Merchant Navy Deck Officers are essential part of shipping industry, and they work aboard container vessels, tankers and cruise ships. The need for merchant navy deck officer increases with more carriers, tankers, cruise liners, ferries, etc are coming to the waters from different companies and government (especially defence) organisations. They essentially control navigation, communications, crew and cargo. There are is a definite hierarchy among merchant navy deck officers – Master, Chief Officer, Second Officer and Third Officer. You are essentially skilled with all aspects of ships and navigation, running safety tests, legal affairs, cargo handling, people handling, communication devices, overseeing watch duties, managing safety equipments, lifeboat, etc.

Merchant navy deck officers are essentially responsible for the safe navigation of the ship, maintaining appropriate travel records and being able to handle manage other crew members. You are responsible for communication to the offices back at shore and with other ships. In some cases, you will also be responsible for managing helicopter movements.