What is a Marine Pilot?

A Marine Pilot does NOT fly planes!

Pilotage is a very specialised job. The main job of a Marine Pilot is to guide the ship in or out of port and as well as control all movements once inside the harbour.

This job can be quite tricky during severe weather conditions.

A Captain navigates a ship while at sea. The Marine Pilot ‘steers’ the ship when greater skill is needed. The Marine Pilot advises the Captain on what course to take and what changes need to be made. It’s a very responsible job.

What does a Marine Pilot do?

• handle a boat or ship while in harbour
• guide the vessel in our out of port
• liaise and advise captain of ship’s movements
• liaise with harbour master
• obey rules and regulations

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about a career at sea?
• very responsible?
• safety conscious?
• a person with good vision?
• a person with good spatial awareness?
• a team player?
• able to deal with stress?
  

How do I become a Marine Pilot?

TETA suggests the following:

You will first need to complete a Certificate of Competence: Deck Officer in charge of watch through SAMSA. You can do this through Transnet School of Ports.

• TRANSNET SCHOOL OF PORTS

http://www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net/OurBusinessUnit/SchoolofPorts/Pages/About-Us.aspx

Once completed you will need to do a Certificate of Competence in Marine Pilotage

Requirements:

• Medically and physically fit (you will be tested)
• Good eyesight
• Good hearing

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Deck Hand (Able Seaman) or Automotive Spray Painter

Is becoming a Marine Pilot right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Deck Hand (Ordinary Seaman)? 

An Ordinary Seaman is usually training to become an Able Seaman. An Ordinary Seaman does not have to ‘stand watch’.  

They generally assist will all aspects of the ship’s maintenance and cleaning while getting trained on-the-job. 

What does a Deck Hand (Ordinary Seaman) do?

• assist in keeping deck equipment in good working order
• assist with keeping deck tidy and clean
• watch and learn from able seamen
• assist with general maintenance (clean, wash, sand & paint, oil etc)
• assist with packing cargo and goods

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• a team player?
• reliable?
• responsible?
• willing to learn?
• safety conscious?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become a Deck Hand (Ordinary Seaman)? 

TETA suggests the following: 

Certificate of Competence: Ordinary Seaman (SAMSA)

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (ordinary seaman) you will be required to 6 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages. You will need to complete onboard training and have been issued with a provisional certificate of qualification as an Ordinary Seaman by the Master of the ship.

Please note that:

• Qualification along this route serves as one of the alternative pathway to obtaining higher qualification (e.g. to an able seaman or deck officer)
• Qualification requirements for deckhands are different in the fishing industry

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

For approved training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

Requirements:

• Preference will be given to those with Grade 12 with Maths & Science
• Good physical condition.
• No colour blindness. (You will have to get a Vision Certificate for the SA Maritime Safety Atuhority SAMSA)
• Be able to swim.

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Plumber or Air Cargo Agent

Is becoming a Deck Hand (Ordinary Seaman) right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Deck Hand (Wiper)? 

A Wiper has the most junior, but responsible job on a ship. Their main job is to clean engine spaces and machinery. They may also get the chance to help engineers.  

Becoming a Wiper is a stepping stone to more challenging career opportunities in engineering.

What does a Deck Hand (Wiper) do?

• clean engine room
• assist with general maintenance in engineering section
• help other crew members with their jobs
• learn and you earn

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• a team player?
• reliable?
• responsible?
• willing to learn?
• a hard worker?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become a Deck Hand (Wiper)?

TETA suggests the following:

Certificate of Competence: Wiper (SAMSA)

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (wiper) you will be required to 6 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages. You will also need to complete onboard training and have been issued with a provisional certificate of qualification as a Wiper by the Chief Engineer of the ship.

Please note that:

• Qualification along this route serves as one of the alternative pathway to obtaining higher qualification (e.g.to a wiper or engineering officer)
•  Qualification requirements for deckhands are different in the fishing industry.

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

For approved training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

Requirements:

• Preference will be given to those with Grade 12 with Maths & Science
• Good physical condition.
• No colour blindness. (You will have to get a Vision Certificate for the SA Maritime Safety Atuhority SAMSA)
• Be able to swim.

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:

Is becoming a Deck Hand (Wiper) right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Deck Hand (Oiler)? 

An Oiler is a junior or entry-level position. Oilers usually work in the engineering section (engine room) of a ship. The main job of an Oiler is to oil all the machinery.

