Deck Hand (Occupation Code : 735101)

The path to becoming a Deck Hand

Description

Performs maintenance and lookout tasks aboard a ship.

Tasks

Handling ropes and wires and operating mooring equipment.

Performing deck and hull cleaning, scraping, painting and other maintenance duties as required.

Standing look-out watches at sea, entering or leaving a harbour or cruising narrow waters.

Steering ship according to instructions.

Loading or unloading material from barges, scows and dredges.

Examining cables that holds vessels in tow and tightening cables to ensure vessels are snug.

Splicing and repairing cables and ropes.

Touring decks during watch to caution passengers engaged in unsafe practices and ensuring departure of passengers at end of voyage.

Alternate Occupation Names

Mariner

Boatswain / Bosun

Sailor

Ferry Hand

Able Seaman

Ordinary Seaman

Launchman

Tug Hand

Barge Hand

Ship Crew Member

Learning Pathways

No formal qualification 1

Step 1 : Admission requirements

Set by employer

Employers set their own requirements for entry into this occupation.

Step 2 : In-service training

In-service Training

Short courses, skills programmes and on-the-job training are offered by employers.

Learnership 2

Step 1 : Admission Requirements 2

NQF Level 1 Qualification

A General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) or a Grade 9 certificate issued by a school OR an Adult Education and Training (ABET) NQF Level 1 certificate OR a recognised equivalent qualification obtained at NQF Level 1 are required to enter this learning pathway.

Step 2 : Learnerships

Learnership - Fishing Operations: Deck Officer Level 2

A learnership is a structured learning programme, consisting of theoretical and practical components, that leads to a qualification. In order to enter a learnership you need an employer.