A navigating officer performs all the principal duties of the captain. Their levels of captain’s qualifications (A – E) are all the same and are obtained if the conditions for sailing time and vocational training are met.
Navigating officers work on a variety of vessels, such as fishing vessels, tugs, cargo ships and patrol ships.
In consultation with the captain:
• planning and deciding on navigation and direction
• steering a ship in special circumstances such as when docking
• coordinating work on board
• selecting fishing grounds, planning fishing operations and ensuring that fishing equipment is in order
• overseeing the loading and unloading of the ship
• recruitment and registration of the crew
A navigating officer must have the knowledge and skills to manage a ship according to their qualifications and be able to take command of the ship in the absence of the captain. It is important to be able to assess climatic conditions and the dangers that can arise on board and at sea. A navigating officer needs to be familiar with all types of navigation equipment and charts, as well as fishfinding instruments when appropriate.
Training in captaincy is divided into five levels of qualification, each of which gives the right to work on board ships of different sizes and types. Level D provides unlimited qualifications to all ships, except Coast Guard ships but level E is for captains of Coast Guard ships. Validation of prior learning has taken place and/or may be available.
