National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

72602 - Deck officers, water transport

Deck officers, water transport, operate and command ships or self-propelled vessels to transport passengers and cargo on oceans and coastal and inland waters, and supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews. This unit group also includes Canadian Coast Guard deck officers. They are employed by marine transportation companies and federal government departments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • Coast Guard vessel first watchkeeping officer
    • Coast Guard vessel navigation officer
    • Coast Guard vessel watchkeeping officer
    • deck officer - water transport
    • ferryboat master
    • master mariner
    • ship pilot
    • ship second mate
    • ship third mate
    • ship's captain
    • ship's mate
    • tugboat captain

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Engineer officers, water transport (See 72603 Engineer officers, water transport)
    • Fishing masters and officers (See 83120 Fishing masters and officers)
    • Shore captain - water transport (See 70020 Managers in transportation)
    • Water transport deck and engine room crew (See 74201 Water transport deck and engine room crew)

  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Command and operate ships or other self-propelled vessels, such as barges or oil rigs, to transport passengers and cargo
    • Command and operate coast guard vessels to provide ice-breaking and search and rescue services, and to maintain control over ships operating in Canadian waters
    • Board vessels at berth or from pilot boats to advise ships' captains on the course to steer for safe passage into and out of ports, seaways or other waterways under pilotage authority
    • Plan and execute safe navigational passage using navigational aids
    • Determine geographical position using navigational instruments, maps and charts
    • Guide vessels in rivers, canals, and other confined or hazardous waters and waterways
    • Maintain vessels' navigational instruments and equipment
    • Direct and oversee the loading and unloading of cargo
    • Supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews
    • Record vessel progress, crew activities, weather and sea conditions in the ship's log.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is required.
    • Completion of deck officer cadet program from an approved nautical institute
      or
      One to three years of experience as a member of a deck crew is required.
    • A deck officer certificate of competency, issued by Transport Canada, is required.
    • For ship pilots, a ship pilot licence and a master certificate of competency are required.

  • Additional information

    • Transport Canada administers a deck officer certification program, consisting of several levels. Progression from one level of certification to the next requires additional experience, training and testing.
    • Mobility between employers is possible for positions requiring the same level of certification.
    • Progression to management positions in transportation is possible with experience.
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