This job’s being slowly phased out because machinery is becoming more technical or computerised and there’s less machinery needing oiling. It is however, a stepping stone to careers at sea. 

Oilers may also help with fuel transfers and will require fire-fighting and first aid training.

What does a Deck Hand (Oiler) do?

• take direction from engineers
• oil require parts of ship’s machinery
• help with fuel transfers
• assist with any other task in the engine room

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• a team player?
• reliable?
• responsible?
• willing to learn?
• safety conscious?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become a Deck Hand (Oiler)?

TETA suggests the following:

Certificate of Competence: Oiler (SAMSA)

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY (SAMSA)
  

For approved training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

Requirements:

• Preference will be given to those with Grade 12 with Maths & Science
• Good physical condition.
• No colour blindness. (You will have to get a Vision Certificate for the SA Maritime Safety Authority SAMSA)
• Be able to swim.

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (oiler) you will be required to 12 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages. You will need to complete on-board training and shore-based training and will be assessed accordingly.

Please note:

Qualification requirements for deckhands are different in the fishing industry.

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Engineering Officer or Aircraft Mechanic

Is becoming a Deck Hand (Oiler) right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No: 

What is an Engineering Officer? 

An Engineering Officer is the person responsible for making sure the ship operates at optimum levels. An Engineering Officer is in control of the administration of the Engineering Department on a ship. The Engineering Officer will report to the Chief Engineer. 

Systems they work on (or specialise in) include:

• electrical and electronic power systems
• lighting
• fuel and lubrication systems
• water distillation
• air-con & refrigeration systems
• hydraulics etc

What does an Engineering Officer do?

• ensure engineering watch is maintained at all times
• comply safety and environmental policies, rules, regulations and laws (local and international)
• in charge of the efficient and economic operation of the ship
• ensure servicing, maintenance and repair of all machinery
• keep stock of spares and stores
• order spares and stocks when necessary
• make sure all alarms and warning devices are properly maintained
• schedule watch keeping, safety and maintenance routines
• make sure all life- saving and fire fighting gear is regularly tested and maintained
• engine room watch kept subject to the requirements of the chief engineer, any company
• monitor engineer cadet training

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• good with your hands?
• interested in engineering?
• mechanically minded?
• responsible & reliable?
• a team player?
• a hard worker?
• able to work in cramped spaces?

How do I become an Engineering Officer? 

TETA suggests the following: 

Certificate of Competence: Engineering Officer in charge of a watch (SAMSA). 

This can be done through the engineering faculties at:

• CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT)

http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/engineering/prospectus/course?i=233&seo=TkQ6IE1BUklUSU1FIFNUVURJRVM= 

http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/engineering/prospectus/course?i=192seo=TkQ6IEVOR0lORUVSSU5HOiBNRUNIQU5JQ0FMOiBNQVJJTkUgRU5HSU5FRVJJTkc= 

• DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (DUT)

Successful completion of S1 and S2 (Certificate in Marine Engineering) will allow you to apply for employment (as a engineering cadet) with a ship-owner or a port authority. This is a one- year study and forms part of the National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering .

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (engineering officer) you will be required to complete an approved cadetship of 30 months (or an approved on-board accelerated training of 18 months) , which comprises practical workshop training and theoretical education (3 additional maritime subjects. You will also be required to pass an oral examination of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

Please note that:

• Alternative pathways (e.g. N4 mechanical engineering) to obtaining the qualification are also available
• Qualification requirements are considerably different for equivalent positions in the fishing industry.

Requirements: 

• Grade 12 with Maths and Science, pass rate of 60 % on standard or higher grade level.
• No colour blindness (You would be required to obtain a vision certificate issued by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)) 
• Must be able to swim

This qualification is also a past-requirement for scarce skills such as:

• Tug Engineer
• Ship Surveyor
• Naval Architect
• Salvage Engineer

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

For approved cadetships and accelerated training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Deck (Navigation) Officer or Aeronautical Engineer

Is becoming an Engineering Officer right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No:

What is a Deck Hand (Able Seaman)? 

The main job of a Deck Hand or Able Seaman is to stand watch on the bridge or at the wheel house.

They help the Desk Officer by steering the ship according to the Desk Officer’s instructions.  

