Overview :

Merchant Navy is the backbone of international trade, carrying cargo across the globe. Without the merchant navy, much of the import-export business would grind to a halt. Therefore, suitably trained manpower has been always a priority for various departments of the ship / vessel and this widens the scope for employment in this field.

Career options :

Deck Department ( Nautical Branch )
Deck Officer: In ship management , a “Deck Officer” or navigation officer as the name suggests is in charge of the navigation of the ship, belonging to Deck Deptt.  Alongwith other officers, he assists a  “Captain” or  “Master” of the ship, who  is the charge d’affairs of the ship and responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel as well as for the discipline of  the ship and safety of passengers, crew and the cargo etc.
Apart from Deck Officer cadre in a ship organogram, significant support and cooperation are received  from second mates and third mates. The First Mate / Chief officer is the right-hand man to the Captain i.e the second in-command overseeing all relevant functions like :

• Conformity of international regulations and stipulations
• Cargo planning
• Assisting during navigation
• Allocation of duties and work for the maintenance & upkeep of the ship to the Deck Cadets and deck crew
• Ensuring discipline and order are maintained. The Second Mate / Second officer, assistant to the First Mate is in-charge of checking all mails and keeping the navigational equipment and charts in good condition and also assists in navigational watches at sea and cargo watches at port. The Third Mate / Third officer is responsible for keeping safety equipments -the lifeboats, firefighting and signaling equipment in top condition; acts in the capacity of signal officer and assists with cargo work.

The deck department also has other staff with specific duties called 'ratings'. They act as look outs and helmsmen, assist with the securing of the ship as it docks at ports and help clean tanks and holds before the cargo is placed in them.

What qualities & skills will you need?

Such adventurous and lucrative career demands a truly professional attitude from you. So, the values needed are not at all rare but available to some extent subject to more exploration :

• Decision making
• Calmness
• Inspiring to generate confidence in others
• Good team member with mathematical ability
• Serious in learning and adopting technology
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication skills
• Above apart, Self esteem , Confidence, Enthusiasm are essential attributes

Job Description
Deck Officers are responsible for navigation; using electronic instruments and celestially, using the sun and stars. They are also responsible for the maintenance of sea safety equipment, the supervision and management of staff, planning, organisation and supervision of cargo loading and unloading, the supervision of mooring and unmooring, liaising between Ship’s Captain and crew, as well as updating charts and the ship’s log.