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Engineering ServicesISCO 3152

Deck officer

A deck officer is a person who stands navigational watch on board a ship: setting the course and speed, manoeuvring the vessel clear of hazards, and tracking its position continuously on charts and navigational aids. The watch is the heart of the role, and everything else is arranged around it.

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Rate 5 of the 21 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

provide first aid

use water navigation devices

manage staff

supervise unloading of cargo

supervise loading of cargo

About deck officer

Navigation comes first. The officer supports the operation of marine navigation equipment, fixes the ship's position, and applies the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea to decide who gives way and when. Celestial navigation remains part of the training, as a check on electronic position fixing rather than a replacement for it. Logs and other records of the ship's movement are kept through the watch.

Safety is the second field. The officer sees that the proper safety procedures and practices are followed, inspects the ship's safety equipment, and checks that gear is in working order before it is needed rather than after. Keeping the vessel secure is a standing duty.

Cargo and crew make up the rest. The officer supervises the loading and discharge of cargo or the movement of passengers, oversees the crew members handling technical servicing and routine upkeep, and weighs economic criteria when making decisions.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (21)

international regulations for preventing collisions at seainternational regulations for preventing collisions at seaFundamental aspects of the international regulations to prevent collisions at sea, such as the conduct of vessels in sight of one another, navigation lights and markers, major light and accoustic sign...International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ShipsInternational Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ShipsThe fundamental principals and requirements laid in the International Regulation for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil, Regulations fo...vessel safety equipmentvessel safety equipmentSafety equipment used in vessels, including devices such as lifeboats, life rings, splash doors and fire doors, sprinkler systems, etc, and how these must be operated during emergency situations.celestial navigationcelestial navigationThe science of celestial navigation and position fixing by using specialised measuring equipment.Global Maritime Distress and Safety SystemGlobal Maritime Distress and Safety SystemThe internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircraft.provide first aidprovide first aidAdminister cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.use water navigation devicesuse water navigation devicesUtilise water navigation devices, e.g. compass or sextant, or navigational aids such as lighthouses or buoys, radar, satellite, and computer systems, in order to navigate vessels on waterways. Work wi...manage staffmanage staffManage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the wor...supervise unloading of cargosupervise unloading of cargoSupervise unloading processes for equipment, cargo, goods and other items. Ensure that everything is handled and stored correctly in accordance with regulations and standards.supervise loading of cargosupervise loading of cargoSupervise the process of loading equipment, cargo, goods and other Items. Ensure that all cargo is handled and stored properly in accordance with regulations and standards.ensure vessel securityensure vessel securityEnsure that security requirements for vessels are met according to legal norms. Check if the security equipment is in place and operational. Communicate with marine engineers to ensure that the techni...use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.ensure smooth on board operationsensure smooth on board operationsEnsure the trip goes smoothly and without incidents. Before departure review if all security, catering, navigation and communication elements are in place.assist water-based navigationassist water-based navigationEnsure that up-to-date charts and nautical publications are on board of the ship. Prepare information sheets, voyage reports, passage plans, and position reports.stay up-to-date with maritime transportation technologystay up-to-date with maritime transportation technologyGather information about the current trends in maritime transportation technology and stay up-to-date with the latest findings in the field. Apply this knowledge in operations and decision-making whil...steer vesselssteer vesselsOperate and steer vessels such as cruise ships, ferries, tankers, and container ships.assess vessel statusassess vessel statusAssess the status of the operating radar, satellite, and computer systems of a vessel. Monitor speed, current position, direction, and weather conditions while carrying out watch duties.handle stressful situations in the work placehandle stressful situations in the work placeDeal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.consider economic criteria in decision makingconsider economic criteria in decision makingDevelop proposals and take appropriate decisions taking into account economic criteria.work in a water transport teamwork in a water transport teamWork confidently in a group in water transport services, in which each individual operates in their own area of responsibility to reach a common goal, such as a good customer interaction, maritime saf...plot shipping navigation routesplot shipping navigation routesPlot the navigation route of a vessel under the review of a superior deck officer. Operate a ship radar or electronic charts and automatic identification system.
Optional (7) — show
vessel points of sailvessel points of sailPoints of sail describing the orientation of a vessel in relation to the direction of the wind.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.manipulate sails on vesselsmanipulate sails on vesselsManipulate sails using ropes or other tools in order to control vessel direction and speed.make independent operating decisionsmake independent operating decisionsMake immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best...secure ships using ropesecure ships using ropeUse rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.use maritime Englishuse maritime EnglishCommunicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.tolerate stresstolerate stressMaintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

ship captain13 shared essential skillsfisheries boatman6 shared essential skillsfisheries boatmaster6 shared essential skillsskipper6 shared essential skillsfisheries master5 shared essential skillsmarine chief engineer4 shared essential skillsmaritime instructor4 shared essential skillsordinary seaman4 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a deck officer do?

Deck officers or mates perform the watch duties on board of vessels like determining the course and speed, manoeuvring to avoid hazards, and continuously monitoring the vessels position using charts and navigational aids. They maintain logs and other records tracking the ship's movements. They ensure that the proper procedures and safety practices are followed, check that equipment is in good working order, and oversee the loading and discharging of cargo or passengers. They supervise crew members engaged in maintenance and the primary upkeep of the vessel.

What skills does a deck officer need?

A deck officer needs 21 essential skills, including international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, vessel safety equipment, celestial navigation, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

Will AI replace deck officer jobs?

The AI disruption score for deck officer is 28/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: communicate with customers, use maritime English, use water navigation devices. Most resilient: tolerate stress, International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, provide first aid.

Quick Facts

SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills21

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