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72602.00 – Deck officers, water transport

Deck officers, water transport, operate and command ships or self-propelled vessels to transport passengers and cargo on oceans and coastal and inland waters, and supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews. This unit group also includes Canadian Coast Guard deck officers.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Coast Guard vessel first watchkeeping officer
  • Coast Guard vessel navigation officer
  • Coast Guard vessel watchkeeping officer
  • Deck officer - water transport
  • Ferryboat master
  • Master mariner
  • Ship first mate
  • Ship pilot
  • Ship second mate
  • Ship third mate
  • Ship's captain
  • Ship's mate
  • Tugboat captain

Core competencies

  • Operation and Control to skillfully maneuver and operate complex watercraft, including navigation equipment, propulsion and steering mechanisms in varying conditions such as adverse weather, tight docking situations or congested waters
  • Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment to continuously observe vessel systems, machinery and navigation equipment, detecting any irregularities or malfunctions and taking timely corrective actions
  • Spatial Orientation to accurately navigate and maneuver vessels, assess environmental factors and determine the ship's position relative to other objects, hazards and navigational aids
  • Far Vision to clearly see and identify objects, hazards and signals at long distances, for safe navigation, avoidance of collisions and precise vessel positioning in varying weather and light conditions
  • Leadership to demonstrate strong decision-making skills, the ability to effectively coordinate and manage crew members and maintain authority during high-pressure situations
  • Knowledge in Vehicle, Machinery and Equipment Operations to understand and expertly handle the operation, coordination and oversight of advanced navigation systems, propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment, ensuring optimal performance and safety

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Command and operate ships or other self-propelled vessels, such as barges or oil rigs, to transport passengers and cargo
  • Command and operate coast guard vessels to provide ice-breaking and search and rescue services, and to maintain control over ships operating in Canadian waters
  • Board vessels at berth or from pilot boats to advise ships' captains on the course to steer for safe passage into and out of ports, seaways or other waterways under pilotage authority
  • Plan and execute safe navigational passage using navigational aids
  • Determine geographical position using navigational instruments, maps and charts
  • Guide vessels in rivers, canals, and other confined or hazardous waters and waterways
  • Maintain vessels' navigational instruments and equipment
  • Direct and oversee the loading and unloading of cargo
  • Supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews
  • Record vessel progress, crew activities, weather and sea conditions in the ship's log.

Additional information

  • Transport Canada administers a deck officer certification program, consisting of several levels. Progression from one level of certification to the next requires additional experience, training and testing.
  • Mobility between employers is possible for positions requiring the same level of certification.
  • Progression to management positions in transportation is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Engineer officers, water transport (72603)
  • Fishing masters and officers (83120)
  • Water transport deck and engine room crew (74201)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

72 – Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers

Sub-major group

726 – Transportation officers and controllers

Minor group

7260 – Transportation officers and controllers

Unit group

72602 – Deck officers, water transport

Occupational profile

72602.00 – Deck officers, water transport

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.