types of cargo
The different types of cargo e.g. bulk cargo, liquid bulk cargo and heavy materials.
Decksmen are unlicensed members of the deck department of an inland vessel. This position is usually the first step on the way to become an able seaman and beyond. They perform a variety of duties related to the operation and upkeep of deck department areas, the engine, and other equipment, mooring and unmooring, as well as (to a certain extent) the steering of the ship.
Competences and skills
58 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 4 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesvessel 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
2 competencesinternational regulations for cargo handling
The body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.
national regulations on handling cargo
The national regulations governing the loading and unloading of cargo in ports within that country.
Essential skills and competences 36 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceclean ships
Remove dirt from the ship by sweeping, scrubbing and washing the deck and other areas. Remove superfluous salt and water to avoid oxidation.
Sector-specific
27 competencesadhere to traffic regulations on inland waterways
Understand and apply traffic rules in inland waterway navigation in order to ensure safety and avoid collisions.
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.
assist anchoring operations
Assist during anchoring operations; operate equipment and assist in anchor manoeuvres.
clean parts of vessels
Clean engine rooms and vessel components using appropriate cleaning materials; ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
communicate reports provided by passengers
Transmit information provided by passengers to superiors. Interpret passenger claims and follow up requests.
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.
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.
launch lifeboats
Launch and retrieve lifeboats following international maritime regulations.
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 service record book
Maintain service record book, in which data related to the on-board time, activities, signatures of skippers, and other details are recorded.
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.
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.
green
manage on board hazards
Prevent on board (electrical) hazards and effectively deal with them should they occur; ensure safe embarkation and disembarkation of the vessel.
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
paint ship decks
Detect and remove rust using primers and sealants; paint vessel decks to fend off oxidation process.
perform daily maintenance on ship machinery
Perform daily maintenance tasks on machinery in ships, such as pumps, piping systems and ballast systems.
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.
prepare engine room for operation
Prepare and start main engine and auxiliary engines; prepare machinery in engine room prior to departure; know and follow starting procedures according to checklist.
read stowage plans
Read and comprehend content of stowage plans to stow various types of cargo.
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.
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.
undertake navigation safety actions
Recognise unsafe situations and perform follow-up actions according to the safety regulations. Immediately warn ship management. Use personal protective and rescue equipment.
unmoor vessels
Follow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
use ballasts
Manipulate ballast system; empty and refill ballast tanks.
use equipment for safe stowage
Use tools and equipment to perform safe stowage and ensure proper loading and securing of goods.
Cross-sector
8 competencescomply with checklists
Follow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.
execute safety assurance exercises
Organise and execute safety exercises; ensure safety in potentially dangerous situations.
follow procedures in the event of an alarm
Follow safety procedures in the event of an alarm; act according to company instructions and procedures.
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.
maintain vessel technical equipment according to instructions
Operate and maintain technical equipment and devices according to technical instructions.
moor vessels
Follow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
use different types of fire extinguishers
Understand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.
Optional knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competenceseuropean classification of inland waterways
The European classification of inland waterways and the related regulatory framework.
inland waterway police regulations
The rules, legal requirements, and relevant police regulations applicable to the traffic on inland waterways.
passenger transport regulations
The applicable conventions and regulations governing the provision of passenger transport services.
vessel stability principles
Thoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.
Cross-sector
1 competenceprinciples of combustion engines
Basic knowledge and understanding of different types of engines and their construction and performance.
Optional skills and competences 13 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
7 competencesdistinguish 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.
ensure integrity of hull
Ensure sure that water does not break through the hull; prevent progressive flooding.
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.
prepare simple meals on board
Prepare simple meals using healthy ingredients; work hygienically.
use waterway traffic control systems
Operate various systems of waterway traffic control. Cooperate with traffic control operators, lockkeepers and bridge, keepers.
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
6 competencesact reliably
Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.
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.
green
perform services in a flexible manner
Adapt service approach when circumstances change.
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.
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.
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.