# Captain and deckhand onboarding checklist

Connect the actual job, qualifications, work arrangement and vessel training.

Original Louisiana Deep Sea Fishing planning worksheet. Prepared October 22, 2026. Editable example, not an official agency form, contract, legal opinion, inspection or certification. No signup is required.

Prepared by: __________  Planning date: __________  Version: __________

## Role and employment setup

- Duties, preparation/cleanup hours and supervisor: __________

- Pay, cancellations, tips treatment and payment timing: __________

- Classification review, payroll and applicable coverage evidence: __________

## Qualification and program file

- Actual captain endorsement/route and medical validity: __________

- State guide requirements and insurer acceptance: __________

- Applicable marine-employer testing program and responsible contact: __________

## Vessel-specific preparation

- Machinery, communications, equipment and defect handover: __________

- Guest boarding, briefing, fishing assistance and catch care: __________

- Emergency roles, practice dates and follow-up limitations: __________

- Reporting, data access and end-of-shift closeout: __________

## How to use this record

A contractor label or per-trip payment does not settle worker classification. A credential does not replace vessel familiarization. Keep medical, identity and testing records secure, and obtain qualified maritime employment and insurance advice for the actual duties.

Keep confirmed facts, estimates and unknowns distinct. For a requirement record the responsible source, checked date, supporting evidence and next action. Retain private financial, identity and personnel documents securely; do not put them into public URLs or analytics.

## Continue the lesson

https://louisianadeepseafishing.com/charter-business/operations/hiring-crew

Before acting, verify changing requirements with the responsible agency and obtain qualified advice for the actual operation. This document does not submit an application or establish that any requirement is satisfied.


## Familiarization demonstration record

Repeat for each vessel-specific task:

- Task and current procedure/reference: __________
- Qualified trainer/responsible person: __________
- Explanation and demonstration date: __________
- Trainee practice observed: __________
- Remaining limitation or supervised-only duty: __________
- Evidence required before independent assignment: __________

Include preparation, guest assistance, gear handling, communications, defect reporting, closeout and emergency duties under the appropriate qualified training. A signature does not by itself establish competence.

## Assignment and exit control

- Approved vessel/role/route and scope check date: __________
- Insurer/program checks and record locations: __________
- Person approving today's assignment: __________
- Calendar, refund and purchasing permissions: __________
- Business-system access granted and backup contact: __________
- Access removal and records handover when role ends: __________

Keep identity, medical, testing and employment records in appropriate private systems. Record completion status here without duplicating sensitive documents.