General Overview:

Navigates and controls the safe operation of ships and supervises and coordinates the activities of deck crew.

Tasks Include:

• navigates the ship by supervising the ship's course and speed according to passage plan and safety
• directs the activities of the deck crew for navigational support tasks, berthing and unberthing, maintenance, cleaning and painting of superstructures, and repair and replacement of defective deck gear and equipment
• stands bridge watch
• maintains a safe lookout and ensures continued protection of marine environment
• prepares and maintains a complete and fully documented ship's passage plan and daily activity record
• plans and controls the storage and discharge of cargo and ballast
• transmits and receives routine and emergency information with shore stations and other ships by radio, morse lighting, code flags and pyrotechnics
• supervises the performance of safety drills and fire prevention and suppression activities, and ensures that firefighting, life saving, medical and signalling equipment is ready for immediate use
• monitors and advises on department budgets, physical resources and deck consumables
• may assume command in certain circumstances