September 15, 2020
Deck Officer (Cadet) - National Cadet Programme (NCP)
The NCP aims to increase the pool of qualified seafarers for South African and international ships by securing the practical sea time training required for students to complete their qualifications.
This Deck Officer training standard outlines the education and training requirements for development of an officer from entry to achievement of the Certification Requirements Covering STCW II/I for Certification of Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Ships of 500 Gross Tonnage or More
Depending on the specific route undertaken, it will also provide learning for further certification.
Role profile:
A Deck Officer will undertake a programme of education and training to become competent in the range of duties required of a Deck Officer of the watch. This will cover - voyage planning; navigation; watchkeeping; ship handling and manoeuvring; cargo operations and related cargo and vessel aspects; shipboard operations and compliance with legislative requirements; safety and security of all onboard – passengers, crew and related contractors etc; the use of life-saving and safety equipment and systems, and participation in related drills; planning for and dealing with emergency situations; and providing medical first aid.
Key tasks:
• Take personal emergency action and respond to emergencies on board, including providing medical first aid.
• Maintain personal health, safety and environmental standards on board.
• Maintain safe, legal and effective working practices on board, including when working within enclosed spaces, and participate in safety and security drills as a team member/leader.
• Create, maintain and enhance productive working relationships on board.
• Take control of survival craft and rescue boats.
• Maintain steelwork and deck equipment.
• Contribute to vessel stability and watertight integrity.
• Take charge of a navigational watch.
• Monitor and control vessel operations.
• Control vessel mooring, anchoring and securing operations.
Experience during training:
STCW requires those seeking the OOW Certificate of Competency to have served for a minimum period of 12 months at sea whilst completing a programme of approved training, including the use of an industry-standard training record book. The tasks in which a Deck Officer is required to have demonstrated proficiency will be documented through the MNTB-Training Record Book. Not less than six months sea service shall be supervised bridge watch-keeping duties.
It is expected that, so far as possible, in order to fully carry out the role of a Deck Officer, the following range of activities and work will have been covered during the training period:
• Working with multicultural crews.
• Encountered several differing collision avoidance scenarios including having a detailed understanding of how to manage situations and respond to them safely and effectively.
• Working with a range of cargoes and ensuring the safety of the crew and the ship at all times during cargo operations.
• Shipboard procedures for keeping the vessel operational and safe, including implementing ISM and SMS correctly.
Where any of the above has not been covered during sea phase periods, the training programme must include suitable learning activities to provide appropriate knowledge and understanding of the issues involved.
Entry Requirements:
South African students wishing to be included in the sea-going National Cadet Programme, must have completed and successfully passed all academic theoretical components of the Deck or Marine Engineering Officer Programmes as required under the STCW Convention, as amended and the SAMSA Code, as amended.
These academic components shall be completed at a SAMSA accredited institution.
In addition, candidates must have passed a SAMSA (or higher-requirement Flagstate) medical examination, with a ‘fit-for-duty’ medical certificate.
Candidates should have passed the SAMSA eyesight test.
Lastly, candidates should have a valid South African Passport.
SEAFARER RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT SERVICES CREWING AGENTS
For further information on how to join the National Cadet Programme, please contact one of the following:
South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) – Click HERE.
Marine Crew Services (MCS) – Click HERE.
