Engineering ServicesISCO 3152
Skipper
A skipper is a person who holds the highest authority on board a vessel on inland waterways, answerable for the vessel itself and for the safety and welfare of the crew and the people carried.
Check yourself in a minute: skipper
Rate 5 of the 49 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
use radar navigation
use modern electronic navigational aids
assess trim of vessels
conduct analysis of ship data
instruct on technical shore-based operations
About skipper
The skipper directs the operation of the vessel at all times and is the final authority over the crew, the vessel, the cargo and the voyage. The skipper uses radar stations, which help with navigation, especially at night and in fog. Irregularities on board are recognised and acted on: a sound from the machinery, a list that should not be there, a mooring that has slackened.
The skipper draws up stowage and securing plans and secures cargo during stowage so that it cannot shift and change the vessel's stability in a lock or a bend. The skipper also needs knowledge of multimodal transport logistics, in which an inland vessel is one leg of a longer transport chain.
The skipper ensures that the vessel complies with regulations, looks after the ship's safety equipment and manages the environmental issues of inland waterway transport. The licence to command is issued by the competent authority for the waterway concerned.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (49)
physical parts of the vesselphysical parts of the vesselThe different physical components of the vessel and their maintenance and care effort.international regulations for cargo handlinginternational regulations for cargo handlingThe body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.international waterwaysinternational waterwaysThe international waterways used for maritime navigation, the geographical location of currents, maritime waterways, and harbours.functions of vessel deck equipmentfunctions of vessel deck equipmentThe required performance level of deck and safety equipment and vessel lifting facilities.inland waterway police regulationsinland waterway police regulationsThe rules, legal requirements, and relevant police regulations applicable to the traffic on inland waterways.vessel fuelsvessel fuelsThe characteristics and properties of vessel fuels and lubricants, and the fuel loading specifications of various types of vessels.multimodal transport logisticsmultimodal transport logisticsThe logistical supporting activities related to multimodal transport. The different elements of a multimodal system for the movement of goods or people, and all related advantages in terms of time and...vessel stability principlesvessel stability principlesThoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.inland waterway ship buildinginland waterway ship buildingThe various methods for constructing inland waterway vessels in compliance with construction legislation concerning buildings.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.passenger transport regulationspassenger transport regulationsThe applicable conventions and regulations governing the provision of passenger transport services.principles of cargo stowageprinciples of cargo stowageThe principles of cargo stowage. The procedures by which containers should be efficiently loaded and unloaded, taking into account gravitational forces that are exerted during transportation.national waterwaysnational waterwaysThe national waterways used for inland navigation. The geographical location of rivers, canals, seaports and inland harbours, and their relationship with cargo flows.vessel points of sailvessel points of sailPoints of sail describing the orientation of a vessel in relation to the direction of the wind.use radar navigationuse radar navigationOperate modern radar navigation equipment to ensure safe vessel operations.provide on-board safety trainingprovide on-board safety trainingDevelop and implement on-board safety training programmes.use modern electronic navigational aidsuse modern electronic navigational aidsUse modern navigational aids such as GPS and radar systems.assess trim of vesselsassess trim of vesselsAssess the trim stability of vessels, referring to the stability of a vessel while it is in a static condition.conduct analysis of ship dataconduct analysis of ship dataCollect information from a vessel's management software and cross reference it to analyse the data from different points of view and inform decision-making.instruct on technical shore-based operationsinstruct on technical shore-based operationsInstruct crew members in the pre- and after activities relating to the operations of technical shore-based facilities. Understand safety regulations required to work with shipboard electrical systems.use meteorological informationuse meteorological informationUse and interpret meteorological information for operations dependent on climatic conditions. Use this information to provide advise on safe operations in relation to weather conditions.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.prepare safety exercises on shipsprepare safety exercises on shipsPlan and perform regular safety exercises on passenger and commercial ships; maximise safety in potentially dangerous situations.compose stowage planscompose stowage plansCompose stowage plans; knowledge of ballast systems and cargo loading process.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...manipulate sails on vesselsmanipulate sails on vesselsManipulate sails using ropes or other tools in order to control vessel direction and speed.secure cargo in stowagesecure cargo in stowageSecure cargo stowage with basic knowledge of stowing methods; ensure efficient and safe transport of goods.