Deck Officer
Also known as: Deck Cadet · Third Officer · Navigating Officer
Handles navigation, cargo and safety on a merchant ship, rising through DG Shipping certificates.
Starting salary: not added yet.
What you’d do
A deck officer keeps watch on the bridge of a merchant ship, navigating it safely and overseeing cargo operations and safety equipment. Shipping companies and ship-management firms hire them for contracts at sea that often last several months. A typical day is split into watches, with navigation, cargo duties and drills in between.
- Keep navigation watches on the bridge
- Supervise cargo loading and unloading
- Maintain safety and life-saving equipment
- Keep the ship's logs and records
How you get in
After Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths, join a DG Shipping-approved course (entry often through IMU-CET or a sponsoring company's test) and meet the medical and eyesight standards. You then sail as a deck cadet to build sea time, and pass the Second Mate exams to get your first officer certificate.
Salary in India
Salary data isn’t added for this role yet. When it is, every figure points to its source.
Skills you’ll use
From our guide · a curated list is coming
- Navigation and bridge watchkeeping
- Cargo planning and handling
- Safety drills, firefighting and lifesaving equipment
- Collision regulations and maritime law
- Working in a small crew far from shore
About this field · for freshers
Job openings by year
Is demand growing?
Not added yet.
Competition
How many graduates enter each year?
Not added yet.
Who hires
IT firms, banks, government, startups?
Not added yet.
Where the jobs are
Which cities?
Not added yet.
Women in the field
Is it diverse?
Not added yet.
At a glance
- Getting a cadet berth with a company is a common hurdle after the course.
- Long months at sea away from family are part of the job.
- Later moves ashore include marine superintendent, port and surveyor roles.
- Pay and benefits depend heavily on the company and the type of ship.
Stay safe
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