Deckhand resume template
A clean starting structure with example content grounded in what deckhands actually do day to day, not generic filler. Download and replace the bracketed placeholders with your own details.
Which resume format should you use?
Reverse chronological
You have a steady work history. This is the format almost every recruiter and ATS expects by default.
Functional
You're changing fields or have gaps in your employment. Leads with skills rather than a job-by-job timeline.
Combination
You're early career or have worked consistently but for only a few employers. Blends a skills summary with a shorter chronological history.
This template uses the reverse chronological format: the one most deckhands should default to, since most Australian recruiters and ATS software expect it.
Professional summary
Deckhand with hands-on experience in deck maintenance, cargo handling and mooring operations on commercial and passenger vessels. Comfortable working under the direction of the Master and deck officers in variable sea conditions, with a strong focus on safety procedures and equipment care. Physically fit and reliable in demanding shift and roster patterns typical of maritime work.
Key skills
- Winch and davit operation
- Cargo securing (lashing, turnbuckles, cargo nets)
- Deck maintenance (pressure washing, painting, corrosion control)
- Mooring and unmooring procedures
- Worksite safety management
- Radio communication systems
- Hand and power tool use
- PPE compliance (lifejackets, harnesses)
Experience: example bullet points
- Operated winches and cargo-handling equipment under supervision to load, stow and secure freight, maintaining an incident-free cargo record across voyages
- Assisted with mooring and unmooring at berths in variable weather, supporting safe and timely turnarounds
- Maintained deck surfaces, railings and safety equipment through scheduled cleaning, painting and repair, reducing wear-related faults reported to the bridge
- Monitored weather and sea state throughout watch periods, reporting hazards to the bridge promptly to support safe passage decisions
- Secured mixed cargo using ropes, chains, turnbuckles and lashing systems in line with vessel stability and safe working load requirements
Education
Typical pathway is Year 12 or equivalent, followed by AMSA-accredited STCW basic safety training and progression toward a Coxswain or Master <24m ticket; many deckhands also hold a Certificate II or III in Maritime Operations and an MED (Marine Engine Driver) qualification.
Keywords an ATS is likely to scan for
Applicant tracking systems match your resume against terms in the job ad before a person ever sees it. Only include the ones that actually apply to your experience, but if a term below matches something you've done, use the same wording the job ad uses.
- AMSA
- STCW basic safety training
- Coxswain Grade 1/2
- MED3
- National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV)
- Marine Order 505
- Safe Work Method Statement
- deckhand
- able seafarer
- mooring
- winch operation
- cargo lashing
- PPE
- seatime
Getting past ATS screening
- Match the specific skills, certifications and terms used in the job ad, not just your own wording for the same thing.
- Keep formatting simple: no tables, text boxes, columns, headers/footers or graphics. Parsers frequently drop content placed in these.
- Submit as .docx or PDF unless the job ad specifies otherwise.
- Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills) rather than creative alternatives.
- List your core skills and technical competencies in their own section so a keyword scan can find them instantly.
This is a starting point, not a guarantee of interviews. Tailor every bullet point to your own real experience and the specific job ad.