Deck Officer: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Deck Officer
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Practice Now »What is a Deck Officer?
A Deck Officer in the field of Marine and Air Transportation is responsible for supervising the operations and safety of a ship or hovercraft, including navigation, cargo handling, and equipment maintenance. This role includes coordinating the activities of other officers and crew members, operating communications equipment, and undertaking minor mechanical and electrical repairs.
Skills
- Navigation and ship handling
- Safety and emergency response procedures
- Communication and teamwork
- Leadership and decision-making
- Knowledge of maritime regulations and laws
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Technical and mechanical aptitude
- Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Adaptability and flexibility in changing situations
Qualifications & Education
- Possession of GCSEs/S grades
- Possession of A levels/H grades
- Good colour vision without spectacles or contact lenses (for some posts)
- Undergo a medical examination
- Completion of a three to four-year training program
- Combination of taught courses and assessed training at sea
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a deck officer can become a captain. They need to gain additional experience and serve for 18 more months before they can qualify as a Master or Captain. They also need to demonstrate the necessary personal qualities for promotion as vacancies become available.
To become a deck officer in the UK, you need to start by completing a pre-sea training course, which usually takes between 6 months to 1 year. After finishing the course, you will need to undergo onboard training for 18 months to 3 years, depending on the specific requirements of the shipping company.
It usually takes around 18 to 24 months to become a deck officer in the UK, including time spent at sea. With experience, your employer may support you in completing rating to officer training. The Slater Scholarship Fund is available to help ratings who choose to do the conversion to officer training without their employer's support.
The job scope of a deck officer in the UK involves maintaining watches on the bridge at sea and around the ship in port. They are responsible for tasks such as passage planning, ensuring safe navigation of the vessel, managing cargo loading and discharge, ensuring ship stability, handling communications, and maintaining the hull and deck equipment.
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