What skills does a helmsman need?

A helmsman needs 48 essential skills including physical parts of the vessel, international regulations for cargo handling, international waterways, functions of vessel deck equipment, multimodal transport logistics. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace helmsman jobs?

The AI disruption score for helmsman is 24/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Engineering ServicesScience and engineering associate professionalsISCO 3152

helmsman

Helmsmen are members of the crew on the highest rank of the operational level on an inland vessel. They perform a variety of duties concerned with the operation and upkeep of deck department areas, the engine and other equipment, mooring and unmooring, as well as the steering of the ship as the main task.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (48)

physical parts of the vesselphysical parts of the vesselThe different physical components of the vessel and their maintenance and care effort.international regulations for cargo handlinginternational regulations for cargo handlingThe body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.international waterwaysinternational waterwaysThe international waterways used for maritime navigation, the geographical location of currents, maritime waterways, and harbours.functions of vessel deck equipmentfunctions of vessel deck equipmentThe required performance level of deck and safety equipment and vessel lifting facilities.multimodal transport logisticsmultimodal transport logisticsThe logistical supporting activities related to multimodal transport. The different elements of a multimodal system for the movement of goods or people, and all related advantages in terms of time and...vessel stability principlesvessel stability principlesThoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.inland waterway ship buildinginland waterway ship buildingThe various methods for constructing inland waterway vessels in compliance with construction legislation concerning buildings.passenger transport regulationspassenger transport regulationsThe applicable conventions and regulations governing the provision of passenger transport services.principles of cargo stowageprinciples of cargo stowageThe principles of cargo stowage. The procedures by which containers should be efficiently loaded and unloaded, taking into account gravitational forces that are exerted during transportation.national waterwaysnational waterwaysThe national waterways used for inland navigation. The geographical location of rivers, canals, seaports and inland harbours, and their relationship with cargo flows.anchors used in inland water transportanchors used in inland water transportName and recognise different types of anchors used in inland water transport (IWT); explain the characteristics of different anchors and their specific uses.vessel points of sailvessel points of sailPoints of sail describing the orientation of a vessel in relation to the direction of the wind.use radar navigationuse radar navigationOperate modern radar navigation equipment to ensure safe vessel operations.use modern electronic navigational aidsuse modern electronic navigational aidsUse modern navigational aids such as GPS and radar systems.assess trim of vesselsassess trim of vesselsAssess the trim stability of vessels, referring to the stability of a vessel while it is in a static condition.help to control passenger behaviour during emergency situationshelp to control passenger behaviour during emergency situationsKnow how to use life-saving equipment in emergency situations. Provide assistance if leakages, collisions or fires should occur, and support the evacuation of passengers. Know crisis and crowd managem...use meteorological informationuse meteorological informationUse and interpret meteorological information for operations dependent on climatic conditions. Use this information to provide advise on safe operations in relation to weather conditions.facilitate safe disembarkation of passengersfacilitate safe disembarkation of passengersAssist passengers when they leave the vessel, aircraft, train, or other mode of transport. Keep the safety measures and procedures in mind.maintain ship stability in relation to weight of passengersmaintain ship stability in relation to weight of passengersMaintain vessel stability in relation to weight of passengers; communicate with passengers.supervise movement of crewsupervise movement of crewOversee embarkation and disembarkation of crew members. Ensure that safety regulations are followed according to specifications.anchor ships to the portanchor ships to the portAnchor ships to the port according to the type of vessel.execute safety assurance exercisesexecute safety assurance exercisesOrganise and execute safety exercises; ensure safety in potentially dangerous situations.supervise movement of passengerssupervise movement of passengersOversee embarking and disembarking of travellers; ensure that safety regulations are followed according to specifications.supervise unloading of cargosupervise unloading of cargoSupervise unloading processes for equipment, cargo, goods and other items. Ensure that everything is handled and stored correctly in accordance with regulations and standards.supervise loading of cargosupervise loading of cargoSupervise the process of loading equipment, cargo, goods and other Items. Ensure that all cargo is handled and stored properly in accordance with regulations and standards.moor vesselsmoor vesselsFollow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.ensure integrity of hullensure integrity of hullEnsure sure that water does not break through the hull; prevent progressive flooding.assess stability of vesselsassess stability of vesselsAssess the two kinds of stability of vessels, namely transversal and longitudinal.use equipment for safe stowageuse equipment for safe stowageUse tools and equipment to perform safe stowage and ensure proper loading and securing of goods.communicate reports provided by passengerscommunicate reports provided by passengersTransmit information provided by passengers to superiors. Interpret passenger claims and follow up requests.clean parts of vesselsclean parts of vesselsClean engine rooms and vessel components using appropriate cleaning materials; ensure compliance with environmental regulations.apply regulations on cargo transport operationsapply regulations on cargo transport operationsDisplay knowledge of relevant local, national, European and international regulations, standards, and codes concerning the operation of freight transport.adjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehiclesadjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehiclesAdapt weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles. Oversee the maximum load capacity of the vehicle in question and the weight of each individual crate in the shipment.manage emergency situations on boardmanage emergency situations on boardControl proceedings in the event of a leakage, fire, collisions, and evacuations; implement crisis management and stay calm in emergency situations.assist anchoring operationsassist anchoring operationsAssist during anchoring operations; operate equipment and assist in anchor manoeuvres.manage vessel control systemsmanage vessel control systemsKnow, operate, test and maintain control systems of vessels. Maintain and if necessary repair electronic components of vessel control systems.ensure safe loading of goods according to stowage planensure safe loading of goods according to stowage planMonitor and ensure the safe and secure loading of materials and goods, as specified in the stowage plan.verify qualifications of water transport crewverify qualifications of water transport crewVerify the qualifications of a ship's crew and officers, in accordance with the regulatory requirements. Define whether passengers or cargo are being transported.understand different types of locks and their operationunderstand different types of locks and their operationMaster various engineering constructions and functions of bridges and locks in the field of navigation. Conduct locking and entering procedures.stow cargostow cargoStow cargo in a secure manner; operate handling gear and lashing equipment.distinguish various types of shipsdistinguish various types of shipsRecognise and name various types of vessels common in European maritime transport. Understand the different characteristics, construction details, and tonnage capacities of different vessels.adhere to traffic regulations on inland waterwaysadhere to traffic regulations on inland waterwaysUnderstand and apply traffic rules in inland waterway navigation in order to ensure safety and avoid collisions.operate life-saving appliancesoperate life-saving appliancesOperate survival craft and their launching appliances and arrangements. Operate life-saving instruments like radio life-saving appliances, satellite EPIRBs, SARTs, immersion suits and thermal protecti...unmoor vesselsunmoor vesselsFollow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.distinguish ship construction methodsdistinguish ship construction methodsDistinguish various methods of constructing vessels and how this affects their behaviour in the water in terms of strength and stability.swimswimMove through water by means of the limbs.evaluate engine performanceevaluate engine performanceRead and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.follow procedures in the event of an alarmfollow procedures in the event of an alarmFollow safety procedures in the event of an alarm; act according to company instructions and procedures.

