Billy Wychopen
EUPTA
Sault Ste. Marie,MI
22
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Experienced Lead Deckhand with 19+ years in ferry operations, deck equipment handling, and crew supervision. Known for safety awareness, clear marine communications, and dependable vessel support.
Work History
Lead Deckhand (Sugar Island Ferry)
19 Years 4 Months- Supervised deck operations, ensuring safe vessel handling and crew coordination.
- Inspected lines, rigging, and equipment to maintain readiness and compliance.
- Assisted with docking, undocking, and mooring procedures under varying conditions.
- Directed loading and unloading activities to protect cargo, passengers, and gear.
- Trained crew on standard deck procedures, emergency response, and equipment use.
- Maintained clean, organized work areas to support efficient daily vessel operations.
- Ensured compliance with environmental regulations by implementing proper waste disposal procedures and facilitating inspections as needed.
- Conducted regular drills for man overboard, fire-fighting, abandon ship scenarios — reinforcing preparedness among crew members.
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness of the vessel, upholding high standards of presentation both on deck and below deck areas.
- Mentored junior deckhands in best practices related to seamanship techniques, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
- Contributed to seamless communication between the bridge team members during watchkeeping duties, ensuring vigilance at all times while at sea or in port.
- Boosted crew morale through fostering a positive work environment and addressing personnel issues proactively.
- Safeguarded passengers and crew by enforcing security measures in compliance with maritime regulations.
- Increased overall vessel performance through preventative maintenance programs and timely repairs on deck equipment.
- Collaborated with the captain to develop contingency plans for emergency situations onboard.
- Learned to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators and models.
- Researched and evaluated natural phenomena to minimize issues regarding tides, currents, winds and weather events.
- Assisted corporate or private vessels in distress during maritime rescue operations.
- Verified hydraulic fluid, air pressure and oxygen levels to check on systems operations.
Sales Associate and Installation Assistant
2 Years 9 Months- Managed customer inquiries for heating and cooling services, providing accurate product and service guidance.
- Coordinated appointment scheduling with technicians, ensuring efficient service dispatch and timely follow-up.
- Prepared estimates and quotes, supporting sales conversions with clear pricing and scope details.
- Maintained customer records, order details, and service notes for accurate communication and tracking.
- Supported office and field coordination by relaying updates between customers, staff, and technicians.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Contributed to visual merchandising efforts by creating eye-catching displays that showcased products effectively and enticed shoppers to make purchases.
- Collaborated with management team to develop sales strategies and goals, aligning with company objectives.
- Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and benefits, influencing purchase decisions.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Assisted installation teams with HVAC system setup, ensuring accurate placement of equipment and materials.
- Loaded, organized, and delivered tools, ductwork, and parts to support efficient jobsite workflow.
- Maintained clean, safe job sites by removing debris and securing materials throughout installation process.
- Interpreted work orders and followed instructions to complete routine installation support tasks accurately.
- Operated tools, equipment, and machinery according to safety standards.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Deck equipment operation
Firefighting training
Marine communications
HazMat Training
CPR Training
Strong work ethic
Equipment inspection and Maintenance cooridation
Team leadership experience
Leadership skills
Multitasking
Ship maintenance
Professionalism and Interpersonal communicationnnnn
Certification
- CPR Training Certification
- Hazmat Training Certification
Timeline
Lead Deckhand (Sugar Island Ferry)
EUPTA
06.2007 - CurrentRead More
Sales Associate and Installation Assistant
Don Earl Heating and Cooling
05.2004 - 02.2007Read More
Sault Area High School
High School Diploma
Read More