experience in field. Jemplayer pretty much sums your work on the utility boats. There are only 4 of you on board most of the time. 2 cap’n and 2 deck hands (1 main job eng room the other deck.)
It may sound like a lot of work for one guy but it really isn’t. Remember you are the one leaving stuff laying around on deck. Cap’n is in the wheel house and the other guy is in bed. I started out on a 135’ utility boat and was able to do the daily cleaning in about 35 minutes. Moved up to 160’ boat and it took about 2 hours daily cleaning.
Far as weekly cleaning do 1 thing a day, ie scrub showers mon, wipe walls ties, wipe ceilings we’d. ( get the idea )…
You will burn out trying to do all the weekly cleaning in one or two day and start to dread it, little at a time and it will seem just like daily cleaning.
Now I am on a 280’ and have extra ab’s to help and only clean one level but still do the same. I personally do do believe in a crew change clean up. The boat should always be in a crew change condition.
The other deckhand is gonna have to get up and help you on certain evolutions. YOU are also gonna have to stay up on your offtime and learn from them and this includes getting your butt up when an evolution goes done that you don’t know how to do. Keep a good attitude during the training phase. If you bitch and moan about having to get up on your oddtime to learn you most likely will not have a job long. Ask yourself, why does the other deckhand have to get up when you are on watch to teach you? Should be the other way around.
Just some little inside tips. Small crews have to work harder together then bigger crews.
Ask your cap’n about rinsing the boat down. Freash water is a boats AND yours. Keep the salt off of it much as possible and less rust you will have to contend with. My old company was rinse wheelhouse everyday. It sure made it easy on upkeep.
Now what to bring:
a kindle or books
Laptop
Your directv rcvr if you have one ( lot of boat comp. Don’t pay for prem. Channels or sports packages) I would bring this the 2 nd trip though. See what they have on board plus ask the cap’n. Don’t want to look like you are there to watch tv.
If you like healthy cereal bring the kind you like ( lot of kid cereal in the fleet)
Knee high boots for washing boat. You don’t want to get your workbooks wet and have to work in them.
Figs and dip if you do these. ( people hate bums )
Probably some more but that is all I can think of now beside your normal work cloths, toiletry items and such
ALWAYS keep a rag in yer pocket or a broom in yer hand! If someone comes up while yer screwing off, be quick to use 'em. - old deckhand trick - capt. knows about it ,but should appreciate
the gesture.
You will be basically the maid/janitor/mommy/overall boat bitch. Nothing used to piss me off more than cleaning up after a bunch of slobs years older than me. And then getting chewed out by the capt If I wasn’t Johnny on the spot to clean up after them. At one point I made a sign that said " your mother isn’t on this boat, pick up after your self" no one liked that much. I also don’t agree with picking up and cleaning ash trays since I don’t smoke or clean people’s dishes who are to lazy to clean them themselves. They will sit there till they rot or go over the side.
[QUOTE=KennyW1983;58268] Nothing used to piss me off more than cleaning up after a bunch of slobs years older than me. [/QUOTE]
Nothing STILL pisses me off more than listening to a griping deckhand/tankerman who has -0- license, -0- overall responsibility, -0- experience actually running this sled, griping about how they hate to do their job. I just LOVE hearing how the deckhand could run the boat better than me… except for that ‘pesky’ license part. Oh yeah, The being responsible part. I forgot, The judgement part. But of course the deckhand is more competent than I.
If you don’t want to clean, do sanitary, scrub the head, and soogie the boat… GET A LICENSE and move up. If you aren’t going to either accept responsibility or even be able to accept responsibility then quityerbitchin. Actually this previous sentence is the true test of ability. Often a guy can go get a license. That does NOT mean they can ‘stomach’ the stress of standing their own watch. But a bitching deckhand isn’t even aware of such mundane thoughts. But boy can they tell you what you are doing wrong.
I hope you are at home now, and not on watch. Get back to work!
You got me all wrong. I DO have a license I HAVE moved up I DO have responsibilities. I DO still help the deckhand out with his job because I know what it’s like especially if the guy makes an effort and does a good job. So I guess you are one of those captains who feels the deckhand needs to get chewed out because YOUR cigarette ashes are all over the place or YOU are to lazy to wash your own dishes. All of us are old enough to know we should pick up after ourselves at this point. I had/have no problem cleaning the boat that’s part of the job. My bitch is when you are playing nanny and mommy to a bunch of slobs.
Oh and how’s the weather up there on mount olympus cap’n??
If I were to start washing my own dishes, or making my own bed, there would be a few guys out of work. Everyone has a job and if that job is no longer needed then there would be more guys on the unemployment line.