Optional (22)

vessel fuelsvessel fuelsThe characteristics and properties of vessel fuels and lubricants, and the fuel loading specifications of various types of vessels.electrical systems used in transportationelectrical systems used in transportationThe functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.apply conflict managementapply conflict managementTake ownership of the handling of all complaints and disputes showing empathy and understanding to achieve resolution. Be fully aware of all Social Responsibility protocols and procedures, and be able...provide first aidprovide first aidAdminister cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.perform risk analysisperform risk analysisIdentify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.manipulate sails on vesselsmanipulate sails on vesselsManipulate sails using ropes or other tools in order to control vessel direction and speed.provide feedback on job performanceprovide feedback on job performanceProvide feedback to employees on their professional and social behaviour in the work environment; discuss results of their work.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.encourage teambuildingencourage teambuildingStimulate teambuilding activities. Coach employees in order to help them reach their goals.perform vessel maintenance and cleaningperform vessel maintenance and cleaningFollow the First Mate's instructions in assisting with equipment maintenance such as painting or varnishing, splicing lines, and wash-down chores.show intercultural awarenessshow intercultural awarenessShow sensibility towards cultural differences by taking actions which facilitate positive interaction between international organisations, between groups or individuals of different cultures, and to p...detect malfunctions in enginesdetect malfunctions in enginesDetect and effectively respond to machinery malfunctions. Take actions in order to prevent material damage. Practice damage control.contribute to bilge and ballast operationscontribute to bilge and ballast operationsHelp operate and service the bilge and ballast systems. Report incidents during or after transfer operations. Correctly measure and report tank levels.recognise abnormalities on boardrecognise abnormalities on boardIdentify anomalies and abnormalities on board, evaluate them, and take appropriate actions to restore normal operation of ship. Check all (safety) systems for operational functions. Organise actions t...use maritime Englishuse maritime EnglishCommunicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.manage environmental aspects of inland waterway transportationmanage environmental aspects of inland waterway transportationConsider ecological aspects of the operation of ships in order to use vessels in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Understand environmental aspects when navigating inland waterways.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.comply with checklistscomply with checklistsFollow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.work in a water transport teamwork in a water transport teamWork confidently in a group in water transport services, in which each individual operates in their own area of responsibility to reach a common goal, such as a good customer interaction, maritime saf...implement environmental protection measuresimplement environmental protection measuresEnforce environmental criteria to prevent environmental damage. Strive for the efficient use of resources in order to prevent waste and reduce costs. Motivate colleagues to take relevant steps to oper...implement workplace drug policiesimplement workplace drug policiesImplement strict policy of alcohol and drug prohibition in the workplace and take immediate action in the case of infringement.