Page 236 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

Ships’ Deck Officer and Pilot (Master / Boatmaster / Mate)
Occupation Code: 3152
Alternative titles: Vessel Master, Boat Captain, Chief Mate
Job description and duties
Ships’ Deck Officers command ships and supervise and coordinate activities of the crew aboard the vessel. A Ships’ Deck Officer is typically expected to:
• Assume command of a vessel
• Steer vessels safely in and out of harbours
(where applicable)
• Set the ships’s course, steer the vessel and
avoid any hazards, using navigational aids,
such as lighthouses or buoys
• Control the speed of the ship
• Determine geographical positions of nearby
ships
• Inspect and maintain on board equipment,
such as cargo-handling gear and lifesaving
equipment
• Dock or undock vessels (where applicable)
• Adjust navigation according to weather
conditions
• Inspect vessels to ensure all equipment is
safe and in line with regulations
• Use marine radio telephone equipment to
transmit and receive messages Jobsplus
• Ensure safety of cargo and/or people on board
• Operate Wheelhouse equipment including GPS, depth (echo) sounder, magnetic compass, autopilot and alarm systems
Pilots board vessels to assist Ships’ Deck Officers in manoeuvring the vessel in congested waters such as harbours. They assist Ships’ Deck Officers in the previously mentioned tasks related to entering and exiting harbours and docking.
Work environment
Ships’ Deck Officers and Pilots may work on a variety of vessels such as harbour ferries and charter boats, deep-sea fishing vessels and cruise liners. The work of Ships’ Deck Officers includes working on deck, below deck and on the bridge in all kinds of weather conditions. Pilots always assists on the bridge. Conditions on board may be cramped.
Working hours may vary according to the size of the vessel and how far the vessel ventures out to sea. On a large vessel, work may stretch for several weeks at a time.
Occupation data
Number of employees (2017)
69
Share of foreigners (2017)
25%
Job Outlook (2018 - 2022)
+19%
Median Pay (per annum)
€26,200
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