Deck Officers, Water Transport
(NOC 2273)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyDeck officers, water transport, operate and command ships to carry passengers and cargo on oceans and coastal and inland waters, and supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews. This group also includes Canadian Coast Guard deck officers. They work for marine transportation companies and federal government departments.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
This occupation did not experience widespread layoffs because of the pandemic. Most deck officers work for cargo ships, interprovincial ferries, or federal government organizations like the Coast Guard, which continued to operate throughout the pandemic. Some cargo shippers may have had a reduced need for deck officers throughout 2020 as the number of containers passing through the Port of Halifax declined somewhat. Deck officers working for businesses that provide services to the Atlantic offshore oil industry may have been laid off as low oil prices prompted the cancellation or deferral of some planned projects.
This occupation is relatively small, with no major increase or decrease in total employment expected. Many workers in this occupation are approaching retirement age. Attrition will be the main source of vacancies. Employers sometimes have trouble finding local jobseekers to fill positions and hire workers from outside Nova Scotia.
The median employment income for the 50% of Deck Officers, Water Transport who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $85,125. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.54
Minimum$38.94
Median$51.28
MaximumAnnual Pay
$20,281
Minimum$80,949
Median$179,235
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Deck officers, water transport, operate and command ships to carry passengers and cargo on oceans and coastal and inland waters, and supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews. This group also includes Canadian Coast Guard deck officers. They work for marine transportation companies and federal government departments.
Job duties
Deck officers:
- Command and operate ships or other vessels like barges or oil rigs to carry passengers and cargo.
- Command and operate coast guard ships 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 boats 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.
Sample job titles
- captain - water transport
- deck officer - water transport
- ferryboat operator
- master - water transport
- master mariner
- mate - water transport
- navigation officer - water transport
- ship first mate
- ship pilot
- tugmaster
Skills
You should enjoy being at sea. A sense of responsibility and strong leadership qualities are needed. You must be in good health and meet eyesight and colour vision requirements. Problem-solving and decision-making skills are also important. Mechanical skills may also be helpful.
Job requirements
- High 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.
Other considerations
Transport Canada administers a deck officer certification program, consisting of several levels. Movement from one level of certification to the next requires additional experience, training and testing. Movement between employers is possible for positions requiring the same level of certification. Progression to management positions in transportation is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Southern
Cape Breton
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Public administration
Manufacturing
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$113,029 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$72,515 median annual incomeHigh school
$53,136 median annual incomeBachelor
$55,733 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$78,677 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.