Page 237 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

Entry level education / special licences / warrants
To work as a Ships’ Deck Officer and Pilot, the following qualifications are required:
• STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Certificate issued by the Merchant Shipping Directorate after the completion of a STCW 95 and Proficiency in Security Awareness course
MCAST also offers the following training programmes:
• Commercial Vessel Boatmaster Grade 1
• Commercial Vessel Boatmaster Grade 2
• Commercial Vessel Mate
• Commercial Vessel Master
For further details on specific entry requirements, it is advisable to consult the respective educational institution’s website.
Qualifications awarded by foreign bodies need to be recognised or pegged with a particular MQF Level by the MQRIC office within NCFHE.
On-the-job training is usually offered by the employer.
Knowledge and skills
Ships’ Deck Officers and Pilots are expected to have:
• Knowledge of local climate, weather, tides, currents and hazards
• Knowledge of deck equipment
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including
their design, use, repair and maintenance
• Knowledge on the use of radar, satellite and
computer systems
• Knowledge on how to plot a course to steer
and direct vessels
• Knowledge of how to dock or undock vessels in a variety of situations (where applicable)
• Knowledge of maritime regulations
• Knowledge of marine radio telephone
equipment
• Knowledge of International Code of Signals
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures
Pilots require knowledge of the waters they are operating in.
Transferable skills should include:
• Written and verbal communication skills in English
• Numeracy skills
• IT Skills
• Organisational skills
• Problem solving and decision making skills
• Time management and multitasking skills
• The ability to work under pressure
• The ability to work independently and as part
of a team
• Leadership skills
Additional qualities
These may include:
• A passion for life at sea
• Accuracy
• Alertness
• Diligence
• Patience
• The ability to remain calm in emergency
situations
Related career opportunities
• Commercial Boat Operator
• Port Worker
• Ships’ Deck Crew and Related Worker
(General Purpose Hand)
• Trawler Skipper
• Yacht Master
Occupational Handbook 2018
237