What qualities and skills do I need?
A Navigation (Deck) Officer is a vital member of the ship’s management team – responsible for making decisions on steering and manoeuvring the ship, controlling navigation and communications. So it’s important to be a good team member, decisive, calm and someone who inspires confidence in others. You’ll be interested in technology and have good mathematical, written and verbal skills. Overall – confidence, enthusiasm and self-reliance are essential.
Role of Navigating Officer
As a Navigation Officer – also called a Deck Officer – you’ll be a crucial member of the ship’s management team. It’s a big responsibility, with the exciting prospect of being in charge of sophisticated, expensive vessels, valuable cargo or passengers.
When on duty (called a ‘watch’), it will be down to you to make decisions on steering, manoeuvring, controlling navigation and communications with the latest technological systems at your fingertips.
When you reach Senior Navigation (Deck) Officer level, you’ll direct and supervise a small team of professional seafarers, including Junior Officers and Ratings. Becoming the Master (Captain) would be your ultimate goal.
