33-Ships? deck officers and pilots

Job Title: 

Ships? deck officers and pilots

Job Description: 

Command and navigate ships and similar vessels, guide them into port and perform related functions on shore.

Summary: 

Ships? deck officers and pilots direct and coordinate the operations of a ship or vessel at sea and when arriving or departing from port to port. Officers, generally navigate and supervise the safe operation of ships or vessels whilst at sea, as well as when in port and at anchor. They coordinate the activities of the crew and control cargo stowage loading and unloading operations in accordance with a manifesto or schedule. Pilots, on the other hand command ships/vessels in harbours, on rivers, and on other restricted waterways. They help ships and vessels enter and leave the harbor precinct during day or night. They work in places where a high degree of specialized knowledge with local weather, wind, tides, currents, and hazards is needed. Often they may be independent contractors and go aboard a ship or vessel to guide it through a particular waterway. Some, maybe called harbor pilots, and work for ports are maybe on stand-by at a port with a tugboat to assist incoming ships or vessels, when required. Maybe required to be licensed, registered or certified to be permitted to work by a government authority, agency or approved certifying body.

Tasks: 

Job activities and tasks include:

  • commanding and navigating ship or similar vessel at sea or on inland waterways
  • controlling and participating in deck and bridge-watch activities
  • navigating vessels into and out of ports and through channels, straits and other waters where special knowledge is required
  • ensuring safe loading and unloading of cargo and observance of safety regulations and procedures by crew and passengers
  • performing technical supervision of maintenance and repair of ship to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations
  • applying knowledge of principles and practices relating to ship?s operation and navigation in order to identify and solve problems arising in the course of their work
  • ordering ship?s stores and recruiting crew as required and maintaining record of operations
  • transmitting and receiving routine and emergency information with shore stations and other ships
Knowledge: 

Specialist knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in field of work and/or

  • Higher knowledge of analyzing, planning, organizing and establishing policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions in the field of work and/or discipline
  • Broad knowledge of research principles and methods
  • Broad knowledge of high level governance of systems, processes and procedures including legislative, regulatory, standards, codes and conventions
  • Knowledge of recent developments in the field of work and/or discipline
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in management, economics, finance, statistics and fiscal disciplines related to the field of work
  • Knowledge of political, government, legislative and regulatory systems related to the field of work
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, standards codes and conventions of the UAE and specific Emirates related to the field of work and/or discipline and more general subjects including OHSE and cultural understanding and awareness
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in sensitively responding to and observing complex ethical issues
  • Effect information technology, management information systems, management techniques and tools for optimal field of work performance
  • Skills in research, analysis, consultation and synthesis of information to evaluate policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions and develop suggestions and/or relevant options
  • Manage broad level relationships and coordinate related activities of respective stakeholders
  • Broad skills and experience in policy analysis, formulation and research, in a sensitive and confidential environment
  • Produce concepts and convey suggestions from the spectrum of development experience
  • Negotiation cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills
  • Use of information, tools, resources to support complex work achievement
  • Work sensitively and effectively in a multi-cultural environment
  • Work with others to develop solutions to complex problems
  • Communicate with effect, and a proven record of developing and maintaining active partnerships across an organization and with diverse external clients and other key stakeholders
  • Developed higher oral and written communication, interpersonal and representational skills, and a proven ability to use these skills to prepare and present clear, concise, high quality advice
  • Well developed leadership and effective organizational skills, with capacity to organize and sustain improvements within a team environment, as well as the ability to work flexibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
  • Personal drive and integrity, the ability to self-manage and the capacity to identify and control risks associated with change, as well comply with ethical standards
  • Achieving results within tight timelines, and capacity to implement new policy directions
  • Highly developed organizational skills, including the ability to organize priorities and meet tight deadlines.
    • Work Context: 

    Typically, work and live for long periods on ships or vessels and be on shift work due to the nature of the work which requires them to be covered for 24 hours a day seven days a week. They may have cramped and uncomfortable quarters. They may experience all sorts of weather and be away from home for long periods. However, there are many who like the life-style and with modern technology living conditions on ships and vessels have improved markedly. They include communications systems that provide opportunities to communicate with families and friends, entertainment systems, gymnasiums, air conditioned quarters, cooked meals and refreshments and so on. Also, as many stop at array of ports which provide for increased opportunities to discover new cultures, people, countries and sceneries.

    Education: 

    Diploma/Associate degree in maritime operations, or related field of work/discipline, higher qualification or equivalent.

    Required Work Experience: 

    3 - 4 years and above.

    Probable Employers: 

    Navy, Air Force, Abu Dhabi Shipping Building Company, Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC)

    Occupational Size: 
    Less than 5,000
    Expected Earnings: 

    Higher than the industry average

    Projected Growth: 
    Excellent
    Alternate Titles: 

    Examples of job titles:Ship?s captain-sea - Pilot (ship) - Skipper (yacht)
    Examples of some related occupations:
    Sailor - Master fisher - Ship?s master

    UAE Industry Groups: 
    Industrial
    International Careers(ISCO): 
    Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
    Source Of Info: 
    Occupations and Careers Handbook for UAE Nationals(Copyright NQA ). Referenced from New York University, Abu Dhabhi