Jake Pelkowski
West Islip,NY
Summary
I grew up in a home on a Great South Bay (NY) Canal and learned how to operate our family vessels at a young age from my father. Dad is an experienced Tugboat/Towing-vessel/Ferry/commercial-vessel operator (1600 Ton Master, Master of Towing Vessels, Third Assistant Engineer). I loved being on the water and got good at boat-handling and navigation, particularly in congested waters. At 16 years old, I got a Deckhand job at the local Ferry company and worked full time (6 days/week) during the summer months, and also during off-season weekends. I loved the commercial work on the water so I decided to earn my 1600-Ton Mate/100 Ton Master & Associates Degree at SUNY Maritime (expected graduation Sept 2024). I am now looking for as much commercial hands-on underway experience as possible, and graduation.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Deckhand & Later Senior Deckhand
Fire Island Ferries
06.2020 - Current
- This company operates 8 ferry boats which run year-round from Bay Shore, NY to the Barrier Island called Fire Island. The ferry services 9 towns on Fire Island and is busiest from May to October The Ferry company does run a reduced number of boats from November through April. The Ferries average having a COI allowing them to carry up to 399 passengers.
- Evaluated vessels prior to departure. Inspect the engine room before starting the workday, and while underway. Check levels of engine fluids and start and shut-down engines. Monitor propulsion and steering systems when underway. Assist with repairs when needed.
- Inspect lines and deck equipment. Make sure that Lines and Rigging are properly set up for vessel operations.
- These ferries follow a demanding departure/arrival schedule. Deckhands must be proficient as line-handlers, to include throwing the eyes of heavy lines on to pilings, securing them rapidly on cleats, and rapidly removing lines from pilings and cleats when departing.
- Assist the Captain with navigation and being a look-out. This is critical as there is a very large volume of Charter boats and pleasure vessels operating in a Bay that has significant shoaling and narrow channels.
- Assist the Captain with communications and monitoring passengers for safety and security reasons.
- Monitor weather conditions and reported any changes to the Captain.
- Follow and promote safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Communicate with passengers to assist them with their baggage and light cargo. Conduct safe loading and unloading operations.
- After becoming one of the more experienced deckhands, help train and look out for the well-being of junior deckhands.
- Participate in, and sometimes direct fellow crew members with daily cleaning and maintenance tasks.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - 1600 Ton USCG Mates License/100 Ton Master
SUNY Maritime College
The Bronx, NY09.2024
Meets NY State Pleasure Boat Operator Requirement - Certified USCG Pleasure Boat Operator.
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Long Island, NY05.2018
Skills
- Ferry Passenger Assistance Line-handling
- Engineering support and assisting with maintenance
- Navigated and docked/undocked 80 foot Ferry vessels under the supervision of a Captain
- Navigated & docked/undocked family boats (1970 47-foot Owens Concorde Cabin Cruiser, 1979 34-foot Egg Harbor, 1990 21-foot Striper Seaswirl w/ outboard) Now operate these vessels with no supervision
Timeline
Deckhand & Later Senior Deckhand
Fire Island Ferries
06.2020 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - 1600 Ton USCG Mates License/100 Ton Master
SUNY Maritime College
Meets NY State Pleasure Boat Operator Requirement - Certified USCG Pleasure Boat Operator.
Coast Guard Auxiliary
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