Deck Officer

A deck officer is a certificated navigation-watchkeeping officer who holds an STCW deck Certificate of Competency, from the operational-level officer of the watch (Regulation II/1) up to the management-level master (Regulation II/2). The deck department runs navigation, cargo and ballast operations, mooring, and the upkeep of hull and deck machinery. Career progression runs from cadet through third, second, and chief officer to master, gated at each step by sea time, approved training, and a flag-state oral examination.