Deck Officer

Deck Officers are often responsible for management of the navigation using satellite and radar systems, managing and using communication systems, and supervising the safe loading, storage and unloading of cargo. They can also be in charge of monitoring and supervising the maintenance of the ship’s safety and firefighting systems and equipment, making stability calculations, record-keeping, and training. In essence, Senior Deck Officers handle the administrative, financial, legal and commercial matters relating to the ship, in comparison with the ship’s Master who has overall responsibility for operations.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Deck Officers ensure that the vessel safely travels to and from the wind farm site.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
  • Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.
  • Adjust navigation according to weather conditions.
  • Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.
  • Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES

Deck Officer, Ship Officer

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$61,780

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Apprenticeship/Post-secondary Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Judgment and Decision Making, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Critical Thinking, Operation and Control, Speaking, Active Learning, Management of Personnel Resources, Monitoring

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Ship Captain, Boat Operator