Deck Hand (Casual)

Pulama Lanai|Lanai City, HI|Part-time|Mid-Senior level

Job Description

The Deck Hand will assist in the operation and maintenance of the vessel, ensuring safety and efficiency of daily operations. This role includes handling lines, maintaining deck equipment, assisting navigation, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, the deck hand will assist with guest services and safety during various charter activities including snorkel, dinner cruises, fishing excursions, seasonal whale watches, scuba charters etc.

Compensation

$17.00-$22.00/hour (non-exempt). This is a Casual position.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to: Captain and Dive Manager

Supervises: n/a

Quality Standards

  • Conduct individual and business affairs in highest ethical and legal fashion.
  • Establish and contribute to a supportive, creative, enthusiastic, and cooperative working environment for all.
  • Build strong communication links with supervisors, peers, and employees.
  • Continuously strive for excellence in the workplace, the Company environment, and as a Company representative.
  • Comply with all Company policies and standards.
  • Conducts business in alignment with the Mission, Vision, and Values of Pūlama Lāna‘i.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties

  • Operate and maintain deck equipment and machinery.
  • Assist with mooring and unmooring the vessel.
  • Perform routine inspections and maintenance of the vessels deck and equipment.
  • Assist in navigating and steering the vessel as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
  • Assist guests during snorkeling charters, dinner cruises, fishing excursions, and scuba charter, etc. ensuring their safety and satisfaction.
  • Participates in all safety briefings and assist with emergency procedures as required.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the deck area.
  • Support the crew and captain in various task to ensure smooth operation of daily activities.
  • Assists with dry dock requirements (off island work/maintenance).
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualification/Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School diploma or equivalent, required.
  • Previous experience in the marine environment or customer service, preferred.
  • Must be a strong swimmer and proficient in the ocean.
  • Ability to work in a physical environment.
  • Basic knowledge of maritime safety protocols.
  • Requires relating to people in a friendly and professional manner.
  • Requires excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Requires working to the established procedures and maintaining reliable work attendance.
  • Requires the ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Able to think and make effective decisions quickly.
  • Ability to create effective working relationships with employees.
  • Must be able to maintain a positive attitude and work under pressure.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Required Work Cards/Certifications

  • CPR Certification
  • Lifeguard Certification
  • Liquor Card
  • Food handlers Card

Physical Requirements

  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
  • Lifting and carrying heavy equipment (e.g., anchor, ropes, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, dive tanks/gear).
  • Pulling lines and assisting with sails, mooring, or securing the vessel.
  • Ability to endure long hours on your feet, especially during tours or when working in challenging weather conditions.
  • The ability to handle ropes, knots, and sailing gear effectively.
  • Skill in managing equipment like snorkeling or fishing gear, ensuring smooth operations for passengers.
  • Ability to move quickly and safely around the boat, especially in changing conditions, such as rough seas.
  • Maintaining balance while working on the deck, which may be uneven or slippery, especially when wet or windy.
  • Ability to work under various weather conditions, including heat, rain, and strong winds.
  • Exposure to sun and saltwater, which requires resilience and preparation for potential fatigue or dehydration.
  • Be physically prepared to respond quickly to emergencies, such as man-overboard situations, medical incidents, or evacuation procedures.
  • The ability to swim in case of an emergency, often a required skill for deckhands working on water-based vessels.
  • Frequent bending, kneeling, and crouching to secure lines, assist guests, or perform maintenance tasks on the boat.
  • Good overall physical health to handle the physical demands of the job, especially when lifting, climbing ladders, or performing manual repairs.

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

AI Sourcing Intelligence

Sourcing Advice for This Role

AI-powered analysis of recruitment difficulty and recommended sourcing channels for this position.

Recruitment Difficulty Analysis

Key challenge: The Deck Hand role requires on-deck maritime certifications, physical stamina, and guest-service capability, all in a remote, smallIsland labor market on Lanai. Coupled with part-time, seasonal hours and modest pay, attracting qualified candidates willing to relocate or commute to Lanai is difficult.

Recommended Sourcing Channels

LinkedIn Groups

Best Channel

Niche maritime and hospitality roles on Hawaii islands are best reached via targeted groups; groups enable direct access to candidate pools already interested in deckhand and charter work.

Recommended Groups on StrategyBrain:

LinkedIn Search (Boolean)

Supplementary

Boolean search widens reach to passive candidates with relevant deckhand and maritime experience beyond groups and events.

Recommended Boolean query:
(Deck Hand OR Deckhand OR Vessel Crew) AND Lanai AND Hawaii(Lifeguard OR CPR) AND (Deck OR Vessel) AND Hawaii(Mid OR Senior OR Experienced) AND Deckhand AND Charter AND Hawaii

Suggested Search Criteria

Job Titles to Search
Deck HandDeckhandBoat CrewVessel Crew MemberCharter Boat Staff
Key Skills
Maritime Safety ProtocolsLifeguard CertificationCPRGuest ServicesMooring and Line Handling
Location Radius
Prioritize candidates located in Hawaii or willing to relocate to Lanai; expand search to Maui, Oahu, Big Island, and Kauai to access seasonal workers and residents willing to relocate for island-based charter work.
Experience Level
2-5 years Prioritize candidates with deckhand or boat crew experience on charter vessels, plus proven customer service and safety training, including Lifeguard/CPR.

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