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A Watchkeeper Deck Officer has a range of responsibilities on a ship or marine vessel. You might conduct navigation activities or give directions to other staff. Watchkeeper Deck Officers might supervise activities such as loading cargo or maintaining marine equipment. You may liaise with the ship’s captain and provide information via marine radio.
Watchkeeper Deck Officers should have strong observational skills and excellent situational awareness. You’ll need to be organised and able to manage several tasks at once. Watchkeeper Deck Officers must be able to remain calm in challenging situations and communicate clearly with crew and passengers.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become a Watchkeeper Deck Officer.
Possible job outcomes:
Become a Watchkeeper Deck Officer with the MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck). This nationally recognised diploma is accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). During your studies you will gain ship navigation and seamanship skills, as well as specialist competencies in ship abandonment, GMDSS operations, and survival craft proficiency. The course covers: vessel positioning, radar and bridge equipment, ship manoeuvring, navigational watch responsibilities, onboard safety, visual signalling, cargo management, and more. Enquire now for entry requirements, Watchkeeper Deck competencies, and enrolment centres near you. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking the Watchkeeper Deck AMSA certification, check with your course provider before enrolment to ensure the correct units have been selected..
Average duration: 6 months.
The MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations is a nationally recognised diploma, accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This qualification is suited to Ship Masters, Mates, and Watchkeeper Deck Officers on a range of different sized vessels. Course competencies include: planning and conducting a passage, determining vessel position, using radar and bridge equipment, manoeuvring the ship, navigational watch responsibilities and safety, using visual signalling to transmit and receive information, monitoring the loading and security of cargo, leadership skills, and much more. Enquire now for entry requirements, AMSA outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking an AMSA certification, always check with your course provider before enrolment to ensure the correct units have been selected..
Average duration: 12 months.
In Australia, a full time Watchkeeper Deck Officer generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
There has been a drop in employment numbers in this industry in recent years. There are currently 10,100 people working in this area in Australia and many of them specialise as a Watchkeeper Deck Officer. Watchkeeper Deck Officers may find work in regions of Australia where maritime activities are located.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) is an ideal qualification if you’re interested in a career as a Watchkeeper Deck Officer. This course covers a range of topics including vessel positioning, radar and bridge equipment, ship manoeuvring , navigational watch responsibilities, onboard safety, visual signalling and cargo management.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within maritime. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Maritime
Assistant Shipwright
$960 weekly pay
Coxswain
$865 weekly pay
Deckhand
General Purpose Hand
Second Engineer
Boat Builder
$1,200 weekly pay
Chief Cook
$1,050 weekly pay
Chief Engineer
$1,350 weekly pay
Engineer Watchkeeper
Marine Engineer
$1,600 weekly pay
Marine Mechanic
$1,250 weekly pay
Marine Surveyor
$1,440 weekly pay
Sea Captain
Ship Mate
Shipwright
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
Master Mariner
Naval Architect
$1,730 weekly pay
Ship Master
Learn more about Watchkeeper Deck Officer courses in your area.