Working as a deckhand in the maritime industry is one of the most demanding jobs on the water. Between handling heavy equipment, working in unpredictable weather conditions, and navigating slippery decks, the risks are constant. That’s why wearing proper personal protective equipment isn’t just a suggestion—it’s your lifeline.
Many experienced deckhands will tell you that PPE saved them from serious injury at least once during their career. Whether you’re new to maritime work or you’ve been on deck for years, understanding and using the right protective gear can make the difference between going home safely and facing a career-ending injury.
Head Protection That Works
Your hard hat is non-negotiable on deck. Maritime vessels present countless opportunities for head injuries, from low-hanging equipment to swinging cargo. A quality hard hat should fit snugly without being uncomfortable and must meet ANSI standards for impact resistance. Many deckhands make the mistake of wearing old, cracked helmets that have been sitting in storage for years. Replace your hard hat every five years at minimum, or immediately after any significant impact.
Eye and Face Safety
Salt spray, flying debris, chemicals, and intense sun reflection off the water all threaten your vision. Safety glasses with side shields should be your baseline protection, but many tasks require more. When chipping rust, grinding metal, or working with chemicals, upgrade to full-face shields or goggles. Polarized safety glasses are worth the investment since they reduce glare and help you spot hazards in the water while still protecting your eyes from debris.
Protecting Your Hands
Your hands are your most valuable tools on deck, and they take tremendous abuse. Cut-resistant gloves are essential when handling wire rope, chains, and sharp-edged equipment. However, no single glove works for every task. Keep multiple pairs in your gear bag. Use rubber-coated gloves when working with chemicals, insulated gloves for cold conditions, and high-grip gloves for handling wet lines. Never wear loose or torn gloves around rotating machinery, as they can catch and pull your hand into dangerous equipment.
Foot and Leg Protection
Steel-toed boots with slip-resistant soles are mandatory on almost every vessel, and for good reason. Dropped equipment, rolling cargo, and crushing hazards are everyday realities. Your boots should also be waterproof and provide ankle support since twisted ankles are among the most common deckhand injuries. When working in particularly hazardous conditions or handling heavy machinery, steel-toe rubber boots offer additional protection from water, chemicals, and impacts.
Body Protection and Flotation
Weather-appropriate clothing matters more than many deckhands realize. Foul weather gear keeps you dry, which helps maintain body temperature and prevents hypothermia in cold conditions. During warmer months, long-sleeved shirts protect your skin from sun exposure and minor abrasions. Reflective vests ensure you’re visible to crane operators and other crew members during low-light conditions.
Your personal flotation device is perhaps your most critical piece of equipment. Accidents happen quickly on deck, and falling overboard is a real risk. Modern PFDs are designed to allow freedom of movement while still providing lifesaving flotation. Automatic inflating PFDs have become popular because they’re less bulky, but they require regular inspection and maintenance to function properly when you need them most.
Hearing Protection Often Overlooked
Engine rooms and deck machinery create noise levels that cause permanent hearing damage over time. Disposable foam earplugs offer basic protection, but reusable fitted plugs provide better noise reduction and comfort during long shifts. Some deckhands resist hearing protection because they worry about missing important communications, but protecting your hearing now prevents irreversible damage that affects your entire life, not just your career.
When PPE Isn’t Enough
“Even with proper protective equipment, accidents still occur in maritime work. Defective gear, inadequate safety training, unseaworthy vessels, or employer negligence can result in serious injuries despite your best efforts to stay safe,” states a Maritime Injury Attorney in New Orleans at Chopin Law. If you’ve been injured while working on deck, understanding your rights under maritime law is crucial. A Maritime Injury Attorney can help you navigate the complex regulations that protect injured seamen, including the Jones Act and general maritime law, which often provide more comprehensive coverage than standard workers’ compensation.
Making PPE Part of Your Routine
The most advanced protective equipment in the world won’t help if it’s sitting in your locker. Make a pre-shift habit of checking your gear. Inspect gloves for tears, ensure your hard hat hasn’t cracked, verify that your PFD is functional, and confirm your boots still have good tread. This five-minute check could prevent months of recovery from a preventable injury.
Working on deck will always involve risks, but proper personal protective equipment significantly reduces your chances of serious injury. Your employer is required to provide adequate safety gear, and you’re responsible for using it correctly. Take PPE seriously, maintain your equipment, and never let complacency convince you to skip protection because a task seems quick or simple. Your safety is worth the extra minute it takes to gear up properly.
