What is a deck officer?

Marine Transportation Operations, Vessel Operations & Technology and Small Vessel Operations students study the safe navigation of a vessel and management of the deck department and are training to become deck officers or mates. Deck officers or "mates" perform the work for captains on vessels when they are on watch, like determining the course and speed, maneuver to avoid hazards, and continuously monitor the vessels position using charts and navigational aids. They also maintain logs and other records tracking the ships movements. They ensure that the proper procedures and safety practices are followed, check that machinery and equipment are in good working order, and oversee the loading and discharging of cargo or passengers. Mates supervise crew members engaged in maintenance and the primary upkeep of the vessel.

All mates "stand" watch for specified periods, usually a 4 hours on/8 hours off rotation. When more than one mate is necessary aboard a ship, they typically are designated 3rd Mate, 2nd mate, and Chief Mate. However, on smaller vessels, there may be only one mate who alternates watches with the captain.

Under the direction of the Mates, Able Seamen (AB's)perform duties such as standing watch for navigation, security, or communications, operate hoists, cranes, and winches to load cargo or set gangways; operate and maintain on-deck equipment and ship rigging, and handle lines to secure vessels to piers or other vessels.

Mates and ABs work primarily aboard commercial (merchant marine) or Military Sealift ships, in water transportation services (tugs, research vessels, offshore supply vessels and other water craft) and on passenger vessels (cruise ships, ferries, dinner/casino boats, traditional sail vessels, sightseeing/charter boats). Work schedules vary, depending on vessel type, but separation could be up to 90 days or more . Employment outlook is favorable with competitive starting salaries.

Licenses

Before permitted to work aboard a commercial vessel, mariners must complete a rigorous licensing process. The U.S. Coast Guard promulgates the requirements for documentation and issuance of merchant mariner licenses for Deck and Engineer officers. USCG Deck officer licenses are issued by:

• grade (e.g., 3rd Mate*, 2nd Mate, Chief Mate, Master (Captain), Mate* and Operator),
• vessel tonnage (from not more than 5 ton to 50t, 100t, 200t*, 500t*, 1600t*, or unlimited tonnage*),
• means of propulsion (i.e., Steam*, Motor*, Sail or Auxiliary Sail*),
• route (e.g., Inland, Great Lakes, Near Coastal* or Oceans*),
• and any vessel type restrictions.

License advancement is based on documented sea time, professional recertifications, and/or U.S.C.G. exams.

Certificates

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)* - STCW for seafarers set international standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships. STCW training is intended to ensure that seafarers are aware of the hazards of working on a vessel and can respond appropriately in an emergency.

A STCW Certificate will be issued to mariners who meet the STCW requirements and is separate from U.S. Merchant Mariner license. STCW requires seafarers be provided with "familiarization training" and "basic safety training" which includes: basic fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal survival techniques, and personal safety and social responsibility. Mariners entering training programs after August 1, 1998, MMA license program students included, are required to meet the current international competency standards.

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA)* and Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS)* for deck officers serving on vessels equipped with those systems.

* - available at MMA

Career Connections

The following links will help you find information on some of the jobs and careers available in the industries that Maine Maritime serves.

Business/Logistics | Engineering/Technology | Shipping | Marine Sciences | Government | Teaching

International Business and Logistics

• Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
• Wall Street Journal

Engineering/Technology

• Marine Technology Jobs
• American Society of Naval Engineers
• National Society of Professional Engineers
• Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
• Society of Women Engineers

Shipping - General

• American Maritime Officers
• A Career Afloat
• Maritime Jobs
• Connecticut Maritime Association
• Crew Network
• International Maritime Organization

Marine Sciences

• marinecareers.net
• Careers in Marine Biology, & Oceanography
• National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Environmental Career Opportunities
• Environmental Careers Organization

United States Government

• Maritime Administration
• National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
• Naval Sea Systems Command
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. Marine Corps
• U.S. Navy

Secondary Education (Teaching)

• Occupational Outlook
• National Science Teacher's Association
• k12jobs.com
• Teaching Jobs Overseas

What is a Ships' Engineer?

The propulsion plant of a vessel and management of the engineering department is the responsibility of the engineer officers. Ship engineers operate, maintain, and repair propulsion engines, boilers, generators, pumps, and other machinery. Merchant marine vessels usually have four engineering officers: chief engineer, a 1st assistant engineer, 2nd assistant engineer, and 3rd assistant engineer.

Assistant engineers stand periodic watches, overseeing the safe operation of engines and machinery. All engineers "stand" watch for specified periods, usually a 4 hours on/ 8 hours off rotation. Engineers supervise crew members engaged in maintenance and the primary up-keep of the engineering plant.

Engineers work primarily on commercial ships (merchant marine) or Military Sealift ships, in water transportation services (such as working on tugs, charter boats and other watercraft) and on vessels which carry passengers (such as cruise ships, casino boats, sightseeing boats, and ferries) Rotation schedules vary from 2 weeks up to 120 days, depending on vessel type. Employment outlook is favorable with competitive starting salaries.

Because of a their thorough knowledge of the design, operation, and maintenance of ship systems, sometimes referred to as a "floating city, marine engineers' career opportunities outside the shipping realm are plentiful and lucrative.

Licenses

The U.S. Coast Guard promulgates the requirements for documentation and issuance of merchant mariner licenses for Deck and Engineer officers. Engineer officer licenses are issued by:

• grade (e.g., Chief Engineer, First Assistant Engineer, Second Assistant Engineer, Third Assistant Engineer, Limited Chief Engineer, Limited Assistant Engineer and Designated Duty Engineer),
• means of propulsion (i.e., Steam, Motor, or Gas Turbine),
• horsepower (from 1,000 to unlimited horsepower),
• and route (e.g., Near Coastal or Oceans).

License advancement is based on documented sea time, professional recertifications, and/or U.S.C.G. exams.

Certificates

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) - STCW for seafarers set international standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships. STCW training is intended to ensure that seafarers are aware of the hazards of working on a vessel and can respond appropriately in an emergency.

A STCW Certificate will be issued to mariners who meet the STCW requirements and is separate from U.S. Merchant Mariner license. STCW requires seafarers be provided with "familiarization training" and "basic safety training" which includes: basic fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal survival techniques, and personal safety and social responsibility. Mariners entering training programs after August 1, 1998, MMA license program students included, are required to meet the current international competency standards.

"...one of the highest professional placement rates of any college in the U.S."

--Director of MMA Career Services

Maine Maritime's impeccable reputation, plus superb academic programs, give you a compelling advantage in the competition for top jobs. Whether at sea or ashore, Maine Maritime graduates are in high demand. Why? We know our job, we do it well, and there is a need.

Close to 100 percent of Maine Maritime graduates land jobs in their chosen field before graduation or soon after - one of the highest career placement rates of any college or university in the United States. With excellent starting salaries and benefits, you are on the way to professional success and personal satisfaction!

Visit our Career Services home page to learn about the exciting, rewarding, and numerous career opportunities that await Maine Maritime graduates.