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NOC 72602: Deck officers, water transport
NOC 72602 is a TEER 2 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW and CEC. It is not on any 2026 category list, so candidates compete in general and program rounds.
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Deck officers, water transport, operate and command ships or self-propelled vessels to transport passengers and cargo on oceans and coastal and inland waters, and supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews. This unit group also includes Canadian Coast Guard deck officers. They are employed by marine transportation companies and federal government departments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- Coast Guard vessel first watchkeeping officer
- Coast Guard vessel navigation officer
- Coast Guard vessel watchkeeping officer
- deck officer - water transport
- ferryboat master
- master mariner
- ship pilot
- ship second mate
- ship third mate
- ship's captain
- ship's mate
- tugboat captain
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Command and operate ships or other self-propelled vessels, such as barges or oil rigs, to transport passengers and cargo
- Command and operate coast guard vessels to provide ice-breaking and search and rescue services, and to maintain control over ships operating in Canadian waters
- Board vessels at berth or from pilot boats to advise ships' captains on the course to steer for safe passage into and out of ports, seaways or other waterways under pilotage authority
- Plan and execute safe navigational passage using navigational aids
- Determine geographical position using navigational instruments, maps and charts
- Guide vessels in rivers, canals, and other confined or hazardous waters and waterways
- Maintain vessels' navigational instruments and equipment
- Direct and oversee the loading and unloading of cargo
- Supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crews
- Record vessel progress, crew activities, weather and sea conditions in the ship's log.
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
Not in a Federal Skilled Trades group.
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Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- Completion of deck officer cadet program from an approved nautical institute or One to three years of experience as a member of a deck crew is required.
- A deck officer certificate of competency, issued by Transport Canada, is required.
- For ship pilots, a ship pilot licence and a master certificate of competency are required.
Good to know
- Transport Canada administers a deck officer certification program, consisting of several levels. Progression from one level of certification to the next requires additional experience, training and testing.
- Mobility between employers is possible for positions requiring the same level of certification.
- Progression to management positions in transportation is possible with experience.