NOC 72602Deck officers, water transport

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

NOC 72602 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Deck officers, water transport. It is classified TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 72 › 726 › 7260

Definition

Deck officers, water transport, operate and command ships or self-propelled vessels to transport passengers and cargo on oceans and coastal and inland waters, and supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews. This unit group also includes Canadian Coast Guard deck officers. They are employed by marine transportation companies and federal government departments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Command and operate ships or other self-propelled vessels, such as barges or oil rigs, to transport passengers and cargo
Command and operate coast guard vessels to provide ice-breaking and search and rescue services, and to maintain control over ships operating in Canadian waters
Board vessels at berth or from pilot boats to advise ships' captains on the course to steer for safe passage into and out of ports, seaways or other waterways under pilotage authority
Plan and execute safe navigational passage using navigational aids
Determine geographical position using navigational instruments, maps and charts
Guide vessels in rivers, canals, and other confined or hazardous waters and waterways
Maintain vessels' navigational instruments and equipment
Direct and oversee the loading and unloading of cargo
Supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews
Record vessel progress, crew activities, weather and sea conditions in the ship's log.

Example job titles

•Coast Guard vessel first watchkeeping officer
•Coast Guard vessel navigation officer
•Coast Guard vessel watchkeeping officer
•deck officer - water transport
•ferryboat master
•master mariner
•ship pilot
•ship second mate

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Deck Officers in water transport are classified under NOC code 72602. This occupation falls under TEER Category 2, making it eligible for various Canadian federal and provincial skilled worker immigration programs, including the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Professionals in this role command and operate water vessels to transport passengers and cargo, while also overseeing overall vessel safety, navigation, and deck crew operations.

To successfully immigrate to Canada under NOC 72602, candidates must meet the official ESDC employment requirements. These typically include the completion of secondary school, completion of marine officer cadet training or several years of experience as a deck crew member, and a valid officer certificate issued by Transport Canada. Key duties in this field involve navigating vessels using GPS, radar, and other electronic aids, directing deck crews during maneuvers, and maintaining official logbooks to document voyage details and weather conditions.

Depending on regional labor demands, deck officers may also find viable pathways through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Securing a provincial nomination or a valid job offer can significantly boost an applicant's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Commonly confused codes

74201Water transport deck and engine room crew

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 72602 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Deck officers, water transport is TEER 2, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 72602 usually require?

Deck officers, water transport is classified as TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Which NOC codes are commonly confused with 72602?

Applicants most often mix up 72602 with 74201 (Water transport deck and engine room crew). If your real day-to-day duties fit one of those codes better, that mismatch is exactly what an officer flags — double-check before you submit.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — Deck officers, water transport is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.