Skipper Science & Engineering Technicians
SaveWhat 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.
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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 Skipper
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.
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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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EssentialPhysical Parts Of The Vessel knowledge
Detailed knowledge of the different physical components of the vessel. Provide maintenance and care to ensure optimal operations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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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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EssentialVessel Fuels knowledge
Know and understand characteristics of fuels and lubricants, and the fuel loading specifications of various types of vessels.
Recommended Books
1 book -
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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EssentialInland Waterway Police Regulations knowledge
Understand waterway rules, legal requirements, and relevant police regulations. Handle and maintain buoys, marking systems, and day and night signs.
Recommended Books
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EssentialInland Waterway Ship Building knowledge
Understand inland waterway ship building and construction. Operate vessel in compliance with construction legislation.
Recommended Books
1 book -
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
1 book -
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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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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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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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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EssentialEnsure Vessel Compliance With Regulations skill
Inspect vessels, vessel components, and equipment; ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
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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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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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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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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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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EssentialAnalyse Reports Provided By Passengers skill
Analyse reports submitted by passengers (i.e. on unforeseen occurrences or incidents such as vandalism or theft) in order to inform strategic decision making.
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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EssentialAssume Highest Level Of Responsibility In Inland Water Transportation skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCalculate The Amount Of Cargo On A Vessel skill
Determine the weight of cargo on tanker ships and cargo vessels. Calculate the exact amount of loaded cargo or cargo to be discharged.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCommunicate Mooring Plans skill
Prepare crew briefings on mooring plans and division of labour. Provide the crew with information on protective gear such as helmets and safety goggles.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCompose Stowage Plans skill
Compose stowage plans; knowledge of ballast systems and cargo loading process.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConduct Analysis Of Ship Data skill
Collect information from a vessel's management software and cross reference it to analyse the data from different points of view. Analyse data and apply judgement to inform decision-making.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConduct Water Navigation skill
Ensure 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, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCoordinate The Itineraries Of Vessels skill
Develop, manage, and coordinate the itinerary of vessels worldwide together with other stakeholders.
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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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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EssentialInstruct Crew In Operations Of Technical Shore-based Facilities skill
Instruct 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Vessel Cargo Activities skill
Manage and oversee the safe and punctual loading and unloading of cargo from vessels in port.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Crew Members Operating Engines skill
Monitor the staff that operate the engines during operations. Communicate with them in order to obtain information relevant to the general steering of the ship.
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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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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EssentialPrepare And Execute Regular Safety Exercises skill
Plan and perform regular safety exercises; maximise safety in potentially dangerous situations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide On-board Safety Training skill
Develop and implement on-board safety training programmes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRecognise 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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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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EssentialSecure Cargo In Stowage skill
Secure cargo stowage with basic knowledge of stowing methods; ensure efficient and safe transport of goods.
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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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 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 10 displayed)
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OptionalAct Reliably skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate A Work Atmosphere Of Continuous Improvement skill
Work with management practices such as continuous improvement, preventive maintenance. Pay attention to problem solving and teamwork principles.
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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OptionalMaintain Updated Professional Knowledge skill
Regularly attend educational workshops, read professional publications, actively participate in professional societies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Staff skill
Manage 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 workers to meet …
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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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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OptionalAnalyse Ways To Reduce Travel Time skill
Analyse prospective improvements in journey efficiency through reduction of travel time by modifying itineraries and outlining alternatives.
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.