Deck Officer

Deck Officers are in charge of the safe navigation of ships, cargo, and passengers on board the ship.

Deck Officer Job Description

Monitor and maintain emergency procedures during emergencies.
Carry out damage control requirements.
Observe both the national and international codes of conduct in guiding sea transport.
Ensure the safety of passengers and cargo on board.
Inspect and report defects and/or damage of ship parts/equipment.
Lead and supervise crew.

Note

Deck Officers are required to have good eyesight! Their eyesight cannot be above 300 degrees. Since Deck Officers are sometimes required to work night shifts, they also cannot have night blindness.

What you should know about Deck Officer jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

As Deck Officers, you will work on ensuring the smooth running of office operations, provide support, and contribute to overall organisational efficiency.

Key Advice

You must pass a colour vision test to be able to differentiate and distinguish between colours of vessels at sea to prevent accidents from occurring.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
You can apply for the Certificate of Competency (Special Limits) Deck Officer programme! The course fees are fully funded, and training allowances are provided. However, the programme requires at least GCE ‘N’ level passes in English, Math, Science, or Workplace Literacy Level 5.

For males, you are required to complete NS before applying.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Deck Officer job in Singapore

Hard Skills

Basic Safety Training Certificate

To ensure adherence to safety protocols and emergency procedures aboard vessels.

Certificate of Competency (Special Limits) Deck Officer

Certification of expertise in navigation, ship handling and maritime law.

Physical Fitness

For meeting the demanding physical requirements of maritime operations.

Electronic Navigation Systems Proficiency

Using modern electronic navigation tools for efficient vessel navigation.

Soft Skills

Decision-Making

Critical in swiftly making informed decisions during complex maritime operations.

Problem-Solving

To identify and resolve navigational and operational challenges encountered at sea.

Leadership

To direct and motivate crew members, maintain discipline and foster a positive work environment aboard the ship.

Interpersonal Skills

For coordinating operations and maintaining harmony among diverse crew members.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can females work as Deck Officers?

There are growing opportunities for people of all genders in the Sea Transport industry, with roles like Deck Officer offering exciting career paths.
What is the duration of the CoC (Special Limits) Deck Officer programme?

The CoC (Special Limits) Deck Officer programme spans two years, comprising of four training phases and culminating in a Class 5 Special Limit certification.
What do Deck Officers do when there is an emergency, such as fires or floods?

Immediately notify crew and passengers to not panic and direct them to a safe gathering point. Send trained staff to help with evacuation, Do a head count for missing persons and assess based on the situation whether to continue search while ensuring safety.
What is a challenge Deck Officers face when ensuring the safety of the passengers?

During evacuation, passengers may panic and disrupt the order of evacuation, causing more casualties to appear.
How do Deck Officers ensure compliance with safety regulations?

Deck Officers are responsible for ensuring that all safety equipment on board, such as lifeboats, life rafts, fire extinguishers, and personal protective equipment, is in good working order and readily accessible in case of an emergency.