As a Deck Officer, you will need to master following:

• assess vessel status
• assist water-based navigation
• celestial navigation
• ensure smooth on board operations
• ensure vessel security
• international regulations for preventing collisions at sea
• maritime transportation technology
• plot shipping navigation routes
• steer vessels
• supervise loading of cargo
• supervise unloading of cargo
• use water navigation devices
• vessel safety equipment
• work in a water transport team

More generally, a deck officer is also versed in:

• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
• consider economic criteria in decision making
• handle stressful situations
• manage personnel
• provide first aid
• use different communication channels

It also helps to know the following:

• secure ships using rope
• tolerate stress
• communicate with customers
• make independent operating decisions
• use maritime English