Transportation

To Become Deckhand in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
11 min read

Are you drawn to the water and the idea of building a hands-on career in Ontario’s marine sector? If you like physical work, teamwork, and the Great Lakes lifestyle, working as a Deckhand could be a strong fit for you.

Job Description

A deckhand is an entry-level crew member who supports safe operations on commercial vessels. In Ontario, you find deckhands on Great Lakes bulk carriers, tankers, tugboats, barges, tour boats, and ferries (including provincial and municipal ferries). You work under the direction of senior crew (Bosun, Mate, Master) and help keep the vessel clean, secure, and ready to sail.

Daily work activities

Your work depends on the vessel type and season, but you can expect to:

  • Stand lookout and assist the bridge team during navigation.
  • Handle mooring lines during arrivals and departures at ports and Locks.
  • Assist with cargo operations (e.g., securing hatches, monitoring loading/unloading).
  • Perform routine Maintenance: chipping, painting, Cleaning, and minor repairs.
  • Carry out Safety rounds and equipment checks (e.g., fire extinguishers, liferafts).
  • Help in emergency drills (fire, abandon ship, man overboard).
  • Support deck machinery operations (winches, cranes) under Supervision.
  • Keep passages and decks tidy to prevent slips and trips.
  • On ferries and passenger vessels, assist customers and follow passenger safety procedures.

Most Great Lakes vessels operate on a watch schedule (often 6 hours on/6 hours off). Work is physically demanding and takes place in all weather.

Main tasks (at a glance)

  • Mooring/unmooring and line handling
  • Lookout duties and helmsman tasks (as trained/authorized)
  • Deck maintenance, cleaning, and painting
  • Assist with cargo gear, hatches, and deck machinery
  • Participate in safety drills and equipment checks
  • Respond to alarms and follow emergency procedures
  • Support passenger safety on ferries and tour boats
  • Follow company safety policies and Transport Canada rules

Required Education

You can start your deckhand career without a university degree. In Ontario, many employers hire motivated candidates who have the right safety Training, medical clearance, and work ethic. You can later build qualifications to move into roles like Able Seafarer (Deck), Bosun, or start officer training (navigation or engineering).

Diplomas and certifications

  • High school: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent is typically required.
  • Mandatory marine safety training (Transport Canada–approved):
    • MED with respect to STCW Basic Safety (BST): fundamental safety skills (personal survival, first aid, firefighting, personal safety and social responsibilities).
    • For ferries and some passenger vessels: MED with respect to Passenger Safety (and often Ro-Ro Passenger Ship Safety, depending on the vessel).
  • Medical:
    • Seafarer’s Medical Certificate issued under Transport Canada standards is required for most commercial vessels.
    • Learn more: Transport Canada – Medical fitness for seafarers: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-Transportation/marine-safety/medical-fitness-seafarers
  • Helpful/commonly requested:
    • Marine Basic First Aid (recognized by Transport Canada).
    • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSC) for certain vessels and duties.
    • Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime (ROC-M) for VHF radio (often held by officers, but useful).
    • Marine Transportation Security Clearance (MTSC) for work in secure marine facilities and some ferry/port roles.
  • Progression credential:
    • Bridge Watch Rating (BWR) certificate (Transport Canada) helps you advance from entry deckhand to watchkeeping duties with the bridge team after set training and sea time.
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Transport Canada – Training, Examination and Certification of Marine Personnel: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/training-examination-certification-marine-personnel

Transport Canada – Marine Personnel Regulations (legal framework): https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2007-115/

Transport Canada – Approved marine training courses (directory): https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/approved-training-courses

Length of studies

  • MED STCW Basic Safety: typically 5–7 training days.
  • Passenger/ro-ro safety endorsements: 1–2 days each (varies by course).
  • Marine Basic First Aid: usually 2 days (16 hours).
  • Bridge Watch Rating: a mix of classroom training (weeks) plus sea time (months). Many obtain this after starting as a deckhand.

