At Port of Brisbane, we're more than just a port – we're the gateway to Queensland's future. And no one knows this better than Dean Cracknell. Starting with a Coxswain ticket in 2005, he's built a career that perfectly balances professional growth with family life. We caught up with Dean to chat about life on the water, the art of dredging and why he's called Port of Brisbane home for over two decades.
Q: At Port of Brisbane, no two days are the same. How does that variety shape your role, and what are some of the key responsibilities you take on?
I drive all 12 of the Port's support craft vessels, and I teach and train many of the new Masters we employ. We operate about four key vessels and eight other smaller vessels for different operations. A big part of what we do is dredging the river bottom and surveying to ensure ships can keep coming in safely.
Q: We have a welcoming, supportive culture and many of our team members come from different backgrounds and experiences. What was your journey into the maritime industry like?
I grew up in Tasmania, so I was always out on the water – fishing, skiing, whatever we could do. I started as a deckhand with the Marine Board of Hobart, working on pilot boats and line boats. After two years in Townsville, I found my way to Brisbane and the rest is history.
Q: At PBPL, we invest in our people and their future. Why? Because our continued success depends on the diverse skills, experiences and perspectives of our people. How has the Port supported your career growth over the years?
I started as a Deckhand in 2005 with a Coxswain's ticket. The Port supported me to get my Master 5 (Now Master <24), then my Master 4 (Now Master <45). Over the years, I've worked across different vessels, doing everything from reclamation work to surveying. I’ve also worked as a Dredging Liaison Officer and a Relief Supervisor covering leave. One of my proudest moments was becoming a Dredgemaster on the TSHD Brisbane – our 84-metre vessel. Starting my marine career I never thought I'd ever get a chance to drive something that big.
Q: Every role at Port of Brisbane plays a vital part in keeping Queensland’s economy moving. How does your work directly impact the supply chain and local businesses?
Our work is crucial for keeping the supply chain moving. We maintain channel and berth depths so ships coming in can navigate from Caloundra all the way up to Hamilton Reach. If we don't keep the berths and channels at the right depth, ships are restricted or can't come in, and businesses and people can't get their goods. The Brisbane River doesn’t have naturally occurring deep water, so we're continuously managing the build up of sediment and silt, especially during rain events, to make sure we keep it maintained at safe depths for commercial ships.
Looking for a diverse job working with a great group of people? Find your opportunity at Port of Brisbane.
Q: Working at the Port means embracing challenges head-on. What are some of the biggest challenges you face, and how does the team navigate them?
The weather can be our biggest challenge, especially during flood events. But we've learned to work with it – not to rush, but to get things done safely and effectively to keep the Port operational. It's about rolling with the punches and making sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the day.
Q: A supportive and experienced team makes all the difference. What’s it like working with the marine operations crew, and how do you all support each other?
All the Masters I work with are really skilled and experienced. It’s a fantastic group of people. They come from a variety of backgrounds, whether it’s tug and barges, ferries or luxury private yachts, so there's a wealth of knowledge from different areas. We have a diverse mix of people, with a good age range and everyone gets along really well. They’re a great bunch to work with.
Q: At PBPL, we’re proud of where we’ve come from and we’re always looking ahead to an even brighter future. What keeps you motivated, and what do you see for yourself in the future?
When you're part of keeping Queensland's supply chain moving, you take real pride in doing things right. I really enjoy being operational and on the vessels, so I'm keen to continue doing that in my new role as Senior Master and pass on my knowledge to new crew members.
Q: A balanced lifestyle is important at PBPL. We will support you to bring your best, at work and at home. How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Apart from trying to keep our two Labradors out of the pool, I try to stay active with mountain biking or running. I also enjoy cooking and spending quality time with my partner, who’s a school teacher, and our two kids.
Q: What would you say to someone considering a career at Port of Brisbane?
You could chase bigger money somewhere else, but that often means fly-in fly-out work and being away from home for weeks at a time. Here, you get a great lifestyle balance, good pay and opportunities for overtime. Plus, the work itself is unique – we put vessels in places most people wouldn't, so your skill level really develops. It's not just about getting a ticket and driving back and forth; you learn specialised skills here that could set you up for the rest of your career.
Join us and help us build a bright future for PBPL, for Queensland and for you. Check our vacancies at Port of Brisbane.