Water Transport Deck and Engine Room Crew

Nature of work

Workers in this group stand watch, use, and maintain deck equipment, complete other deck and bridge duties and help ship engineer officers to run, maintain and repair engines, machinery and auxiliary equipment aboard ships or self-propelled vessels. They work for marine transportation companies and federal government departments.

Job duties

Workers in this group:

• Stand watch and steer ship or self-propelled vessel under the direction of the officer on watch.
• Use, maintain, and repair deck equipment like winches, cranes, derricks, and hawsers.
• Help ship engineer officers complete 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.
• Use 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

• 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 like able seaman/woman require experience. Movement to deck or ship engineer officer positions is possible with experience, additional training and deck officer certification by Transport Canada.

Regulations

There are no additional resources for this occupation.