Note: Exact durations depend on the training provider and course format.

Where to study? (Ontario options)

  • Georgian College – Centre for Marine Training and Research (Owen Sound)
    • Ontario’s key hub for Transport Canada–approved marine safety courses and Great Lakes–focused training.
    • Offers MED courses, advanced safety, and postsecondary marine programs if you choose to progress into navigation or engineering.
    • https://www.georgiancollege.ca/
  • St. John Ambulance (Marine First Aid in Ontario)
  • Transport Canada – Approved training course list

If you aim to work on Ontario ferries:

If you plan to build a long-term Great Lakes career, consider Ontario employers and unions that provide training pathways:

Always confirm that any course is Transport Canada–approved for the certificate you need.

Salary and Working Conditions

Typical pay in Ontario

Deckhand wages vary by vessel type (Great Lakes bulk carriers, tankers, tugs, ferries, tour boats), union agreements, and your certifications.

  • Entry-level (first seasons, basic safety tickets):
    • About $22–$30 per hour on small commercial and passenger vessels.
    • On unionized Great Lakes vessels, daily pay (including overtime and allowances) often equates to roughly $250–$350 per day in your first seasons.
  • Experienced deckhands and Able Seafarer (Deck):
    • About $30–$45 per hour on many Ontario vessels.
    • On Great Lakes cargo ships, total daily compensation can reach $350–$450+ per day, depending on role and contract.
  • Seasonal earnings:
    • Great Lakes sailing season (often March/April to late December/January) with room and board provided can yield roughly $55,000–$95,000+ per season, depending on rotation, overtime, and seniority.
  • Ontario public-sector ferries and larger municipal ferries:
    • Often range from $25–$35 per hour to start, with premiums for shifts, certification, and winter work.
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These figures are typical ranges seen in Ontario and can vary based on company, contract, and your certifications (e.g., Bridge Watch Rating, PSC).

Working conditions

  • Schedule and lifestyle:
    • Great Lakes ships commonly use 6-on/6-off watches. You may be away for 30–60 days (or more) and then home for a scheduled leave.
    • Ferries and local passenger vessels often run shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, but you usually sleep at home.
  • Environment:
    • Outdoor, all-weather work. Expect heat, cold, wind, spray, and noise.
    • Work can be repetitive (chipping, painting), but safety and emergency readiness are central.
  • Safety and regulation:
    • You must follow Transport Canada regulations and company safety systems, and take part in regular drills.
    • You need to pass and maintain a Seafarer’s Medical Certificate.
  • Benefits:
    • Onboard room and board are usually provided on cargo ships.
    • Many roles are unionized, which can include pension plans, benefits, paid leave, and training support.
  • Travel:
    • Great Lakes vessels call at Ontario and U.S. ports. You may need a valid passport and the ability to enter the U.S.

Job outlook in Ontario

Ontario’s inland shipping and ferry services create steady demand for qualified deckhands, especially those holding MED STCW Basic Safety, PSC, and Bridge Watch Rating. Retirements in the marine workforce, ongoing fleet renewals, and reliable Great Lakes cargo volumes support hiring.

For current labour market insights and postings:

Industry trends and insights:

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Teamwork and communication: You work closely with the bridge, engineering, and deck teams.
  • Situational awareness: Strong attention to safety, surroundings, and procedures.
  • Work ethic and reliability: Shift work, night watches, and strict schedules.
  • Adaptability: Changing weather, ports, and tasks.
  • Customer Service: For ferries and tour boats, you interact with the public.
  • Stress tolerance: Emergencies, heavy traffic areas, and time pressure at ports.

