Deck Officer Science & Engineering Technicians
SaveWhat 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.
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Where Do I Start?
Maritime Transportation Technology
Understand maritime transportation technology and stay up-to-date with the latest findings in the field. Apply this knowledge in operations and decision-making while on-board.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Deck Officer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialMaritime Transportation Technology knowledge
Understand maritime transportation technology and stay up-to-date with the latest findings in the field. Apply this knowledge in operations and decision-making while on-board.
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EssentialInternational Convention For The Prevention Of Pollution From Ships knowledge
The 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 for the Control …
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EssentialGlobal Maritime Distress And Safety System knowledge
The 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.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialVessel Safety Equipment knowledge
Gain theoretical and practical knowledge of safety equipment used in vessels, including devices such as lifeboats, life rings, splash doors and fire doors, sprinkler systems, etc. Operate equipment during emergency …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialCelestial Navigation knowledge
Understand the science of celestial navigation and position fixing by using specialised measuring equipment.
Recommended Books
3 books -
EssentialInternational Regulations For Preventing Collisions At Sea knowledge
Fundamental 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 …
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialConsider Economic Criteria In Decision Making skill
Develop proposals and take appropriate decisions taking into account economic criteria.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHandle Stressful Situations skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Personnel skill
Hire and train employees to increase their value to the organisation. This includes a range of human resources activity, developing and implementing policies and processes to create an employee-supportive work …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide First Aid skill
Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupervise Loading Of Cargo skill
Supervise 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupervise Unloading Of Cargo skill
Supervise unloading processes for equipment, cargo, goods and other items. Ensure that everything is handled and stored correctly in accordance with regulations and standards.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Different Communication Channels skill
Make 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Water Navigation Devices skill
Utilise 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 with …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssess Vessel Status skill
Assess 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssist Water-based Navigation skill
Ensure that up-to-date charts and nautical publications are on board the Ship. Prepare information sheets, voyage reports, passage plans, and position reports.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Smooth On Board Operations skill
Ensure the trip goes smoothly and without incidents. Before departure review if all security, catering, navigation and communication elements are in place.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Vessel Security skill
Ensure 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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPlot Shipping Navigation Routes skill
Plot 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSteer Vessels skill
Operate and steer vessels such as cruise ships, ferries, tankers, and container ships.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork In A Water Transport Team skill
Work 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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 5 displayed)
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OptionalCommunicate With Customers skill
Respond 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMake Independent Operating Decisions skill
Make 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 for a …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalTolerate Stress skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Maritime English language skill
Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSecure Ships Using Rope skill
Use rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.
Course recommendations coming soon.