72602

Deck officers, water transport

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

Express Entry skill level: 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

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. Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. For official and updated guidance, please refer directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

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