Hard skills

  • Line handling and seamanship: Knots, splices, mooring, anchoring basics.
  • Deck machinery: Winches, windlasses, cranes (under supervision).
  • Navigation support: Lookout, helm (as trained), bridge watch support.
  • Maintenance: Painting, chipping, cleaning, basic repairs.
  • Safety and emergency response: Firefighting, survival craft, first aid.
  • Regulatory awareness: Transport Canada rules, company SMS (Safety Management System), and security procedures.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Strong entry pathway: You can start with high school plus core safety courses.
  • Good earnings: Overtime and long rotations can grow your pay quickly.
  • Room and board: On cargo ships, living expenses can be low while at sea.
  • Clear progression: With sea time and training, move to Able Seafarer (Deck), Bosun, or start officer programs in navigation.
  • Unique lifestyle: Work on the Great Lakes with a tight-knit crew and clear purpose.

Disadvantages

  • Time away from home: Rotations can be long, especially on cargo ships.
  • Physically demanding: Heavy lines, ladders, weather exposure.
  • Shift fatigue: 6-on/6-off schedules can be tiring.
  • Seasonality: Great Lakes layup periods can interrupt earnings, unless you secure winter refit work or off-season roles.
  • Strict Compliance: Medical standards, security clearances, and alcohol/drug policies are enforced.
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Expert Opinion

If you want a practical, well-paid career that does not require a university degree, deckhand is one of the most accessible starts in Ontario’s transport sector. The fastest way to get hired is to complete MED with respect to STCW Basic Safety, obtain a Seafarer’s Medical Certificate, and be ready to work rotating shifts. After your first season, prioritize courses that increase your value: Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) and steps toward the Bridge Watch Rating. These credentials unlock higher pay and more responsibility.

Choose your pathway based on lifestyle:

  • If you prefer steady home time, focus on ferries and local passenger vessels.
  • If you want higher seasonal earnings and are comfortable with long rotations, aim for Great Lakes bulk carriers and tankers.

Keep your documents current, build sea time consistently, and align your training with Transport Canada rules. Ontario employers value reliability, a safety-first mindset, and a willingness to learn. With those, you can grow from deckhand to senior roles within a few seasons.

FAQ

Do I need to be a Canadian citizen to work as a deckhand in Ontario?

You do not need to be a citizen, but you must be legally able to work in Canada (e.g., permanent resident or valid work permit). Many Great Lakes vessels enter U.S. ports, so you also need documentation that allows you to enter the United States (for example, a valid passport and any required U.S. entry authorization for your nationality). Employers will tell you what they require.

What is the minimum age to work as a deckhand in Ontario?

Most employers require you to be at least 18 years old for safety and shift reasons. Some training courses may accept younger students, but to work full duties on commercial vessels in Ontario, expect an 18+ requirement, plus all mandatory safety courses and the Transport Canada seafarer’s medical.

How do I get the Bridge Watch Rating (BWR), and do I need it to start?

You can start as a deckhand with MED STCW Basic Safety and a Seafarer’s Medical Certificate. To earn the BWR, you complete approved training and a set amount of sea time, then apply to Transport Canada. Having BWR increases your employability and can lead to higher pay and more watchkeeping responsibility. For current requirements, consult Transport Canada: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/training-examination-certification-marine-personnel

Can I live in Southern Ontario and still work long rotations on the Great Lakes?

Yes. Many Ontario deckhands live in the GTA, Niagara, Southwestern Ontario, or along Georgian Bay. Employers often fly or bus you to join a vessel. Rotations can be 30–60 days on/2–4 weeks off (varies by company). If you prefer to sleep at home, consider Ontario ferries or passenger vessels that operate local shifts.

Is there work in the off-season when the Seaway is closed?

Yes. Options include:

  • Winter refit and maintenance at Ontario shipyards and layup ports.
  • Ferry operations that run year-round (ice-dependent; some ferries continue).
  • Short-term contracts on coastal vessels outside the Great Lakes (if you’re available to travel).
    If you plan ahead with your employer or union, you can often stay busy and maintain income through the winter.

Useful Ontario and Canada resources (quick access)

With the right safety training and a strong work ethic, you can build a rewarding, hands-on marine career as a deckhand in Ontario.

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