Ship pilot NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for ship pilot.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for ship pilot is 72602 (Deck officers, water transport), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 3): +20 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer.
NOC code
72602
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Level 3
+20 work · 50 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 72602 covers
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.
| Unit group | 72602 — Deck officers, water transport |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
| Broad category | Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- 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
To use NOC 72602 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 72602 →
Other job titles under NOC 72602
- Ferryboat master
- Master mariner
- Ship second mate
- Coast Guard vessel first watchkeeping officer
- Coast Guard vessel navigation officer
- Coast Guard vessel watchkeeping officer
- Deck officer - water transport
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 72602, one of these may fit better:
- Air pilot — NOC 72600 (Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors, TEER 2)
- Check pilot — NOC 72600 (Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors, TEER 2)
- Chief pilot — NOC 72600 (Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors, TEER 2)
- Co-pilot — NOC 72600 (Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors, TEER 2)
- Ship loader operator — NOC 75100 (Longshore workers, TEER 5)
- Ship purser — NOC 64311 (Pursers and flight attendants, TEER 4)
- Ship stoker — NOC 74201 (Water transport deck and engine room crew, TEER 4)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for ship pilot?+
In NOC 2021, "ship pilot" is an example title in unit group 72602 — Deck officers, water transport. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations" broad category.
Is ship pilot eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 72602 is TEER 2, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does ship pilot get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 72602 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 20 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 50 (whichever is higher).
Can a ship pilot get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 72602 isn't on any of IRCC's current category-based selection lists. You can still be invited in general, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program rounds.
What if my job title says ship pilot but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 72602. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.