In this article, we’ll look at the best practices for onboarding your new Ship Deck Hand. We’ll look at the employee onboarding process/steps you can add to your own reusable Ship Deck Hand checklist.
Need help with onboarding new Maritime team members? See the templates and resources we recommend for successful onboarding experiences.
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Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Ship Deck Hand starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Maritime onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Ship Deck Hand, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Ship Deck Hand onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
1. Safety Training: The ship deck hand must undergo comprehensive safety training to ensure they are aware of the potential hazards and safety protocols on board. This training is typically conducted by the company’s safety officer or a designated safety trainer.
2. Familiarization with Ship Layout: The deck hand needs to become familiar with the layout of the ship, including the various decks, compartments, and equipment locations. This task is usually performed by a senior deck hand or the ship’s first mate.
3. Introduction to Ship’s Equipment: The deck hand should receive an introduction to the ship’s equipment, such as cranes, winches, ropes, and life-saving appliances. This task is typically performed by a senior deck hand or the ship’s bosun.
4. Understanding Emergency Procedures: It is crucial for the deck hand to understand the ship’s emergency procedures, including fire drills, abandon ship drills, and man overboard procedures. This training is usually conducted by the ship’s safety officer or a designated safety trainer.
5. Learning Knots and Rope Work: The deck hand should receive training on various knots and rope work techniques used on board. This training is typically provided by a senior deck hand or the ship’s bosun.
6. Cargo Handling: The deck hand needs to learn how to handle different types of cargo, including loading, securing, and unloading procedures. This training is usually provided by the ship’s cargo officer or a designated cargo handler.
7. Maintenance and Cleaning Duties: The deck hand should be familiarized with their maintenance and cleaning duties, such as painting, cleaning decks, and general upkeep of the ship. This task is typically assigned by the ship’s chief engineer or a designated maintenance supervisor.
8. Navigation and Watchkeeping: The deck hand should receive training on basic navigation principles, watchkeeping duties, and lookout responsibilities. This training is usually provided by the ship’s navigation officer or a designated watchkeeping officer.
9. Understanding International Regulations: The deck hand needs to be familiar with international maritime regulations, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. This training is typically conducted by the ship’s captain or a designated officer.
10. Communication and Radio Procedures: The deck hand should learn proper communication and radio procedures to effectively communicate with other crew members and shore authorities. This training is usually provided by the ship’s communication officer or a designated radio operator.
11. Environmental Awareness: The deck hand should receive training on environmental awareness, including waste management, pollution prevention, and adherence to environmental regulations. This training is typically conducted by the ship’s environmental officer or a designated environmental trainer.
12. First Aid and Medical Training: The deck hand should undergo basic first aid and medical training to be prepared for medical emergencies on board. This training is usually provided by the ship’s medical officer or a designated medical trainer.
13. Security and Anti-Piracy Measures: The deck hand needs to understand security protocols and anti-piracy measures to ensure the safety of the ship and crew. This training is typically conducted by the ship’s security officer or a designated security trainer.
14. Teamwork and Communication Skills: The deck hand should receive training on effective teamwork and communication skills to foster a positive working environment on board. This training is usually provided by the ship’s captain or a designated crew management officer.
15. Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Training: The deck hand should undergo cultural sensitivity and diversity training to promote respect and understanding among crew members from different backgrounds. This training is typically conducted by the ship’s human resources department or a designated diversity trainer.
16. Company Policies and Procedures: The deck hand needs to be familiar with the company’s policies and procedures, including code of conduct, disciplinary procedures, and reporting mechanisms. This information is typically provided by the ship’s human resources department or a designated company representative.
17. Onboard Documentation and Record-Keeping: The deck hand should learn how to maintain accurate documentation and records related to their duties, such as logbooks, maintenance records, and incident reports. This training is usually provided by the ship’s chief officer or a designated record-keeping officer.
18. Physical Fitness and Health: The deck hand should be encouraged to maintain physical fitness and good health to cope with the physical demands of the job. This task is typically emphasized by the ship’s captain or a designated health and wellness officer.
19. Introduction to Crew Welfare Facilities: The deck hand should be introduced to the ship’s crew welfare facilities, such as recreational areas, gymnasiums, and internet access points. This task is typically performed by a senior deck hand or the ship’s welfare officer.
20. Ongoing Professional Development: The deck hand should be encouraged to pursue ongoing professional development opportunities, such as additional training courses or certifications, to enhance their skills and career prospects. This task is typically supported by the ship’s captain or a designated training coordinator
From reading through the items in the example Ship Deck Hand checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Ship Deck Hand up to speed and working well in your Maritime team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.
