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ESCO occupation

helmsman

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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.

3152.2 ISCO 3152 ESCO source
Competences
75
Groups
4
Essential
53
Optional
22

Competences and skills

75 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 15 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

12 competences
anchors used in inland water transport

Name and recognise different types of anchors used in inland water transport (IWT); explain the characteristics of different anchors and their specific uses.

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european classification of inland waterways

The European classification of inland waterways and the related regulatory framework.

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functions of vessel deck equipment

The required performance level of deck and safety equipment and vessel lifting facilities.

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inland waterway ship building

The various methods for constructing inland waterway vessels in compliance with construction legislation concerning buildings.

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international waterways

The international waterways used for maritime navigation, the geographical location of currents, maritime waterways, and harbours.

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national waterways

The national waterways used for inland navigation. The geographical location of rivers, canals, seaports and inland harbours, and their relationship with cargo flows.

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passenger transport regulations

The applicable conventions and regulations governing the provision of passenger transport services.

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physical parts of the vessel

The different physical components of the vessel and their maintenance and care effort.

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principles of cargo stowage

The principles of cargo stowage. The procedures by which containers should be efficiently loaded and unloaded, taking into account gravitational forces that are exerted during transportation.

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vessel points of sail

Points of sail describing the orientation of a vessel in relation to the direction of the wind.

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vessel stability principles

Thoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.

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vessel traffic services

Shore-based systems of different types, from comprehensive traffic management within a waterway or port to specific tasks such as sending messages with weather or position information.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
international regulations for cargo handling

The body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.

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multimodal transport logistics

The logistical supporting activities related to multimodal transport. The different elements of a multimodal system for the movement of goods or people, and all related advantages in terms of time and cost reduction, increased security and reduced risks and reduction of administrative burdens.

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national regulations on handling cargo

The national regulations governing the loading and unloading of cargo in ports within that country.

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Essential skills and competences 38 competences

Occupation specific

2 competences
maintain ship stability in relation to weight of passengers

Maintain vessel stability in relation to weight of passengers; communicate with passengers.

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stow cargo

Stow cargo in a secure manner; operate handling gear and lashing equipment.

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Sector-specific

33 competences
adhere to traffic regulations on inland waterways

Understand and apply traffic rules in inland waterway navigation in order to ensure safety and avoid collisions.

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adjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles

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.

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anchor ships to the port

Anchor ships to the port according to the type of vessel.

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apply regulations on cargo transport operations

Display knowledge of relevant local, national, European and international regulations, standards, and codes concerning the operation of freight transport.

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assess stability of vessels

Assess the two kinds of stability of vessels, namely transversal and longitudinal.

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assess trim of vessels

Assess the trim stability of vessels, referring to the stability of a vessel while it is in a static condition.

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assist anchoring operations

Assist during anchoring operations; operate equipment and assist in anchor manoeuvres.

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clean parts of vessels

Clean engine rooms and vessel components using appropriate cleaning materials; ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

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communicate reports provided by passengers

Transmit information provided by passengers to superiors. Interpret passenger claims and follow up requests.

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distinguish ship construction methods

Distinguish various methods of constructing vessels and how this affects their behaviour in the water in terms of strength and stability.

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distinguish various types of ships

Recognise and name various types of vessels common in European maritime transport. Understand the different characteristics, construction details, and tonnage capacities of different vessels.

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ensure integrity of hull

Ensure sure that water does not break through the hull; prevent progressive flooding.

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ensure safe loading of goods according to stowage plan

Monitor and ensure the safe and secure loading of materials and goods, as specified in the stowage plan.

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evaluate engine performance

Read and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.

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facilitate safe disembarkation of passengers

Assist passengers when they leave the vessel, aircraft, train, or other mode of transport. Keep the safety measures and procedures in mind.

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help to control passenger behaviour during emergency situations

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 administer first aid on board.

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manage emergency situations on board

Control proceedings in the event of a leakage, fire, collisions, and evacuations; implement crisis management and stay calm in emergency situations.

