Water Transport Deck and Engine Room Crew

(NOC 7532)

in All Trades and Transportation

Workers in this group stand watch, operate and maintain deck equipment, perform other deck and bridge duties and assist ship engineer officers to operate, maintain and repair engines, machinery and auxiliary equipment aboard ships or self-propelled vessels. They are employed by marine transportation companies and federal government departments.

Job Outlook

Average

Estimate stable employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 20 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Estimate Decline slightly employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 3400 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2016

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Water Transport Deck and Engine Room Crew most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

The median employment income for 43% of Water Transport Deck and Engine Room Crew who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $65,716. 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

$14.50

Minimum

$20.50

Median

$30.95

Maximum

Annual Pay

$19,011

Minimum

$58,920

Median

$93,907

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$13.00

Minimum

$20.35

Median

$34.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Workers in this group perform some or all of the following duties:

Stand watch and steer ship or self-propelled vessel under the direction of the officer on watch.
Operate, maintain and repair deck equipment such as winches, cranes, derricks and hawsers.
Assist ship engineer officers in performing routine maintenance work and repair to ship's engine, machinery and auxiliary equipment.
Monitor engine, machinery and equipment indicators, record variables and report abnormalities to ship engineer officer on watch.
Lubricate moving parts of engines, machinery and auxiliary equipment.
Operate and maintain off-loading liquid pumps and valves.
Clean engine parts and keep engine room clean.
Clean, chip and paint deck surfaces.
Handle mooring lines, and splice and repair ropes, wire cables and cordage.

Sample job titles

deckhand
engine room crew member - ship
marine engineering mechanic
marine engineering technician
mechanical assistant - water transport
seaman/woman
small vessel machinery operator

Skills

To work in these jobs, you should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must be able to work methodically, take direction, work as a member of a team, and carry out instructions given by supervisors. On occasion, protective clothing, goggles, and safety boots must be worn. In these jobs, you may be exposed to noise and fumes. For some jobs, you should be willing to travel long distances and for extended periods of time.

Job requirements

Some high school education is required.
On-the-job training is provided.

Other considerations

Training and testing for various endorsements and certification, including the Marine Emergency Duty (MED) certificate, occur following employment as a deck crew member. Senior positions in this group, such as able seaman/woman, require experience. Progression to deck or ship engineer officer positions is possible with experience, additional training and deck officer certification by Transport Canada.

By the numbers

Quick look

320

employed in 2016

96.4%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

8.1%

91.9%

50.6

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

88.8%

employed full-time

12.7%

self employed

5.3%

94.7%

46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

43.0%

Halifax

23.3%

Southern

17.4%

Cape Breton

12.8%

North Shore

4.7%

Annapolis Valley

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

45.3%

Transportation and Warehousing

34.4%

Public Administration

6.3%

Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing

4.7%

Management, Admin & Other Support

3.1%

Retail Trade

What is the age of Employment?

28.4%

45-54

26.1%

55-64

18.8%

35-44

13.6%

25-34

11.9%

15-24

2.3%

65+

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

34.1%

45-54

33.0%

35-44

18.7%

55-64

13.2%

25-34

Top levels of education

31.3%

College certificate or diploma

N/A

26.5%

High school

N/A

25.3%

Trades certificate

N/A

16.9%

Less than high school

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.4%

Trades certificate

$40,890 median annual income

25.5%

High school

$28,089 median annual income

22.6%

College certificate or diploma

$39,023 median annual income

18.2%

Less than high school

$25,753 median annual income

2.7%

Bachelor's degree

$36,972 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

The 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Adult Learning

PO Box 220

Halifax, NS B3J 2M4

(866) 679-6722

admissions@nscc.ca