What will you do?
You start the ship's engines and pumps, keep watch over the navigation and couple and uncouple vessels. You handle the mooring and casting off, load and unload the ship and carry out daily maintenance on the vessel and its equipment. The role is also known as inland navigation crew member or bargeman.
- Start the ship's engines and pumps
- Keep watch over the navigation of the vessel
- Couple and uncouple vessels
- Handle the mooring and casting off of the ship
- Load and unload the ship
- Carry out daily and technical maintenance on the vessel
- Take emergency measures in case of an incident
Skills to develop
- Ability to swim and good physical condition for deck work
- Practical maintenance skills for engines and nautical equipment
- Alertness and a safety-minded attitude on and around the water
- Willingness to live and work on board for longer stretches
Your foundation for this occupation
Choose recognised inland-navigation training and clarify the entry role. Deckhand and qualified ratings are not merely alternative titles. Check training, service record book and medical conditions. Record service and practice correctly for progression.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Learn onboard organisation and assigned tasks under supervision. Understand manoeuvring communication without taking the master's responsibility. Keep maintenance and observations clear. Ask how independent competence is assessed.
Check your work
Check equipment and work through onboard procedures. Report issues and hand over ongoing tasks. Ensure practice and service records are accurate; days alone are insufficient without demonstrable experience.
How can you grow?
Progress through required experience and qualifications. Compare cargo, passengers, accommodation and rotation. Ask about waterways, rest, deck versus maintenance work and travel to the vessel.
Frequently asked questions
Are entry deckhand and qualified sailor the same?
No. Titles correspond to different qualifications and conditions. Ask which role appears in your documents and the pathway onward; verify with an approved trainer or authority.