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Engineering ServicesISCO 3152

Officer of the watch

An officer of the watch is a person who navigates a ship at operational level and who is answerable for the vessel during their watch.

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Rate 5 of the 14 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

watch for maritime navigation aids

coordinate cargo handling

supervise loading of cargo

ensure smooth on board operations

manage vessel cargo activities

About officer of the watch

The officer keeps the navigational watch: carrying out guidance, navigation and steering, looking out for navigational marks at sea, and staying alert for the whole shift. The officer monitors the functioning of the vessel, which means watching how the deck equipment performs and reporting to the master whatever departs from normal.

The officer is also responsible for cargo and supervises loading, monitors the unloading of goods and coordinates transhipment, and in stowage looks after the placement and securing of cargo, on which the stability of the vessel depends. They ensure that operations carried out on deck run smoothly.

At operational level the officer of the watch looks after the people on board: the crew during deck work and anyone else the ship is carrying. Certificates of competency are issued by the maritime administration of each country after the required sea service and an examination.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a officer of the watch.

1

Navigation and Ship Maneuvering

  • Maintain accurate chart work and monitor vessel position continuously
  • Control course and speed to maintain safe passage and schedule adherence
  • Perform lookout duties and watch for maritime navigation aids and hazards
  • Maneuver vessel in ports and narrow waters with precision
  • Operate navigation equipment (radar, GPS, ECDIS) effectively
2

Safety and Compliance Oversight

  • Maintain safe navigation watches and stand watch on vessel bridge
  • Ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations and international maritime law
  • Implement safety procedures and conduct regular drills with crew
  • Report hazards and incidents to captain and relevant authorities
  • Stay alert and respond to emergency situations immediately
3

Cargo Handling Coordination

  • Coordinate cargo loading and discharge operations at port
  • Supervise loading of cargo to ensure proper stowage and safety
  • Monitor the discharge of cargo and verify against manifest
  • Manage vessel cargo activities and maintain accurate inventory
  • Implement cost-effective cargo handling strategies on ships
4

Crew Leadership and On-Board Operations

  • Supervise bridge and deck crew during watch periods
  • Ensure smooth on-board operations and maintain discipline
  • Assign tasks and responsibilities to crew members effectively
  • Maintain communication with all crew regarding operational matters
  • Care for persons on board and maintain crew welfare standards
5

Communication and Documentation

  • Maintain clear communication with captain, port authorities and other vessels
  • Maintain the ship's log and complete all required documentation
  • Report all significant events during watch in written and verbal formats
  • Prepare written reports for captain and company management

European Skills Framework

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

Essential (14)

guidance, navigation and controlguidance, navigation and controlThe engineering discipline that deals with the design and development of systems that can control the motion of automobiles, ships, space- and aircraft. It includes control over vehicle's trajectory f...watch for maritime navigation aidswatch for maritime navigation aidsWatch for navigation aids (lighthouses and buoys), obstructions, and other vessels that may be encountered. Interpret navigation aids, communicate information, and take orders from the captain.coordinate cargo handlingcoordinate cargo handlingOrganize stowing with a plan of load distribution to get the stability of the vessel and security. Direction of cargo operations.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 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.manage vessel cargo activitiesmanage vessel cargo activitiesManage and oversee the safe and punctual loading and unloading of cargo from vessels in port.stay alertstay alertStay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.supervise crewsupervise crewSupervise and observe the behaviour of employees.manage cargo handlingmanage cargo handlingManage safely the mechanical elements in the loading and unloading of cargo and stores. Organize stowing and unstowing of products to guarantee the stability of the vessel.monitor the discharge of cargomonitor the discharge of cargoDevelop cargo discharge plan and monitor the performance of the cranes that offload cargo from the vessel; ensure that relevant occupational safety requirements are met at all times.implement cost-effective cargo handling strategies on shipsimplement cost-effective cargo handling strategies on shipsImplement cost-effective strategies for loading and unloading of cargo on ships with the aim of maximising efficiency, reducing the resources expended, and assuring sufficient operations while increas...stand watch on vesselstand watch on vesselStand watch in ships' bows, sterns, or bridge wings. Look out for obstructions in the ship's path and locate navigational aids such as buoys. Determine geographical position of the ship, using all ava...maintain safe navigation watchesmaintain safe navigation watchesObserve principles in keeping a navigation watch. Take over, accept and pass on a watch. Steer the vessel and perform routine duties undertaken during a watch. Observe emergency procedures and safety ...perform lookout duties during maritime operationsperform lookout duties during maritime operationsMaintain a watch during maritime operations, in order to anticipate events and potential hazards.
Optional (3) — show
supervise movement of crewsupervise movement of crewOversee embarkation and disembarkation of crew members. Ensure that safety regulations are followed according to specifications.oversee arrival and departure of ships into portoversee arrival and departure of ships into portCommunicate with the captain in relation to when the ship will arrive or depart the port. Notify and liaise with port authorities.oversee shipment routingoversee shipment routingOrganise the distribution of the cargo, also known as 'forwarding'. Take into account the instructions of the client and determine where regular routing or various routings may be required.

Related Occupations

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

ship planner3 shared essential skillsstevedore superintendent3 shared essential skillsboatswain2 shared essential skillscargo vehicle driver2 shared essential skillsdeck officer2 shared essential skillsfisheries boatman2 shared essential skillsfisheries boatmaster2 shared essential skillsfisheries master2 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does an officer of the watch do?

Officers of the watch lead the navigation of the operational level. Handle cargo and stowage tasks as well as control the operation of the ship. At the operational level, they take care for persons on board.

What skills does an officer of the watch need?

An officer of the watch needs 14 essential skills, including guidance, navigation and control, watch for maritime navigation aids, coordinate cargo handling, supervise loading of cargo, ensure smooth on board operations.

Will AI replace officer of the watch jobs?

The AI disruption score for officer of the watch is 23/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: oversee shipment routing, stay alert, watch for maritime navigation aids. Most resilient: stand watch on vessel, oversee arrival and departure of ships into port, supervise movement of crew.

Quick Facts

SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills14

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