Merchant Navy Deck Officer

Also known as:

Deck Officer, Merchant Navy
Navy Deck Officer, Merchant Navy

Introduction

Merchant Navy deck officers are responsible for navigation, checking that cargo is safe and stable, supervising crew members and ensuring that their ship is fit to sail.

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Work Activities

There are normally two main departments on board ship - deck and engine. However, there are also some opportunities in accommodation services/catering, communications and electronic/electrical fields.

The deck department is concerned with the overall operation of the ship. A deck officer's responsibilities include navigation, communications, cargo and stability, maintenance and safety. They undertake navigational watchkeeping, which involves plotting the ship's position, giving steering instructions and following the 'rule of the road'.

Deck officers also oversee the storage and securing of cargo, ensure passengers are cared for, and, on long trips, entertained, make stability calculations and maintain safety and equipment, as well as supervising crew members. The ship's captain (the senior deck officer on board) is in overall charge of the total ship operation and is responsible for the safety of passengers, crew and the ship.

Everyone on board may be required to share in maintaining the cleanliness of communal accommodation and their own quarters. On ships with small crews, everyone may take a turn in the galley (kitchen).

Sometimes deck officers have to work in cold, wet, stormy conditions. Merchant Navy officers spend long periods of time away from family and friends.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Leadership, management skills and commercial awareness are essential, together with the flexibility required to meet the challenge of developing technology.

You must also be able to show initiative and self-reliance. You should be good at problem-solving and be able to react quickly in the event of an emergency. You must be aware of, and alert to, the importance of health and safety issues.

Good communication and team working skills are highly important. The members of the crew generally come from a wide range of countries and will have varying degrees of knowledge of the English language.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salary rates for Merchant Navy officers vary with the company. While at sea, you would have free accommodation and food as well as some transport costs. On long voyages, you may have tax-free earnings.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Deck officers are paid in the range of £20,000 - £25,000, rising to around £30,000 - £40,000 a year. Masters can earn in excess of £65,000 a year, and some earn more.

Shift work is usual with everyone taking regular turns on duty ("watches") during the whole period at sea. Ships operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. In between the spells at sea, shore leave can last for days or even weeks.

Merchant Navy personnel are civilian employees who work on a variety of ships of all sizes including:
• famous passenger and cruise liners
• container ships
• oil tankers
• cargo vessels
• passenger and freight ferries
• offshore research and support vessels.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), which supplies the needs of Royal Navy ships at sea, also employs civilian Merchant Navy personnel.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Candidates can apply for financial support for study from The Marine Society. The Corporation of Trinity House London offer scholarships for cadet training for those interested in taking up a career at sea.

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New Developments

People working in this occupation are involved with the Maritime sector.