When not ‘on watch’ the Deck Hand will assist with:

• routine maintenance
• painting
• cleaning
• and helping with any other jobs required on the ship

What does a Deck Hand (Able Seaman) do?

• perform ‘on watch’ duties
• assist the desk officer with the running of the ship
• assist with painting, cleaning, routine maintenance etc

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• a team player?
• responsible
• reliable?
• good with your hands?
• a person with good vision?

How do I become a Deck Hand (Able Seaman)? 

TETA suggests the following: 

Certificate of Competence: Able Seaman (SAMSA)

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (able seaman) you will be required to 12 months approved sea service on ships of 100GRT on unlimited voyages or near costal voyages. You will need to complete on-board training and shore-based training and will be assessed accordingly. 

Please note:

Qualification requirements for deckhands are different in the fishing industry

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

For approved training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

Requirements:

• Preference will be given to those with Grade 12 with Maths & Science
• Good physical condition.
• No colour blindness. (You will have to get a Vision Certificate for the SA Maritime Safety Authority SAMSA)
• Be able to swim

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Aircraft Assembler or Engineering Officer

Is becoming a Deck Hand (Able Seaman) right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Deck (Navigation) Officer? 

A Deck (Navigation) Officer is an important member of the ship’s management team. They are in charge of the very expensive ship, cargo and/or passengers on board. The goal of most Deck (Navigation) Officers is to become Captain. 

What does a Deck (Navigation) Officer do?

• lead and supervise their team
• navigate a ship safely
• control navigation and communications
• use sophisticated and highly technical equipment
• perform shipboard operations to contribute to successful voyages
• maintain ship equipment

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about working at sea?
• a leader?
• able to make important decisions?
• a team player?
• a good communicator? (write & speak)
• confident?

How do I become a Deck (Navigation)  Officer?

TETA suggests the following:

Certificate of Competence: Deck Officer in charge of a watch (SAMSA)

It can be obtained from:

• CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (CPUT)

http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/engineering/prospectus/course?i=233&seo=TkQ6IE1BUklUSU1FIFNUVURJRVM=

• DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (DUT)

Successful completion of S1 and S2 (Certificate in Maritime Studies) will allow you to apply for employment (as a navigating cadet) with a ship-owner or a port
authority. This is a one- year study and forms part of the National Diploma in Maritime Studies.

In order to qualify with a certificate of competence (deck officer) you will be required to complete an approved cadetship of 24 months (or an approved on-board accelerated training of 12 months) and to pass an oral examination of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

Additional studies, sea-service and examinations are required for certification as chief navigating officer.

Please note that:

• Alternative pathways to obtaining the qualification are also available
• Qualification requirements are considerably different for equivalent positions in the fishing industry.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 with Mathematics & Science with a pass rate of 60% on standard grade.
• Good physical condition.
• No colour blindness. (You will have to get a Vision Certificate for the SA Maritime Safety Atuhority SAMSA)
• Be able to swim.

This qualification is also a stepping stone requirement for scarce skills such as:

• Tugmaster
• Harbour Master
• Ship Surveyor
• Salvage Officer

• SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY

For approved cadetships and accelerated training programmes

http://www.samsa.org.za/content/cadet

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Boat Builder or Trout Farmer

Is becoming a Deck (Navigation) Officer right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Sailmaker? 

A Sailmaker’s main job is to make sails for the sailing industry.  

These days, sailing has become extremely high-tech so that means sail making has had to keep up with the times. Sail design & sail making involves high tech machinery and skill.  

Their job can be divided into 4 categories:

• Sail making
• Sail design
• Sail construction
• Sail machining 

What does a Sailmaker do? 

• Sail making

This involved using 3D computer modelling and learning about structural properties of sail cloth materials.

• Sail design

You will use CAD design software to make 3D moulds of your design. You will be working on the latest design techniques and product technology to produce sails that win and cruising sails that last.

• Sail construction

This job involves hands-on machining the sails from entry-level to supervisory. It’s the first step in a complicated steps to making superb sails. You will experiment with latest fibres and lamination systems to produce first class sails.

• Sail machining

This job requires absolute precision (needs to be perfect). You will be required to work with complex patterns and templates to produces a repeatable sail shape. You will also be responsible for the stitching. Knowledge of materials and yarns will be very important. You will need to work with extreme accuracy.

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about sailing?
• good with your hands?
• willing to work hard?
• creative?
• a person who can think and ‘see’ in 3D?
• an eye for detail?
• a person who takes pride in their work?

