Also called: Towboat Deckhand
Handles the heavy lines and deck work on a tug or towboat.
Deckhands throw and catch the thick lines connecting tugs to ships, maintain equipment, cook and clean, and learn the wheelhouse on the side. Many work 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Merchant Mariner Credential, TWIC card, and basic safety training.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Seamanship (union or company training).
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Throwing and securing heavy lines next to moving ships is physical, safety-critical work.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to harbor tug companies; get your TWIC and Merchant Mariner Credential First: USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and TWIC card (often 4+ weeks); most companies hire 18+
Classes: Physical education, Shop class, Health.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.