Helmsman Science & Engineering Technicians
SaveWhat Does a Helmsman Do?
Helmsmen are members of the crew on the highest rank of the operational level on an inland vessel. 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 the steering of the ship as the main task.
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Where Do I Start?
Multimodal Transport Logistics
Understand logistics and multimodal transport as the planning and control of the movement of goods or people, and all related logistical supporting activities.
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 Helmsman
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialMultimodal Transport Logistics knowledge
Understand logistics and multimodal transport as the planning and control of the movement of goods or people, and all related logistical supporting activities.
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EssentialPrinciples Of Cargo Stowage knowledge
Understand the principles of cargo stowage. Understand procedures by which containers should be efficiently loaded and unloaded, taking into account gravitational forces that are exerted during transportation.
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EssentialVessel Stability Principles knowledge
Thoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialPhysical Parts Of The Vessel knowledge
Detailed knowledge of the different physical components of the vessel. Provide maintenance and care to ensure optimal operations.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialDistinguish Ship Construction Methods knowledge
Distinguish various methods of constructing vessels and how this affects their behaviour in the water in terms of strength and stability.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPassenger Transport Regulations knowledge
Have knowledge of passenger transport conventions and regulations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialFunctions Of Vessel Deck Equipment knowledge
Know and control deck and safety equipment and vessel lifting facilities.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialNational Waterways knowledge
Know the national waterways used for inland navigation, know geographical location of rivers, canals, seaports and inland harbours, and understand the relationship with cargo flows.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialInland Waterway Ship Building knowledge
Understand inland waterway ship building and construction. Operate vessel in compliance with construction legislation.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialNational Regulations On Handling Cargo knowledge
The national regulations governing the loading and unloading of cargo in ports within that country.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialAnchors Used In Inland Water Transport knowledge
Name and recognise different types of anchors used in inland water transport (IWT); explain the characteristics of different anchors and their specific uses.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialEuropean 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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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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EssentialInternational Waterways knowledge
The international waterways used for maritime navigation, the geographical location of currents, maritime waterways, and harbours.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialDistinguish 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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EssentialEvaluate Engine Performance skill
Read and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.
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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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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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 Meteorological Information skill
Use and interpret meteorological information for operations dependent on climatic conditions. Use this information to provide advise on safe operations in relation to weather conditions.
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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EssentialAdjust Weight Of Cargo To Capacity Of Freight Transport Vehicles skill
Adapt weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles. Oversee the maximum load capacity of the vehicle in question and the weight of each individual crate in the shipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAnchor Ships To The Port skill
Anchor ships to the port according to the type of vessel.
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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EssentialAssess Stability Of Vessels skill
Assess the two kinds of stability of vessels, namely transversal and longitudinal.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssess Trim Of Vessels skill
Assess the trim stability of vessels, referring to the stability of a vessel while it is in a static condition.
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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EssentialControl Proceedings On Board In The Event Of An Emergency skill
Control proceedings in the event of a leakage, fire, man overboard, collisions, and evacuations; implement crisis management and stay calm in emergency situations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Integrity Of Hull skill
Ensure sure that water does not break the hull; prevent progressive flooding.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Safe Loading Of Goods According To Stowage Plan skill
Monitor and ensure the safe and secure loading of materials and goods, as specified in the stowage plan.
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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EssentialMaintain Ship Stability In Relation To Weight Of Passengers skill
Maintain vessel stability in relation to weight of passengers; communicate with passengers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Vessel Control Systems skill
Know, operate, test and maintain control systems of vessels. Maintain and if necessary repair electronic components of vessel control systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialNavigate European Inland Waterways skill
Navigate European waterways in accordance with navigation agreements.
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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EssentialRestrict Passenger Access To Specific Areas On Board skill
Delimit access points for passengers on board and implement an effective protection system; prevent unauthorised access to restricted areas at all times.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialStow Cargo skill
Stow cargo in a secure manner; operate handling gear and lashing equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupervise Movement Of Crew skill
Oversee embarkation and disembarkation of crew members; ensure that safety regulations are followed according to specifications.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSupervise Movement Of Passengers skill
Oversee embarking and disembarking of travellers; ensure that safety regulations are followed according to specifications.
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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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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EssentialUse Modern Electronic Navigational Aids skill
Use modern navigational aids such as GPS and radar systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Radar Navigation skill
Operate modern radar navigation equipment to ensure safe vessel operations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 21 displayed)
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OptionalElectrical Systems Used In Transportation knowledge
Understand the functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalVessel Fuels knowledge
Know and understand characteristics of fuels and lubricants, and the fuel loading specifications of various types of vessels.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalEnvironmental 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.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalAct Reliably skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Conflict Management skill
Take ownership of the handling of all complaints and disputes showing empathy and understanding to achieve resolution. To be fully aware of all Social Responsibility protocols and procedures, and to …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalComply With Checklists skill
Follow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHave Computer Literacy skill
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
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 Risk Analysis skill
Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
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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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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OptionalDetect Malfunctions In Engines skill
Detect and effectively respond to machinery malfunctions. Take actions in order to prevent material damage; practice damage control.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEncourage Teambuilding skill
Stimulate teambuilding activities; coach employees in order to help them reach their goals.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalImplement Workplace Drug Policies skill
Implement strict policy of alcohol and drug prohibition in the workplace and take immediate action in the case of infringement.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform 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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OptionalProvide Feedback On Job Performance skill
Provide feedback to employees on their professional and social behaviour in the work environment; discuss results of their work.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRecognise Abnormalities On Board skill
Identify 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 to be taken …
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.