How do I become a Sailmaker?

There are various ways of getting into sail making:

• Sail Machining (NQF 3-4)
• Sail Maker (NQF 4-6)
• Cad Technician (NQF 5-6)
• Sail Designer (NQF 7-9)

• MARINE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (MIASA)

http://www.miasa.co.za/

Sailmaking on page 15

http://www.miasa.co.za/careers-booklet.pdf

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Upholsterer or Boatbuilder

Is becoming a Sailmaker right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Fibreglass Worker?

Fibreglass is a kind of a plastic, reinforced with fine glass fibres and resin.

Fibreglass is lightweight and extremely strong. It may not be as strong as carbon fibre, but it’s less brittle, making it ideal for moulding into shapes, like swimming pools.

Examples where fibreglass is used: 

• in boats
• automobiles (eg Corvettes and some kit cars)
• baths and hot tubs
• water tanks
• roofing
• piping
• cladding
• casting
• external door skins
• some unusual artistic applications like the making of false rocks for landscaping 

A Fibreglass Worker will be the skilled person who actually works with the fibreglass and makes items like some of the ones mentioned above.

What does a Fibreglass Worker do?

• make, shape and smooth forms, models or moulds, usually out of wood
• treat forms with a chemical releasing agent to prevent the fibreglass sticking
• apply successive thin layers of fibreglass onto form and allow to dry
• master woodworking tools
• know how to mix the right resin formulas
• wear protective clothing at all times
• follow health and safety procedures diligently.  Fibreglass can be dangerous to your health

Are you … ?

• good with your hands?
• a person with some artistic ability?
• mathematical?
• able to read plans and make calculations?
• technical?
• a person with good eye-hand coordination ?
• good at spatial (3d) perception?
• attentive to detail?
• in good health?
• safety conscious?
• able to work with strong smells and dangerous substances?

How do I become a Fibreglass Worker?

Some companies will give on-the-job training while others prefer some experience and or qualifications. 

Here are a few places where you can get various kinds of training:

• PLASTICS SA:  FOR TRAINING EXCELLENCE:  (Countrywide) – MER-SETA accredited.

http://www.plasticsinfo.co.za/images/2608.pdf 

Offers various courses and training, diplomas, degrees and learnerships in the plastics industry.

• TRIMO FIBRE GLASS COURSE:  (Randfontein)

http://www.fiberglasscourse.co.za/index.php/fibreglass-rock-art-course-details 

Offers unusual fibreglass techniques

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Optical Mechanic or Carpenter

Is becoming a Fibreglass Worker the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

Other names for Boat Builder:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All About Being a Boat Builder

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Boat Builder?

A Boat Builder is also known as a Shipwright. 

They construct sea-worthy floating vessels like boats and ships, which include, for example, yachts, sailboats, schooners, cruise liners etc.

They work in a shipyard.  Some Boat Builders may also design boats. 

Boat Builders may work in a factory where only a few designs of boats are built, while others work for a company that does custom-built work.  In rare cases, they are self-employed.

Most Boat Builders use wood, metal or fibreglass.

What does a Boat Builder do?

• meets with clients and or design team to discuss requirements
• works off boat designer’s plans
• motivates the building team/staff
• measures, makes and fits boat pieces together
• constantly checks quality control and sea-worthiness
• orders parts where necessary
• designs boats when required
• sells boats
• markets and finds new customers
• maintains office administration and bookkeeping

Are you … ?

• interested in boats and boat building?
• good with your hands?
• a person who takes pride in their work?
• able to read plans?
• a person with basic mathematical skills?
• can you read?
• neat and tidy?
• a team player?
• meticulous?
• a person who can work in 3-D?
• a person who can cope with stress and deadlines?
• knowledge of maths, physics and chemistry?

How do I become a Boat Builder?

• WHISPER BOAT BUILDING ACADEMY FOR THE DEAF:  (Cape Town)

Offers an accredited 6 months Laminating Training Program

• FALSE BAY COLLEGE:  (Westlake Campus)

3 year – National Certificate in Small Craft Production, accredited with Merseta  

Minimum requirements:  Grade 9 or equivalent (NQF Level 10)

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Yatch and Boat Building Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Boatbuilder without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Boat Skipper … or … 2nd Engineering Officer … or … Fitter and Turner

Is becoming a Boatbuilder the right career choice for me?