At sea, the deck officer on watch is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel. The deck officer’s duty is to determine the position of the vessel at sea and navigate along the planned route. In ports, the deck officer also takes part in cargo handling and other work onboard the vessel.
Education
The degree of a deck officer requires the completion of an upper secondary Vocational Qualification in Seafaring within the competence area for deck officers.
Upon graduation and after acquiring the required work experience, a deck officer can be granted a deck officer’s certificate of competency and, thus, be qualified to serve as watchkeeping officer onboard merchant ships in foreign traffic and as master of small vessels.
The degree of Bachelor of Maritime Management, Sea Captain, can be taken at Universities of Applied Sciences. The holder of the degree is qualified to serve as deck officer on passenger and cargo vessels in international traffic.
Certifications
Depending on the manning of the vessel, a master’s, chief officer’s or deck officer’s certificate of competency is required. To obtain a certificate of competency, you must have completed the relevant education along with the work experience specified for each level.
The holder of a deck officer‘s certificate of competency has the right to serve as deck officer on merchant ships in foreign traffic and as master on vessels in domestic traffic.
The Sea Captain degree along with the required work experience gives qualification for a deck officer’s, chief officer’s or master’s certificate of competency. The holder of a master’s certificate of competency is qualified to serve as master and chief officer on merchant ships.
