Miscellaneous Labourers

How to become a Deck Hand

Also called: Marine General Purpose Hand

Performs a range of maintenance and lookout tasks and operates deck equipment aboard a marine vessel.

Main tasks

Operates and maintains deck equipment, rigging, and lifesaving and firefighting equipment
Handles and secures lines and ropes during docking procedures
Keeps lookout while vessel is at sea
Assists passengers with enquiries and luggage needs
Assists with loading and unloading cargo
Maintains the appearance of deck structures by removing rust, treating and painting as necessary
Maintains a vessel's kitchens, laundries, cabins and recreation areas
Assists in maintaining cleanliness and seaworthiness of a vessel
May serve food and drinks onboard a passenger vessel
May perform routine mechanical tasks on smaller vessels
May perform routine mechanical tasks on smaller vessels.

Ways in

TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Fishing Operations (SFI30219); Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) (MAR30220); Certificate II in Fishing Operations (SFI20219); Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Chief Integrated Rating) (MAR40121); Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal) (MAR10424); Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) (MAR10224)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Typical full-time pay: $89,440 a year
About 6,300 people work in this job group now, and about 6,500 are projected by 2035. (+3%)
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Deck Hand?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Fishing Operations; Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating).

How much does a Deck Hand earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $89,440 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Deck Hand a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 6,300 to about 6,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Deck Hand?

Usually not. Only 10% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Fishing Operations; Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating).

Will AI change the work of a Deck Hand?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04