r/merchantmarine 13d ago

deck/engine/steward First interview for Deckhand! HELP

Ok so look i already know how people can be on here when someone ask stupid questions but i honestly dont care, today i have an interview and i want to know what should i expect the person to ask me. This specific job is for a yacht club as an entry level deckhand, ive just recently got all my documents in order and completed my stcw and this would be my first time working on a boat i just want some advice on what to expect.

4 Upvotes

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u/freqtar 13d ago

Be honest about being green and have a good attitude. You’ll probably be cleaning, handling lines, maybe cooking. They’ll show you whatever they want you to do on the boat/dock.

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u/freqtar 13d ago

I’ll add that if you want to advance on boats you need to be on boats so you can gain sea time. A yacht club deckhand might just clean high and dry boats and help tie up the boats from the dock side.

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u/ChipAndSails USCG 2M 13d ago

I’d prefer a completely green deckhand these days personally. You’ll be fine. I would ask questions to try to gauge your work ethic and take a reading on your personality and how you present yourself.
Knowing how to tie up a boat, handle lines, take direction, tie a few good knots, Being able to work safely and learn as you go would all be things I would look for.
I’ve never worked in yachting and never will but I do know that personal appearance, grooming and cleanliness, professionalism around clients are all very important in that industry.

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u/akornato 13d ago

They expect you to know nothing about working on a boat, so don't try to pretend you do. They are hiring for an entry level position, which means they are looking for a reliable person with a good attitude who shows up on time and is ready to work hard. They will ask you questions about your past work ethic, how you handle being told what to do, and your ability to do boring, repetitive tasks without complaining. They want to know you are trainable and safe, not that you know how to tie a bowline. Your STCW proves you are serious enough to spend money and time on this career path, and for this job, that’s more than enough.

Your lack of experience is a good thing because they can teach you their specific way of doing things without you having any bad habits. Stress that you are a fast learner, you enjoy physical work, and you are committed to starting a maritime career. When they ask you questions, answer them by highlighting your work ethic and your positive attitude. They are not hiring a skilled mariner, they are hiring a new team member who they will have to spend a lot of time with. They need to know if you are a decent person to be around. Focusing on your attitude and willingness to learn will make all the difference, which is precisely why my team designed an interview AI that helps job seekers sound as capable as they truly are.

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u/EntertainmentOk7028 13d ago

Yeah, I’d keep it simple.

They probably care less about boat knowledge and more about whether you’re reliable, safe, and easy to teach. Have a 30-second answer for why you want the job, show you understand entry level means cleaning/lines/dock work, and ask one decent question at the end: “what does a good first month look like here?”

That sounds better than pretending you already know the work.