Deckhands, known as seamen on oceangoing ships, operate the ship and its deck equipment. They work under the supervision of the ship's officers. When docking or departing, they handle the lines. While underway, they stand watch. This means they look out for other ships or other objects in the ship's path.
Deckhands also steer the ship and measure the water depth in shallow water.
They maintain and operate deck equipment such as lifeboats, anchors, and cargo-handling machinery. They clean all areas, except engineering. Maintenance chores include repairing lines, chipping rust, and painting and cleaning decks. Deckhands may load and unload cargo. With liquid cargo, they hook up hoses, operate pumps, and clean tanks.