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manage vessel control systems

Know, operate, test and maintain control systems of vessels. Maintain and if necessary repair electronic components of vessel control systems.

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navigate European inland waterways

Navigate European waterways in accordance with navigation agreements.

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operate life-saving appliances

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.

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restrict passenger access to specific areas on board

Delimit access points for passengers on board and implement an effective protection system; prevent unauthorised access to restricted areas at all times.

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supervise loading of cargo

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.

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supervise movement of crew

Oversee embarkation and disembarkation of crew members. Ensure that safety regulations are followed according to specifications.

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supervise movement of passengers

Oversee embarking and disembarking of travellers; ensure that safety regulations are followed according to specifications.

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supervise unloading of cargo

Supervise unloading processes for equipment, cargo, goods and other items. Ensure that everything is handled and stored correctly in accordance with regulations and standards.

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swim

Move through water by means of the limbs.

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understand different types of locks and their operation

Master various engineering constructions and functions of bridges and locks in the field of navigation. Conduct locking and entering procedures.

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unmoor vessels

Follow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.

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use equipment for safe stowage

Use tools and equipment to perform safe stowage and ensure proper loading and securing of goods.

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use meteorological information

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.

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use modern electronic navigational aids

Use modern navigational aids such as GPS and radar systems.

digital
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use radar navigation

Operate modern radar navigation equipment to ensure safe vessel operations.

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verify qualifications of water transport crew

Verify the qualifications of a ship's crew and officers, in accordance with the regulatory requirements. Define whether passengers or cargo are being transported.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
execute safety assurance exercises

Organise and execute safety exercises; ensure safety in potentially dangerous situations.

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follow procedures in the event of an alarm

Follow safety procedures in the event of an alarm; act according to company instructions and procedures.

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moor vessels

Follow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.

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Optional knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
electrical systems used in transportation

The functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.

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vessel fuels

The characteristics and properties of vessel fuels and lubricants, and the fuel loading specifications of various types of vessels.

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Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Optional skills and competences 20 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

8 competences
contribute to bilge and ballast operations

Help operate and service the bilge and ballast systems. Report incidents during or after transfer operations. Correctly measure and report tank levels.

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detect malfunctions in engines

Detect and effectively respond to machinery malfunctions. Take actions in order to prevent material damage. Practice damage control.

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encourage teambuilding

Stimulate teambuilding activities. Coach employees in order to help them reach their goals.

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manage environmental aspects of inland waterway transportation

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.

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manipulate sails on vessels

Manipulate sails using ropes or other tools in order to control vessel direction and speed.

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perform vessel maintenance and cleaning

Follow the First Mate's instructions in assisting with equipment maintenance such as painting or varnishing, splicing lines, and wash-down chores.

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recognise abnormalities on board

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 in the event of an identified problem.

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work in a water transport team

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 interaction, maritime safety, and ship maintenance.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
act reliably

Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.

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apply conflict management

Take ownership of the handling of all complaints and disputes showing empathy and understanding to achieve resolution. Be fully aware of all Social Responsibility protocols and procedures, and be able to deal with a problematic gambling situation in a professional manner with maturity and empathy.

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comply with checklists

Follow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.

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have computer literacy

Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

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implement environmental protection measures

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 in an environmentally friendly manner.

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implement workplace drug policies

Implement strict policy of alcohol and drug prohibition in the workplace and take immediate action in the case of infringement.

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perform risk analysis

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.

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provide feedback on job performance

Provide feedback to employees on their professional and social behaviour in the work environment; discuss results of their work.

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provide first aid

Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.

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show intercultural awareness

Show sensibility towards cultural differences by taking actions which facilitate positive interaction between international organisations, between groups or individuals of different cultures, and to promote integration in a community.

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use different communication channels

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.

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use maritime English

Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.

Scope note
Interpret information received in English by any means to perform technical functions on board or respond to contingencies: written and oral information (face to face or radio among others). Complete writen information in English for the release of the vessel and the management of vessel activity. Express in English to steer the boat, transmit orders safely and to solve relief and emergency situations. Use seaspeak according to the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases.
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