Ship’s deck crews and related workers carry out deck duties on board ships and similar duties on board other water borne craft.
Tasks performed usually include: standing look-out watches at sea and when entering or leaving harbour or other narrow waters; steering ship according to instructions; handling ropes and wires, and operating mooring equipment; maintaining and, in some cases, operating ship’s equipment, cargo gear, rigging, life- saving and fire- fighting appliances; performing deck and hull cleaning, scraping, painting and other maintenance duties as required; breaking out, rigging and stowing cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging and running gear.