Deckhand
- Company: BC Ferries
- Location: Nanaimo, BC, Canada
- Work mode: On-site
- Job type: Full-Time
- Posted: 2026-11-03
JOB DESCRIPTION
DECKHAND
Nanaimo
The Opportunity
We are seeking a customer-minded individual who plays a critical role in vessel operations and safety.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Officer/Mate, Deckhands are responsible for:
* Directing vehicle and foot passenger traffic on the vessel, and to and from shore to the vessel;
* Communicating in person and/or by radio with ship officers and ticketing staff;
* Checking propane tanks are shut off and properly tagged;
* Securing vehicle decks and passenger gates prior to departure;
* Carrying out general ship husbandry, cleaning, and maintenance duties of the vessel interior and exterior, including garbage pickup, cleaning mess rooms, stairwells and interior windows, moving heavy stores, chipping and scraping surfaces, and painting;
* Patrolling the vessel for unusual situations, potential safety hazards, and passenger compliance with regulations; standing fog, bridge, or anchor watch; steering the vessel under the direction of a Deck Officer when serving as Quartermaster; and maintaining a constant lookout for marine traffic and navigational hazards;
* Performing additional duties as assigned, including standing by anchors during docking, participating in fire and boat drills, performing emergency duties, conducting self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and firefighting checkoffs, vehicle counts, assisting with annual refits and life raft exchanges, spreading salt, splicing rope, taking inventory, and changing navigation lights.
What You Bring to the Team
This position requires Marine Emergency Duties Training – STCW Basic Safety (MED A1 and MED B2) and Proficiency in Survival Craft (MED B1). You must be able to react safely and effectively during emergencies and direct and control vehicles and passengers. You possess a working knowledge of safe work practices and seamanship and have the ability to climb ladders, handle ship lines, and move heavy objects.
Preference may be given to applicants who hold a Bridge Watch Rating or higher certificate. Applicants must hold a valid Seafarers’ Medical Certificate.
Join Us!
If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by November 17, 2026. Please ensure you upload any relevant certificates you currently hold during the application process.
"We sail to serve and connect the people and the coast of BC.”.
At BC Ferries, our people are at the heart of delivering safe and reliable service along 1,600 km of coastline. Every day, we connect communities and move tens of thousands of passengers and vehicles across our 25 routes through the dedication, expertise and hard work of our teams. Guided by a shared commitment to safety, service, inclusion and local commitment, we offer meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a positive impact. Whether you work onboard our vessels, in our terminals or behind the scenes, you'll play an important role in connecting people, supporting communities, and keeping coastal BC moving. We support employment equity and diversity in the workplace and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
COMPANY
About Us:
For 65 years, we have been dedicated to providing safe and efficient travel to our customers.
Our role as a ferry transportation provider goes beyond getting passengers from point A to B. With 25 routes throughout the west coast of BC, we serve as advocates for the coastal environment and communities where we operate.
Operations began in 1960 with just two ferries providing service on a single route. Today we have 37 ferries moving more than 22.7 million passengers and 9.7 million vehicles every year.