FdSc Nautical Science

The Role and Responsibilities of a Qualified Deck Officer

The Deck Officer is responsible for the safety of the ship's crew, its cargo and the vessel itself. Important decisions are made regarding the navigation and manoeuvring of the ship, with the objective of meeting tight schedules safely and efficiently. Navigating the vessel involves the use of technologically advanced equipment including sophisticated satellite navigation systems. The Officer of the Watch will also monitor weather data receiving equipment from which optimum routes can be calculated.
On arrival in port the ship's crew are involved in the complex and exacting task of berthing the vessel. Whilst tied up in port ships are not generating revenue, so the priority is to unload and load the cargo as quickly and economically as possible. Overseeing this process is the responsibility of the Deck Officer, who will either maintain a sea-going watch pattern or switch to day work, the latter occasionally providing the opportunity for crewmembers to take an excursion ashore.

The Deck Department

The ship's Master is the highest-ranking Officer on board and has overall command and responsibility for the vessel, its crew, any passengers and cargo. The Master (Captain) maintains the ship's records and receives and implements instructions from the operating company of the vessel. The Master will also take command of the vessel in inclement weather or any other emergency and in crowded or narrow waters where the risk of collision is the greatest.
The Chief Mate has direct responsibility for all deck operations including cargo storage and handling, deck maintenance, and deck supplies.
The Second Mate is the ship's Navigation Officer and has the responsibility for maintaining charts and monitoring the navigation equipment on the bridge.
The Third Mate besides navigational watch duties has immediate responsibility for the regular maintenance of emergency survival equipment including lifeboats and life rings.
The Deck Department is supported by ratings whose duties will include supporting the Officer of the Watch, keeping a lookout and steering the vessel when necessary, as well as undertaking maintenance duties whilst not required on watch.

The Varied Lifestyles of a Deck Officer

One interesting aspect of serving as a seafarer in the Merchant Navy is that two days are never the same, and your lifestyle will vary depending upon the type of vessel you are working on.

If you enjoy the idea of world-wide travel you will need to consider working on vessels that trade across the oceans of the world. These vessels will call at some of the ports furthest from home providing the opportunity to experience interesting cultures in far-away countries. The length of voyages are likely to be longer on this type of vessel, although your periods of leave after each voyage will also be proportionately longer. 

The crew you will be serving with are likely to include seafarers from varied nationalities, which will enhance your experiences on board, and you will get to enjoy a range of cuisines from around the world too.

If you would prefer to work closer to home, you may want to consider companies operating vessels around the UK and the near continent. Whilst you may not get to travel the world or experience overseas cultures - you will never be far from home. With shorter tours of duty, your leave will be shorter than those on ocean-trading vessels, although these are likely to be more frequent.

Another option to consider is where vessels typically follow a fixed schedule, often referred to as a ‘liner service’, or carry a single cargo from one port to another port, often referred to as ‘tramping’. 

The sponsorship provided by SSTG leads to an unrestricted qualification, so regardless of which type of vessel you are training on you will be qualified to serve on any type of vessel once you are qualified.

The latest ships are constructed to provide their crews with single accommodation and en-suite facilities. The food will be of good quality and the recreational facility of a high standard. The facilities found on older vessels will vary depending on the age of the vessel, and some may not have internet access, although this is the exception rather than the rule.

Pay, leave rates and welfare benefits will vary between companies, and this will be the case whilst training as well as once qualified. However, when comparing terms offered by different companies it is always important to consider all of the details of the offer. Some might offer better study leave packages in the future with others offering higher salaries.

No matter what type of lifestyle you are looking for from a career at sea, as a seafarer the chances are there will be one that matches what you are looking for.

The lifestyle at sea will depend on the type and trading pattern of each ship but there are usually great opportunities for global travel. The food and accommodation on board is excellent, with single cabins and en-suite facilities for officers on many vessels.  

Holiday, pay, welfare and benefits vary from company to company but are generally very good. For example, a qualified officer after a voyage lasting four months could get two months’ holiday or more. Many UK nationals also benefit enormously from tax-free status, provided they meet the associated requirements.