Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Working Life

There are normally two main departments on board ship - deck and engine. The deck department is concerned with the overall operation of the ship. A deck officer's responsibilities include navigation, communications, cargo and stability, maintenance and safety. They undertake navigational watchkeeping, which involves plotting the ship's position, giving steering instructions and following the 'rule of the road'. Deck Officers use satellite and radar equipment and computer systems to check the ships position, monitor speed and fuel consumption, access weather reports and input navigation routes.  
 
Deck officers also oversee the storage and securing of cargo and passenger care, make stability calculations and maintain safety and equipment as well as supervising crew members. The ship's captain (the senior deck officer on board) is in overall charge of the total ship operation and is responsible for the safety of passengers, crew and the ship. Deck Officers work in shifts which vary according to the sise of the ship.  
 
Everyone on board may be required to share in maintaining the cleanliness of communal accommodation and their own quarters. On ships with small crews, everyone may take a turn in the galley (kitchen). They also help with hosting social functions. Senior officers handle administration, legal and commercial matters.  
 
Sometimes, deck officers have to work in difficult and uncomfortable conditions. Merchant Navy officers spend long periods of time away from family and friends.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialised knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hasards.
• Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
• Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
• Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
• Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
• Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.
• Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.
• Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.
• Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.
• Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Irish Deck Officers can develop towards a career in the merchant navy in a number of ways. Detailed information is available on the National Maritime College website National Maritime College.

Entrants are typically taken on by a shipping company, who will sponsor them onto a training programme. Training varies according to the employing company. Some develop their maritime career via Irish Naval Pathways or by Specific Skills building via Ireland's Mercantile Marine. 

A Certificate in Navigational Studies (Seamanship) which may suit school leavers and those with experience of working aboard merchant ships or fishing vessels - NMCI click here. 

It is likely that you will be required to undergo Garda Vetting. Garda Vetting forms are submitted through the employer and cannot be completed by the applicant prior to employment. 

Key Maritime Development Skills 

• Radio & Communications
• Health & Safety at Sea 
• Navigation 

Seafarers & Maritime Skills 

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business admin, customer service, engineering, transport, logistics, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, business management, transport, logistics.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering, Logistics Apprenticeships.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: engineering, nautical science.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Your skills & knowledge of Maritime career can be developed via courses in one of Ireland National Fisheries & Maritime centre [BIM] Bord iascaigh Mhara

IMDO Career Development Pathways:

Mercantile and maritime career development:  

• Engineer
• Broker
• Ships Officer
• Ship Executive.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €41k - €66k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Fishing crew are normally paid a share of the catch. Rates depend on number of crew, and crew members rank. Deckhands on luxury craft will generally earn at different rates. 

Irish Military/ Naval Service: Military.ie 

Data Source(s):
Prospects/ NCS/ SalaryExpert.com / Military.ie/ Eirieri/ WEI

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Officers in armed forces; Senior officers in fire; ambulance; prison and related services; NCOs and other ranks Fire service officers (watch manager and below); Prison service officers (below principal officer); Police community support officers; Protective service associate professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment in this occupation has been declining annually since 2020. Those working in this occupation are primarily employed within the public sector and, as such, any employment growth will be dependent on future Government funding. Budget 2023 allocated funding for an additional 100 prison service officers.

• Cork Institute of Technology

  • The Admissions Office, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Co. Cork
  • (021) 432 6100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Maritime College of Ireland

  • Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork
  • (021) 433 5600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• IMDO – Irish Maritime Development Office

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place D02 NT99, Dublin 2, Ireland
  • (01) 7753900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)

  • Unit 1, Airport Business Park, Cloghran, Co Dublin
  • (01) 844 7516
  • Click Here