A deckhand is a sailor, or mariner who helps with the various operations it takes to run a ship. The vast majority of deckhand jobs are for vessels used in a commercial operation. Though some larger private ships may have deckhands as well. In addition to helping with the day-to-day operation of the vessel, deckhands may also be responsible for safety and security.

The jobs a deckhand performs vary greatly, depending upon the ship, and the experience level of the individual. Those just starting out on a ship may be mainly responsible for looking after lines used to moor the ship to the dock, and general maintenance duties such as painting, and cleaning. In fact, cleaning may account for most of what a deckhand does until he or she gains more experience.

Most deckhands aspire to do more than the monotonous tasks of cleaning the ship, and handling lines. Therefore, many will take turns on the bridge, learning from more experienced sailors and operators. In time, deckhands may spend time at the wheel of the ship, relieving others who have done a shift. In such cases, deckhands will usually only handle a ship when it is in open water and requires less skill to navigate safely.

Some deckhands on vessels that carry passengers will also perform customer service duties.In addition, they will be responsible for all the other duties associated with the job, including cleaning up the boat at the end of the trip, and making sure it is secured once back at the docks.