[QUOTE=brjones;58281]If I were to start washing my own dishes, or making my own bed, there would be a few guys out of work. Everyone has a job and if that job is no longer needed then there would be more guys on the unemployment line.[/QUOTE]
Sure is nice to have a 3 man Stew’s Dept. going deep-sea/SIU!
[QUOTE=KennyW1983;58278]You got me all wrong.
Oh and how’s the weather up there on mount olympus cap’n?? :)[/QUOTE]
No… You have me all wrong.
Maybe you have to learn how to delegate to your deckhands, to make them do the job they are hired for, and actually realize that they are hired for a specific job, not what they ‘want’ to do. This is not about being someone’s slave, but being an integral part of a unit. Not everyone aboard has equal jobs. When was the last time you had help from the deckhand doing chart corrections? Or better yet, if you have a deckhand who actually knows how to proficiently do chart corrections, then maybe he will be your replacement when you get promoted! But to just bitch about cleaning is useless.
I’m not bitching about cleaning. I’m bitching about the lazy slobs who leave a trail of candy wrappers cigarette butts empty coffee cups and half drunk sodas behind them. I’m also coming from a 5 or 4 man tug crew not a big OSV. I also understand every one has their job to do but If you help the deckhand when you can they normally work a little harder and catch the lines a little quicker.
" they normally work a little harder and catch the lines a little quicker. "
That is quite a statement.
I guess we have a different expectation of crew, performance and expectation. Could just be me. But I am suspect; What do you think?
Do you mean that if the deckhand is respected (some how) that he will be a better linehandler? I doubt it. Maybe when you have a few more years experience you will see a difference. But now, I think you need to explain to your deckhand why his job is specific to sanitary. On the other hand… this is part of the growth and understanding of what it takes to become a proficient deckhand.
First off lets put this in perspective. What maid do you know that starts in the $150-$180 a day range? Because that is what a new greenhorn is, a glorified maid. It’s all I expect to be able to know how to do when you step on board for the first time, the list just helps you keep track of every thing you need to do and what I expect.
The rigging, the line handling, the engine room we will help you learn. But if you don’t show me the effort to do the simple job of cleaning, why should I waste my time teaching you the rest because you are not going to be coming back.
This is also not the first time I’ve heard somebody bitch about cleaning the dish’s and ash trays. Just to clarify I expect every one to clean there own dishes, but some times that just doesn’t work out. Plenty of times I sit down to eat lunch and the rig calls and its time to run. So me and the hand on duty hurry up and eat and toss the dishes in the sink. Also when somebody cooks they don’t clean. As for the ash trays, it’s easier to spend 15 seconds cleaning them then hours bitching about it and pissing the captain off. When you’re the boss you can make the decisions.
Your day to day life when not cleaning is really boring. If your not working a production job a lot of your time is spent either running or standing by. So you have 12 hours to clean the boat, but I recommend you start that as soon as you wake up, as you never know what may happen later on your watch and you aren’t able to get to it. If your work a drilling or construction job you don’t have to worry about rigging except to catch the personnel basket. If this is the job I expect you to either hanging out on the back deck or in the wheel house in case the riggers need something you can help them out. Note most of the time the deckhand works the midnight to noon watch. Since it’s only going to take you 2 hours a day to do your work, don’t be afraid to come up to the wheel house and see if the captain needs anything. This goes a long way.
If you are working a production job things are a lot busier. You will be expected to work the deck I.E. rig and be on the stern when swinging guys off and on. The day starts at day break and goes until dusk and sometimes longer if the field starts to shut it. If that happens expect a LONG day.
You’ll also need either learn to catch a line when offshore or tie the boat up when at the dock.
The OSV’s in the Gulf supply the needs of the rigs and production platforms in the Gulf . From the grocery run to bringing out pipe and drilling supplies . I agree with a lot of the Capt.'s on here . Smile do your job to the best of your ability . Be different and try not to complain . This will shock your Capt. more than you know . Worked for me , started 4 years ago and with the help of my Capt.'s I’m running Mate know . Remember your on his boat not the last boat . Famous phases " on the C Clipper we do it like this " . Bad way to start unless your on the C Clipper . It’s ok to bring new ideas on how to do things just don’t bring another boat into . Lol.
[QUOTE=B ry;58362]. Remember your on his boat not the last boat . Famous phases " on the C Clipper we do it like this " . Bad way to start unless your on the C Clipper . It’s ok to bring new ideas on how to do things just don’t bring another boat into . Lol.[/QUOTE]
I learned that lesson the hard way on my second boat i never had a chance to earn my captains respect talking like that…
thanks for all the info, and the banter is entertaining too. not much is going to scare me away from giving this a shot, i’d do a lot worse than scrub toilets and clean ashtrays for the pay and time off offered to me, so i think this might work out.
i never had a chance to earn my captains respect talking like that…