Deck Officers, Water Transport
(NOC 2273)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyDeck officers, water transport, operate and command ships or self-propelled vessels to transport 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 are employed by marine transportation companies and federal government departments.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Deck Officers, Water Transport most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
The median employment income for 48% of Deck Officers, Water Transport who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $85,125. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$19.60
Minimum$34.34
Median$57.69
MaximumAnnual Pay
$20,281
Minimum$80,949
Median$179,235
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Deck officers, water transport, operate and command ships or self-propelled vessels to transport 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 are employed by marine transportation companies and federal government departments.
Job duties
Deck officers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Command and operate ships or other self-propelled vessels, such as barges or oil rigs, to transport passengers and cargo.
- Command and operate coast guard vessels 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 vessels 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
To work in these jobs, 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. A mechanical aptitude may also be helpful.
Job requirements
- Completion of 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. Progression from one level of certification to the next requires additional experience, training and testing. Mobility 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
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and Warehousing
Public Administration
Support for Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
Professional Business Services
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$92,716 median annual incomeTrades certificate
N/AHigh school
$64,044 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/AUniversity certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.