As a Decksman, you will need to master following:

• adhere to traffic regulations on inland waterways
• apply regulations on cargo transport operations
• assist anchoring operations
• assist passenger embarkation
• clean parts of vessels
• communicate reports provided by passengers
• environmental aspects of inland waterway transportation
• facilitate safe disembarkation of passengers
• help to control passenger behaviour during emergency situations
• launch lifeboats
• load cargo onto ships
• maintain ropes
• maintain service record book
• maintain vessel engine room
• on board hazards
• operate life-saving appliances
• paint ship decks
• perform daily maintenance on ship machinery
• perform vessel maintenance and cleaning
• prepare engine room for operation
• read stowage plans
• secure ships using rope
• swim
• types of cargo
• understand different types of locks and their operation
• undertake navigation safety actions
• unmoor vessels
• use ballasts
• use equipment for safe stowage
• vessel safety equipment
• wash decks of ships

More generally, a decksman is also versed in:

• comply with checklists
• execute safety assurance exercises
• follow procedures in the event of an alarm
• follow verbal instructions
• follow written instructions
• international regulations for cargo handling
• maintain vessel technical equipment according to instructions
• moor vessels
• national regulations on handling cargo
• use different types of fire extinguishers

It also helps to know the following:

• distinguish various types of ships
• ensure integrity of hull
• european classification of inland waterways
• inland waterway police regulations
• passenger transport regulations
• perform manual work autonomously
• prepare simple meals on board
• use waterway traffic control systems;
• vessel stability principles
• work in a water transport team
• act reliably
• implement environmental protection measures
• perform services in a flexible manner
• principles of combustion engines
• provide first aid
• show confidence
• show intercultural awareness
• use different communication channels