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...ensure integrity of hullensure integrity of hullEnsure sure that water does not break through the hull; prevent progressive flooding.undertake navigation safety actionsundertake navigation safety actionsRecognise unsafe situations and perform follow-up actions according to the safety regulations. Immediately warn ship management. Use personal protective and rescue equipment.assess stability of vesselsassess stability of vesselsAssess the two kinds of stability of vessels, namely transversal and longitudinal.manage vessel cargo activitiesmanage vessel cargo activitiesManage and oversee the safe and punctual loading and unloading of cargo from vessels in port.monitor crew members operating enginesmonitor crew members operating enginesMonitor the staff that operate the engines during operations. Communicate with them in order to obtain information relevant to the general steering of the ship.analyse reports provided by passengersanalyse reports provided by passengersAnalyse reports submitted by passengers (i.e. on unforeseen occurrences or incidents such as vandalism or theft) in order to inform strategic decision making.steer vesselssteer vesselsOperate and steer vessels such as cruise ships, ferries, tankers, and container ships.ensure safe loading of goods according to stowage planensure safe loading of goods according to stowage planMonitor and ensure the safe and secure loading of materials and goods, as specified in the stowage plan.ensure vessel compliance with regulationsensure vessel compliance with regulationsInspect vessels, vessel components, and equipment; ensure compliance with standards and specifications.conduct water navigationconduct water navigationEnsure that a vessel carries up to date and adequate charts and appropriate nautical documents. Lead the process of preparing the voyage report, the vessel passage plan, daily position reports, and th...communicate mooring planscommunicate mooring plansPrepare crew briefings on mooring plans and division of labour. Provide the crew with information on protective gear such as helmets and safety goggles.recognise abnormalities on boardrecognise abnormalities on boardIdentify anomalies and abnormalities on board, evaluate them, and take appropriate actions to restore normal operation of ship. Check all (safety) systems for operational functions. Organise actions t...manage environmental aspects of inland waterway transportationmanage environmental aspects of inland waterway transportationConsider ecological aspects of the operation of ships in order to use vessels in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Understand environmental aspects when navigating inland waterways.distinguish various types of shipsdistinguish various types of shipsRecognise and name various types of vessels common in European maritime transport. Understand the different characteristics, construction details, and tonnage capacities of different vessels.read stowage plansread stowage plansRead and comprehend content of stowage plans to stow various types of cargo.adhere to traffic regulations on inland waterwaysadhere to traffic regulations on inland waterwaysUnderstand and apply traffic rules in inland waterway navigation in order to ensure safety and avoid collisions.distinguish ship construction methodsdistinguish ship construction methodsDistinguish various methods of constructing vessels and how this affects their behaviour in the water in terms of strength and stability.calculate the amount of cargo on a vesselcalculate the amount of cargo on a vesselDetermine the weight of cargo on tanker ships and cargo vessels. Calculate the exact amount of loaded cargo or cargo to be discharged.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.coordinate the itineraries of vesselscoordinate the itineraries of vesselsDevelop, manage, and coordinate the itinerary of vessels worldwide together with other stakeholders.assume highest level of responsibility in inland water transportationassume highest level of responsibility in inland water transportationUnderstand the responsibilities that accompany the position of skipper. Assume responsibility for the integrity of ship's crew, cargo, and passengers; ensure that operations run as they should.
Optional (10) — show
act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.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...verify qualifications of water transport crewverify qualifications of water transport crewVerify the qualifications of a ship's crew and officers, in accordance with the regulatory requirements. Define whether passengers or cargo are being transported.create a work atmosphere of continuous improvementcreate a work atmosphere of continuous improvementWork with management practices such as continuous improvement, preventive maintenance. Pay attention to problem solving and teamwork principles. Empower teams to identify opportunities and then drive ...maintain updated professional knowledgemaintain updated professional knowledgeRegularly attend educational workshops, read professional publications, actively participate in professional societies.analyse travel alternativesanalyse travel alternativesAnalyse prospective improvements in journey efficiency through reduction of travel time by modifying itineraries and outlining alternatives.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.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.implement environmental protection measuresimplement environmental protection measuresEnforce environmental criteria to prevent environmental damage. Strive for the efficient use of resources in order to prevent waste and reduce costs. Motivate colleagues to take relevant steps to oper...
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Frequently asked questions
What does a skipper do?
Skippers are the highest authority on-board or on inland waterways, they are in charge of the vessel and are held responsible for the safety and well being of the clients and crew. They are licensed by the responsible authority and will determine the operations of the vessel at any time. They are the ultimate instance responsible for the crew, the ship, the cargo and/or passengers, and the voyage.
What skills does a skipper need?
A skipper needs 49 essential skills, including physical parts of the vessel, international regulations for cargo handling, international waterways, functions of vessel deck equipment, inland waterway police regulations.
Will AI replace skipper jobs?
The AI disruption score for skipper is 33/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: calculate the amount of cargo on a vessel, conduct analysis of ship data, read stowage plans. Most resilient: national waterways, provide first aid, vessel points of sail.
AI Replacement Risk
33/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills49
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