NYC Deckhand Exam 2026 — Apply by May 27 | Exam No. 6044

New York City is hiring Deckhands (Exam No. 6044) to serve on municipal ferry vessels and at ferry terminals. This is a competitive civil service position with a starting salary of $64,193 per year. Applications are only accepted May 7–27, 2026 — this is a short 20-day window. The position involves maritime operations, passenger safety, and vessel maintenance aboard NYC’s ferry fleet.

You are responsible for ensuring you meet qualifications before submitting. If deemed “Not Qualified” your fee will not be refunded. Education requirements must be met by May 27, 2027. Experience requirements must be met by May 27, 2026.

Candidates must meet one of the following three qualifying pathways:

• ✓Two years of full-time satisfactory paid experience as a deckhand on ocean, coastwise, or inland steam or motor vessels; OR equivalent seagoing experience in a sea service of the United States Armed Forces.

• ✓Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate degree in marine technology (such as the maritime technology degree from Kingsborough Community College), including or supplemented by at least one year of deck duty.

Graduation from one of the following USCG-approved maritime academies with the indicated qualification:

• aThe U.S. Merchant Marine Academy — deck curriculum
• bThe U.S. Coast Guard Academy or U.S. Naval Academy — with qualification as an Underway Officer in charge of a navigational watch
• cThe Deck Class of a Maritime Academy approved by the Maritime Administrator (listed in 46 CFR Part 310) — including the Great Lakes Maritime Academy deck program

The following credentials are not required to apply or take the exam — but must be obtained after appointment within the timeframes below:

Deckhands perform deckhand duties on municipal ferry vessels and at ferry terminals in compliance with agency standard operating procedures, the Safety Management System (SMS), the Combined Security Plan (CSP), and applicable local, state, and federal rules and regulations:

• ✓Operate boarding doors, gates, aprons, bridges, gangways, and mooring lines
• ✓Direct passenger and authorized vehicle traffic as assigned
• ✓Patrol deck and assigned duty station; make minor maintenance updates to ensure safe and clean conditions
• ✓Make announcements on vessels and in ferry terminals
• ✓Assist passengers as needed; report suspicious circumstances or objects to an Officer or Ferry Terminal Supervisor

• ✓Perform lookout and emergency duties at assigned duty stations, including launching and manning rescue boats and life rafts
• ✓Operate firefighting equipment and assist in vessel-to-vessel transfers under an Officer’s direction
• ✓Participate in safety meetings, fire and lifeboat drills, steering, propulsion, anchor and abandon ship drills, and SMS and CSP training

• ✓Clean the vessel and/or terminal area
• ✓Perform heavy manual labor including handling vessel and terminal supplies and trash, loading and unloading freight
• ✓Snow and ice removal on vessels, terminals, and docks using shovels, snow throwers, and utility vehicles

• ✓Medical guidelines established by the U.S. Coast Guard apply. Candidates must undergo a medical examination prior to appointment and thereafter per Coast Guard regulations.
• ✓Must pass a drug screening prior to appointment. Deckhands are subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout employment.

Under NYC Administrative Code Section 12-120, you may need to become a resident of New York City within 90 days of appointment. Residency requirements vary by title and appointing agency — confirm with the personnel office at the time of your appointment interview.

• ✓Must be able to understand and be understood in English
• ✓Must be able to prove identity and right to work in the US (Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986)

If you have experience in any of the following areas, you may be eligible for Selective Certification — which can give you preferred consideration for positions requiring that specific experience. Indicate your interest in Selective Certification when completing your Education & Experience Exam in OASys and Final Submit it.

If you need to apply online in person, DCAS centers are open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: