physical parts of the vessel
The different physical components of the vessel and their maintenance and care effort.
Ordinary seamen occupy the lowest rank of a maritime ship’s deck crew. They comprise the main labour force on board a boat where they help to operate the ship. They are supervised by the ship captain and the engineer, and can be given instructions by any individuals ranked above them.
Competences and skills
33 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesprinciples 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.
types of maritime vessels
Various types of maritime vessels such as container ships, passenger ships and fishing vessels, and their characteristics and specifications, security, technical, and maintenance requirements.
vessel safety equipment
Safety equipment used in vessels, including devices such as lifeboats, life rings, splash doors and fire doors, sprinkler systems, etc, and how these must be operated during emergency situations.
Cross-sector
1 competenceGlobal Maritime Distress and Safety System
The internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircraft.
- Scope note
- It performs searching and rescue activities and coordination, provides safety information and general radio communications.
Essential skills and competences 20 competences
Occupation specific
3 competencesclean ships
Remove dirt from the ship by sweeping, scrubbing and washing the deck and other areas. Remove superfluous salt and water to avoid oxidation.
maintain ship brightwork
Maintain the brightwork of ships and boats by cleaning, polishing and painting; remove garbage and repair damaged equipment.
secure cargo on ships
Secure or tie cargo to ship using ropes or other pieces of equipment.
Sector-specific
9 competencesassist water-based navigation
Ensure that up-to-date charts and nautical publications are on board of the ship. Prepare information sheets, voyage reports, passage plans, and position reports.
load cargo onto ships
Load and unload cargo onto ships. Oversee cargo loading and discharging operations.
maintain ropes
Maintain splices and knots in ropes.
maintain vessel engine room
Maintain the engines and engine room equipment of a vessel. Conduct pre-checks prior to departure and ongoing examinations during the voyage.
maintain vessel safety and emergency equipment
Maintain and inspect all safety and emergency equipment such as life jackets, inflatable life rafts, flares, EPIRB, first-aid kits, AED, skiff emergency packs, emergency flashlights, and hand-held radios. Ensure that safety equipment is organised, available for emergency use, and re-stocked as necessary. Record inspection of the equipment in appropriate logbooks.
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.
digital
secure ships using rope
Use rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.
swim
Move through water by means of the limbs.
unmoor vessels
Follow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
Cross-sector
8 competencesfollow hygienic procedures during food processing
Ensure a clean working space according to hygienic standards in the food processing industry.
handle cargo
Manage safely the mechanical elements in the loading and unloading of cargo and stores. Stowing and unstowing of products following instructions.
handle stressful situations in the work place
Deal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.
moor vessels
Follow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
perform lookout duties during maritime operations
Maintain a watch during maritime operations, in order to anticipate events and potential hazards.
sort waste
Manually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.
use different types of fire extinguishers
Understand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.
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.
Optional skills and competences 8 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesinspect construction of ships
Inspect ship surfaces, windows, and ventilation systems, heating systems, toilets, and drainage systems; maintain and store equipment required for trip.
manipulate sails on vessels
Manipulate sails using ropes or other tools in order to control vessel direction and speed.
perform manual work autonomously
Show the ability to pursue basic manual tasks without the help or assistance of others, not needing supervision or guidance, and taking responsibility for one's actions.
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.
Cross-sector
4 competencesact reliably
Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.
follow verbal instructions
Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.
follow written instructions
Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
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.