Cargo Ship First Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Average Annual Salary: $156,502 + up to a $57,414 BONUS

View the current recruitment bonus memo.

This is the average annual salary not the base pay featured in the job opportunity announcement. All calculations include CIVMAR total take‑home pay (including overtime, penalty, etc.).

DUTIES

A recruitment incentive is authorized for eligible selectees and requires a service agreement. Please visit https://sealiftcommand.com/recruitment-bonus for details. Incentive is paid as a lump sum at the beginning of employment with the Command. Mixed Work Schedule, VEOA candidates and Annuitants selected for employment as Able Seaman are not eligible for recruitment incentives.

The Third Officer is a civil service mariner (CIVMAR) employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) onboard naval auxiliaries and hybrid‑manned warships worldwide, in peace and war. MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations. MSC provides on‑time logistics, strategic sealift, as well as specialized missions anywhere in the world, in contested or uncontested environments.

The Third Officer is a member of the Deck Department. Serves as a deck Watch Officer and assists the Master and senior deck officers in carrying out their responsibilities; and in their absence may assume command of the ship. May be called upon to assist the Navigation/Operations Officer or Operations personnel with conducting various duties associated with communicating with military units. May be required to stand watch during naval operations that require the securing of electromagnetic navigation aids such as radar and bridge to bridge radio, or the extinguishing of navigational lights. May be required to maneuver and conduct Naval operations; these may include underway connected replenishment and vertical replenishment evolutions, tactical signaling, formation steaming, torpedo evasion tactics, and other plans. May be assigned collateral duties of Assistant Damage Control Officer, Chemical, Bioglogical, and Radiological Defense Officer, or Special Service Officer or others as directed.

As directed/designated by the Chief Mate: (1) makes timely and frequent inspection of all lifesaving equipment onboard the vessel, including lifeboats, life rafts and associated securing devices, and any other equipment; (2) performance duties of CBR‑Readiness Officer, provides direct input to the First Officer about CBR training and readiness of the vessel/crew to counter all threats; keeps informed on all matters concerning radiacs, the ship’s fire main system and any other material condition reports having a direct impact on the ship’s CBR status.

Assists with the timely and accurate update of the ship’s navigational publication library and electronic chart system under the direction of the Second Officer (W). Make chart corrections or post chart correction cards only with the permission of the Master and under the supervision of the Second Officer (W). Must be able to effectively use applicable shipboard software applications. Must be able to use, inspect, and monitor all bridge navigation equipment using GMDSS. Must be able to properly communicate with radio telephone.

During at sea periods; (1) maintains the watch in accordance with USCG, COMSC, and the Master’s instructions or standing orders; (2) ensures that the Watch is properly trained in standard helm commands and lookout duties and; (3) respond to a steering casualty scenario, a man overboard incident, ship’s security violation, and emergency maneuvering situations.

Maintains a proper lookout and an accurate ship’s position at all times while on watch. Provides the Master information immediately about ship’s position, course, and speed, using any and all means available. Adheres to the Collision Regulations (COLREGS) Rules of the Road unless directed by the Master or Commanding Officer to divert from one or more of them for military operational reasons. Unless directed by the Master, maintains a continuous radar/surface plot of all surrounding traffic to a scale appropriate to the traffic situation. During periods of restricted visibility, heavy traffic, any emergency or when in doubt, contacts the Master, providing him/her ample time to survey the situation and make an informed decision.

During in port periods conducts the watch in a proper and safe manner, including the safe and appropriate lighting of the vessel at night. Maintains a proper security posture, properly tended mooring lines; and, an alert, attentive gangway watch. Ensure accurate communications between the Deck and Engine Watch so as to remain alert for conditions of fire or flooding, or any incidents that may hamper damage control efforts. Perform duties consistent with Federal, Local and Command oil and environmental pollution regulations whenever fuel is being transferred during his/her watch. As a deck officer must maintain a proper uniform IAW CMPI.

Ensures continuing application of & compliance with EEO laws, regulations and policies. Carries out EEO policies and communicates support of these policies to subordinates.

Masters and Department heads may add to these duties to clarify specific shipboard tasks. Everything in this Position Description is considered to be an essential function of this position. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Must be a United States citizen of at least 18 years of age and possess and maintain:

1. U.S. Passport with a minimum of seven months of expiration date.
2. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and/or Department of Defense (DOD) Common Access Card (CAC) with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration.
3. United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC), with a minimum of ten months remaining of expiration date.

Position Specific Requirements:

• MMC endorsed as: Third Mate Any Gross Tons Upon Oceans (or higher), and Radar Observer – Unlimited,
• MMC endorsed as: Any Unlicensed Rating in the Deck Department, or Able Seaman – Unlimited,
• STCW endorsed as - Officer-In-Charge of a Navigation Watch; STCW may not include limitations of validity on vessels operating in the GMDSS system, or aboard ARPA, ECDIS, or radar‑equipped vessels.
• A Federal Communications Commission GMDSS Radio Operator's License/certificate.

Note: Although not required for consideration, candidates that hold Tankerman PIC (person in charge)/DL (dangerous liquids), or the appropriate Towing credentials as specified in 46 CFR 15.805(a)(5), Towing Officers Assessment Record (TOAR), possess credentials or certificates demonstrating proficiency with unusual and technical shipboard operations systems and programs such as Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems, salvage operations, cable operations, command ship operations, or foreign naval auxiliary operations shall provide that information on the Employment Application form.