The Deck Officer. . . .

The Deck Officer has skills in all aspects of the Navigation of ships; cargo handling operations and stowage; ship stability; ship manoeuvring and ship management.  Navigation today uses both satellite and other electronic means but a fundamental understanding of more traditional techniques is still vital to cope with all possible situations.  Seamanship and safety are also of great importance for in spite of all the safeguards allowed by modern technology the sea will forever be a hostile environment.  All of these skills will be learned by a mixture of training and p ractical experience. The ultimate goal of the Deck officer is to become Master of his/her own ship;  leadership skills and man management are, therefore, also essential ingredients here.

Did you know that ...? Deck Officers with a Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Master) have a range of career options open to them after they have gained experience at sea.

These include Ship Management, Surveying, Management in Ports and Harbours, Pilotage, Teaching and Government service.  In a number of cases this will, of course, require further study and qualification (such as a relevant degree) but their seagoing experience will be an important foundation.