celestial navigation
The science of celestial navigation and position fixing by using specialised measuring equipment.
Deck officers or mates perform the watch duties on board of vessels like determining the course and speed, manoeuvring to avoid hazards, and continuously monitoring the vessels position using charts and navigational aids. They maintain logs and other records tracking the ship's movements. They ensure that the proper procedures and safety practices are followed, check that equipment is in good working order, and oversee the loading and discharging of cargo or passengers. They supervise crew members engaged in maintenance and the primary upkeep of the vessel.
Competences and skills
28 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesinternational regulations for preventing collisions at sea
Fundamental aspects of the international regulations to prevent collisions at sea, such as the conduct of vessels in sight of one another, navigation lights and markers, major light and accoustic signals, maritime signalling and buoys.
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
2 competencesGlobal 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.
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
The fundamental principals and requirements laid in the International Regulation for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil, Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk, prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form, Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships, Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships, Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships.
green
Essential skills and competences 16 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
11 competencesassess vessel status
Assess the status of the operating radar, satellite, and computer systems of a vessel. Monitor speed, current position, direction, and weather conditions while carrying out watch duties.
assist 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.
ensure smooth on board operations
Ensure the trip goes smoothly and without incidents. Before departure review if all security, catering, navigation and communication elements are in place.
ensure vessel security
Ensure that security requirements for vessels are met according to legal norms. Check if the security equipment is in place and operational. Communicate with marine engineers to ensure that the technical parts of the vessel functioning effectively and can perform as necessary for the upcoming journey.
plot shipping navigation routes
Plot the navigation route of a vessel under the review of a superior deck officer. Operate a ship radar or electronic charts and automatic identification system.
digital
stay up-to-date with maritime transportation technology
Gather information about the current trends in maritime transportation technology and stay up-to-date with the latest findings in the field. Apply this knowledge in operations and decision-making while on-board.
steer vessels
Operate and steer vessels such as cruise ships, ferries, tankers, and container ships.
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.
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.
use water navigation devices
Utilise water navigation devices, e.g. compass or sextant, or navigational aids such as lighthouses or buoys, radar, satellite, and computer systems, in order to navigate vessels on waterways. Work with recent charts/maps, notices, and publications in order to determine the precise position of a vessel.
digital
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
5 competencesconsider economic criteria in decision making
Develop proposals and take appropriate decisions taking into account economic criteria.
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.
manage staff
Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
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.
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.
Optional knowledge 1 competence
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competencevessel points of sail
Points of sail describing the orientation of a vessel in relation to the direction of the wind.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Optional skills and competences 6 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesmanipulate sails on vessels
Manipulate sails using ropes or other tools in order to control vessel direction and speed.
secure ships using rope
Use rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.
tolerate stress
Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.
Cross-sector
3 competencescommunicate with customers
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
make independent operating decisions
Make immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best for a particular situation.
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.