MARITIME APPRENTICE (DECKHAND/TANKERMAN)

The commercial maritime industry isn’t for everyone. Hours are long, rotations keep you away from home, conditions are challenging, but there are significant opportunities to grow into a rewarding career.

A Maritime apprenticeship provides an individual (with little or no maritime experience) a full-time job while offering relevant training and experience needed to progress to higher skilled positions

WHAT IS A DECKHAND?

A Deckhand is an entry level position on a maritime vessel that does not require work experience.

However, a good work ethic and willingness to learn is a must. Deckhands attach and remove lines and cables to and from the vessel, barges, docks and locks. They maintain vessel by performing scheduled maintenance and housekeeping such as sweeping, washing the vessel, chipping rusted metal, priming and painting. Some time is spent making minor repairs using tools such as hammers, fire axes and ratchets, hand winches, stripping pumps, needle guns and grinders. Crew members perform other duties as assigned by the vessel officer (examples: cooking, cleaning and washing clothes).

STARTING SALARY: $31,876 plus benefits (medical/dental/vision/401k, etc.)

Deckhands are typically promoted to Tankerman Trainee within 6 to 9 months. While this is initially a relatively small increase in compensation it provides an apprentice the opportunity to receive continued pay increases and puts them on a path to become a Senior Tankerman in 18 to 30 months.

WHAT IS A TANKERMAN?

The Primary function of the Tankerman is to prepare the barges that are assigned to his boat for safe and complete loading and discharging of oil, refined and petrochemical cargoes. The Tankerman is responsible for making certain that any and all federal and state required documents that must accompany the barges is on board and in proper order. The Tankerman must communicate with dock personnel and ensure that each person participating in the transfer of product understands what the product is and how it should be transferred and protected. The Tankerman must also participate in the maintenance of the boat and barges while assisting with the training of newly hired employees aspiring to become Tankerman. The Tankerman must handle lines and rigging during tow building, locking and docking activities. The Tankerman normally works a rotating six-hour on and six-hour off watch schedule but is occasionally required to work additional hours not to exceed fifteen consecutive hours without rest.

As tankerman trainees meets the requirements for promotion, they can become a Tankerman in 6 to 9 months

TANKERMAN SALARY: $34,797 - $41,123 plus benefits (medical/dental/vision/401k, etc.)

As a Tankerman meets the requirements for promotion, they_ _can become a Senior Tankerman in 12 to 24 months______

Senior Tankerman Salary: $66,430 - $81,030 plus benefits (medical/dental/vision/401k, etc.)

CONTINUED GROWTH

The industry provides significant opportunities for growth after becoming a senior Tankerman. Individuals who meet expectations can go on to become a Steersman, Pilot, or a Captain.

LIFE ON A MARITIME VESSEL

It is important to understand typical work rotation is a 2 to 1 schedule up to 30 days on and 15 days off. A work day consists of 12-hour shift (often broken into 2 x 6-hour shifts) of performing work and watch duties in all weather conditions. Crew must be able live and work in close quarters and able to spend a length of time away from family. Apprentices must be willing and able to attend required training on and off scheduled work time.

ABOUT ACS

ACS sponsor’s a DOL Registered Apprenticeship programs for occupations in multiple industries. ACS is partnered with the premier tank barge operator in the United States, transporting bulk liquid products throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, along all three U.S. Coasts, and in Alaska and Hawaii.

ACS places apprentices into positions as Deckhands and assists in progressing these individuals into a Tankermen positions. Additionally, ACS works with workforce agencies and community organizations to provide supportive services to individuals starting a new career. ACS is committed to enhancing lives through meaningful employment.

VETERANS

By participating in an apprenticeship, eligible veterans can utilize GI Bill benefits to receive a monthly housing allowance on top of earning competitive wages and benefits. All training and credentials are sponsored by employers and workforce system.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Attach and remove line and cables to and from the vessel, barges, docks and locks
• Handle lines 4 to 8 times during loading and discharging in order to adjust for the changing height of the barge, relative to the height of other barges, the dock and the vessel
• Maintain vessel by performing scheduled maintenance and housekeeping such as sweeping, washing the vessel, chipping rusted metal, priming and painting
• Make minor repairs using tools such as hammers, fire axes and ratchets, hand winches, stripping pumps, needle guns and grinders
• Perform other duties as assigned by the vessel master (examples: cooking, cleaning and washing clothes)

SAFETY

• Inland Deckhands are responsible for supporting the vessel master in the safe and efficient operation of boats and barges.
• Apprentices are responsible for the adherence to safety rules, and safety instructions from Managers and Supervisors as a requirement for employment.

QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE 

• No maritime experience is required.
• Work experience performing physical demanding job in challenging work conditions.
• Basic computer skills knowledge required.

EDUCATION

• High School or GED required

WORK CONDITIONS

• Work schedule and hours determined by boat. Typical work schedule is a 2 for 1 schedule up to 30 days, with a 12 hour work shift.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather outdoor, heat and cold
• Must be able live and work in close quarters and able to spend a length of time away from family
• Must be willing and able to attend paid required training on and off scheduled work time.
• Must have reliable transportation and be able to drive to/from company defined hub cities.

COMPENSATION

Initial starting wage $131/DAY, PLUS BENEFITS (MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION/401K, ETC.)

Apprentice receives regular pay increases as the following are achieved:

• Gains mandatory experience (days on vessel and or performed specific tasks)
• Completion of specific training
• Pass deck performance assessments
• Recommended by Captain of Vessels

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Be able to OBTAIN a TWIC card during selection process
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must not have a DWI or DUI in the last three years
• Must not have more than 2 moving driving violations in the last 3 years
• Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements (CG-719K) and as found in 46 CFR Part 15
• Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel, as found in 46 CFR Part 15
• Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements
• Must be able to pass company requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C Benzene
• Valid state issued birth certificate required.
• Valid social security card required
• Must be 18 years of age
• Cannot have any criminal charges pending or be on probation
• Must be able to read and write English
• Ability to understand written and verbal orders
• Must not be color blind

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Walk – Must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day
• Step - Must be able to step 2ft vertical and 2ft horizontal
• Reach - Must be able to extend arms fully throughout a normal range of motion both in a horizontal and vertical plane (i.e., throwing and catching lines)
• Climb - Must be able to climb a 90 degree vertical ladder 25-30 feet
• Grip/Hold/Pull – Must be able to grip, hold and pull 50lbs.
• Lift – Must be able to lift 50-75lbs. and carry it approximately 500 feet
• Vision - Color vision and eyesight must be sufficient to pass an eye test as required to obtain a merchant mariners document. This requires an uncorrected vision of at least 20/200 in each eye corrected to 20/40 in each eye
• Hearing – Must meet minimum standards, as per USCG requirements
• Speech - Must be able to verbally communicate in the English language both in delivery and ability to be understood using handheld radios or other devices, as required
• Smell – Must possess a sense of smell to be able to detect the presence of potentially dangerous vapors
• Pulmonary Functions - Must pass a pulmonary function test with a minimum score of 80%
• General - Must be able to enter and exit hatches/doorways quickly in case of emergency.
• Equipment - Must be able to wear a negative or positive pressure respirator, PVC foul weather gear.
• Minute escape pack, rubber gloves and boots. Ability to use firefighting / spill containment equipment