Decksman Drivers & Mobile Plant Operators
SaveWhat Does a Decksman Do?
Decksmen are unlicensed members of of the deck department of an inland vessel. This position is usually the first step on the way to become an able seaman and beyond. They perform a variety of duties concerned with the operation and upkeep of deck department areas, the engine, and other equipment, mooring and unmooring, as well as (to a certain extent) the steering of the ship.
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Where Do I Start?
Vessel Safety Equipment
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 situations.
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 Decksman
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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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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EssentialOn Board Hazards knowledge
Prevent on board (electrical) hazards and effectively deal with them should they occur; ensure safe embarkation and disembarkation of the vessel.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialTypes Of Cargo knowledge
Distinguish different types of cargo e.g. bulk cargo, liquid bulk cargo and heavy materials.
Recommended Books
1 bookBulk Carrier Practice -
EssentialEnvironmental Aspects Of Inland Waterway Transportation knowledge
Consider 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.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialInternational Regulations For Cargo Handling knowledge
The body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialNational Regulations On Handling Cargo knowledge
The national regulations governing the loading and unloading of cargo in ports within that country.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialComply With Checklists skill
Follow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Verbal Instructions skill
Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Written Instructions skill
Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialHelp To Control Passenger Behaviour During Emergency Situations skill
Know how to use life-saving equipment in emergency situations. Provide assistance if leakages, collisions or fires should occur, and support the evacuation of passengers. Know crisis and crowd management, and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMoor Vessels skill
Follow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRead Stowage Plans skill
Read and comprehend content of stowage plans; basic knowledge of how to stow various types of cargo.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSwim skill
Move through water by means of the limbs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUnmoor Vessels skill
Follow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers skill
Understand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdhere To Traffic Regulations On Inland Waterways skill
Understand and apply traffic rules in inland waterway navigation in order to ensure safety and avoid collisions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApply Regulations On Cargo Transport Operations skill
Display knowledge of relevant local, national, European and international regulations, standards, and codes concerning the operation of freight transport.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssist Anchoring Operations skill
Assist during anchoring operations; operate equipment and assist in anchor manoeuvres.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssist Passenger Embarkation skill
Assist passengers when they embark vessels, aircraft, trains and other modes of transport. Keep safety measures and procedures in mind.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialClean Parts Of Vessels skill
Clean engine rooms and vessel components using appropriate cleaning materials; ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCommunicate Reports Provided By Passengers skill
Transmit information provided by passengers to superiors. Interpret passenger claims and follow up requests.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExecute Safety Assurance Exercises skill
Organise and execute safety exercises; ensure safety in potentially dangerous situations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFacilitate Safe Disembarkation Of Passengers skill
Assist passengers when they leave the vessel, aircraft, train, or other mode of transport. Keep the safety measures and procedures in mind.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Procedures In The Event Of An Alarm skill
Follow safety procedures in the event of an alarm; act according to company instructions and procedures.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialLaunch Lifeboats skill
Launch and retrieve lifeboats following international maritime regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialLoad Cargo Onto Ships skill
Load and unload cargo onto ships. Oversee cargo loading and discharging operations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Ropes skill
Maintain splices and knots in ropes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Service Record Book skill
Maintain service record book, in which data related to the on-board time, activities, signatures of skippers, and other details are recorded.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Vessel Engine Room skill
Maintain the engines and engine room equipment of a vessel. Conduct pre-checks prior to departure and ongoing examinations during the voyage.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Vessel Technical Equipment According To Instructions skill
Operate and maintain technical equipment and devices according to technical instructions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Life-saving Appliances skill
Operate survival craft and their launching appliances and arrangements. Operate life-saving instruments like radio life-saving appliances, satellite EPIRBs, SARTs, immersion suits and thermal protective aids.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPaint Ship Decks skill
Detect and remove rust using primers and sealants; paint vessel decks to fend off oxidation process.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Daily Maintenance On Ship Machinery skill
Perform daily maintenance tasks on machinery in ships, such as pumps, piping systems and ballast systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Vessel Maintenance And Cleaning skill
Follow the First Mate's instructions in assisting with equipment maintenance such as painting or varnishing, splicing lines, and wash-down chores.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Engine Room For Operation skill
Prepare and start main engine and auxiliary engines; prepare machinery in engine room prior to departure; know and follow starting procedures according to checklist.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSecure Ships Using Rope skill
Use rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUnderstand Different Types Of Locks And Their Operation skill
Master various engineering constructions and functions of bridges and locks in the field of navigation. Conduct locking and entering procedures.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUndertake Navigation Safety Actions skill
Recognise unsafe situations and perform follow-up actions according to the safety regulations. Immediately warn ship management. Use personal protective and rescue equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Ballasts skill
Manipulate ballast system; empty and refill ballast tanks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Equipment For Safe Stowage skill
Use tools and equipment to perform safe stowage and ensure proper loading and securing of goods.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWash Decks Of Ships skill
Clean the ship's deck by sweeping and washing it thoroughly. Remove superfluous salt and water to avoid oxidation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 18 displayed)
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OptionalVessel Stability Principles knowledge
Thoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalPrinciples Of Combustion Engines knowledge
Basic knowledge and understanding of different types of engines and their construction and performance.
Recommended Books
1 bookGas-Engine Principles: With Explanations of the Operation, Parts, Installation, Handling, Care, and Maintenance of the Small Stationary and M -
OptionalPassenger Transport Regulations knowledge
Have knowledge of passenger transport conventions and regulations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalInland Waterway Police Regulations knowledge
Understand waterway rules, legal requirements, and relevant police regulations. Handle and maintain buoys, marking systems, and day and night signs.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalEuropean Classification Of Inland Waterways knowledge
Understand the European CEMT classification of inland waterways; use modern information systems to compare the dimensions of the waterway to those of the vessel.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAct Reliably skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDistinguish Various Types Of Ships skill
Recognise and name various types of vessels common in European maritime transport; understand the different characteristics, construction details, and tonnage capacities of different vessels.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalImplement Environmental Protection Measures skill
Enforce 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 operate …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Manual Work Autonomously skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Services In A Flexible Manner skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide 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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OptionalShow Confidence skill
Demonstrate degrees of maturity by fully understanding one's own qualities and abilities which can serve as sources of confidence in different situations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalShow Intercultural Awareness skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse 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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OptionalEnsure Integrity Of Hull skill
Ensure sure that water does not break the hull; prevent progressive flooding.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Simple Meals On Board skill
Prepare simple meals using healthy ingredients; work hygienically.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Waterway Traffic Control Systems skill
Operate various systems of waterway traffic control; cooperate with traffic control operators, lockkeepers and bridge keepers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork 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.