How to Hire Deckhands: A Practical Guide for Small Business Owners

Let’s be honest—finding the right people to hire deckhands can feel a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially if you’re running a small operation or a seasonal business. Whether you’re looking to hire boat crew for a fishing charter, a tour boat, or a work barge, the stakes are high. The right deckhand keeps your boat running smoothly, your customers happy, and your business afloat—sometimes literally. So, how do you recruit deckhands who are reliable, skilled, and ready to work hard? Let’s break it down, with a few digressions and real-world tips along the way.

Understanding the Role: What Makes a Great Deckhand?

Key Qualities to Look For

Before you start your deckhand recruitment process, it’s worth thinking about what you actually need. Sure, experience is great, but attitude and work ethic often matter more. According to research on low turnover in service industries, hiring for attitude and training for skill can pay off big time. For deckhands, look for:

• Physical stamina and comfort with manual labor
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
• Basic safety awareness and willingness to learn
• Flexibility—because weather and tides don’t care about your schedule

Honestly, if you find someone who’s eager to learn and shows up on time, you’re halfway there. If you want more on what makes a committed employee, check out these five traits of committed employees.

Certifications and Legal Requirements

Depending on your location and the type of vessel, you may need to ensure your maritime workers have certain certifications—like a TWIC card, STCW training, or first aid. The Department of Labor has guidelines on recordkeeping, and you’ll want to stay compliant to avoid headaches down the line. For more on compliance and saving on legal fees, see how Workstream’s platform can help you keep your paperwork in order.

Where to Find and Recruit Deckhands

Modern Sourcing Strategies

Gone are the days when you could just hang a sign at the marina and hope for the best. Today, successful deckhand recruitment means meeting candidates where they are—often online. Consider:

• Posting on specialized job boards and maritime forums
• Using social media—yes, even Instagram can help you find hourly workers
• Partnering with local maritime schools or training programs
• Leveraging hiring automation tools to streamline the process

And don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Many boat staff jobs are filled through referrals, so keep your network warm. If you’re new to digital recruiting, here are some top digital recruiting strategies to expand your reach.

Crafting the Right Job Posting

Your job ad is your first impression. Be clear about the duties, pay, schedule, and any perks (like meals or overnight accommodations). For inspiration, check out these job posting examples and creative tips to make your job posting stand out. And if you’re hiring for a seasonal rush, don’t forget to mention it—some folks love the idea of a summer on the water.

Screening, Interviewing, and Onboarding Boat Staff

Screening for Fit and Safety

Once you’ve got a stack of applications, it’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff. Automated screening tools, like those offered by Workstream, can help you quickly identify candidates who meet your must-haves. For more on how automation can save you hours per week, see these hiring statistics.

When it comes to interviews, focus on situational questions—“What would you do if a passenger fell overboard?”—and look for calm, practical answers. For more on effective interviewing, check out motivational interviewing techniques and cultural fit interview questions.

Onboarding: Setting Up for Success

Onboarding is more than paperwork—it’s about setting expectations and building trust. A smooth onboarding process can reduce turnover and help new hires feel like part of the crew from day one. For practical onboarding templates, see these onboarding templates. And if you want to see how digital onboarding can cut your admin time, learn more about Workstream’s onboarding tools.

Retention, Compliance, and the Human Side of Maritime Hiring

Keeping Your Deckhands Happy (and Onboard)

High turnover is a real pain—just ask anyone in the restaurant or hospitality business. The same goes for maritime workers. According to industry research on turnover, the cost of losing a front-line worker can be thousands of dollars. So, what keeps people around?

• Fair pay and clear schedules—nobody likes last-minute changes
• Opportunities for training or advancement
• Respect and open communication
• Benefits, even small ones, can make a big difference (see how benefits impact retention)

If you’re struggling with turnover, you’re not alone. Here’s a deep dive into what causes turnover in hospitality and how to fix high turnover. And for a look at how technology can help, see how Gap gave employees more control over their schedules.

Compliance and Recordkeeping

Let’s not sugarcoat it—compliance is a headache, but it’s non-negotiable. You need to keep accurate records of hours, pay, and certifications. The Department of Labor’s recordkeeping guide is a must-read. If you want to avoid costly mistakes, consider using a platform that automates compliance and recordkeeping, like Workstream.

Conclusion: Building a Strong Boat Crew for the Long Haul

Hiring deckhands isn’t just about filling a spot on your boat—it’s about building a team you can trust when the weather turns rough or the tourists get cranky. If you ask me, investing a little extra time in your deckhand recruitment process pays off in smoother operations and fewer headaches down the line. Use technology to your advantage, stay compliant, and treat your crew with respect. And if you’re ready to make your next hire, Workstream is built to help small businesses like yours find, onboard, and retain the best maritime workers out there.

Further Reading and Resources

• Learn more about hiring automation for hourly workers
• Explore restaurant hiring tips (many apply to boats, too!)
• Discover traits of committed employees
• See how schedule control boosts retention
• Contact Workstream for more info or a demo