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Deck Watch Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yulista

Navigational Watch 3rd Mate

Panama City, FL · On-site

Directly supervises up to four (4) Able Seamen (ABs) during assigned watches and deck evolutions. * Serves as the Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) while underway, exercising ...

Yulista

Navigational Watch 3rd Mate

Panama City, FL

Directly supervises up to four (4) Able Seamen (ABs) during assigned watches and deck evolutions. * Serves as the Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch (OICNW) while underway, exercising ...

Fairwater

Third Mate - Tankers

Dania Beach, FL

STCW * II/1: Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch * II/4: Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch * II/5: Able Seafarer- Deck * IV/2: GMDSS Operator * VI/1: Basic Safety Training * VI/2: ...

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Deck Watch Officer information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do deck watch officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for deck watch officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a deck watch officer?

Deck Watch Officers are licensed officers on a ship who are responsible for overseeing the safe navigation and operation of the vessel during their assigned watch periods. They ensure that the ship follows its planned course, maintain a lookout for hazards, and implement safety procedures. Deck Watch Officers also supervise crew members on watch, manage communications with other vessels and ports, and respond to emergencies. Their role is critical in maintaining the safety, security, and efficiency of ship operations while at sea and in port.

What are the main challenges a deck watch officer faces during a typical watch, and how can these be managed effectively?

A Deck Watch Officer is often responsible for navigating the vessel safely, maintaining situational awareness, and managing the bridge team, all while adhering to strict regulations and company procedures. Common challenges include dealing with adverse weather, heavy traffic in busy shipping lanes, and ensuring clear communication among multinational crew members. Effective management involves staying vigilant, using navigational aids proficiently, delegating tasks appropriately, and fostering open communication to prevent misunderstandings. Regular training and thorough pre-watch briefings can also help mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Deck Watch Officer vs Deck Cadet?

AspectDeck Watch OfficerDeck Cadet
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Bridge WatchkeepingSTCW Basic Safety, Training Courses
Work EnvironmentBridge of commercial ships, responsible for navigation and safetyTraining onboard, assisting officers, learning navigation
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, maritime industryMaritime academies, shipping companies during training

The Deck Watch Officer is a licensed professional responsible for navigation and safety on the bridge, while a Deck Cadet is a trainee gaining practical experience. The Deck Watch Officer holds specific certifications and has full responsibility during watchkeeping, whereas the Deck Cadet is in training to become a licensed officer. Both roles are essential in maritime operations, with the cadet pathway leading to the deck watch officer position.

How to get a job as a deck watch officer?

To become a deck watch officer, candidates typically need a maritime license such as a Third Mate certification, which requires completing maritime training, gaining sea time experience, and passing relevant exams. Prior experience on ships and knowledge of navigation, safety procedures, and maritime regulations are also essential. Many positions require a valid medical certificate and adherence to international maritime standards.

How much does a deck watch officer make?

A deck watch officer's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the vessel. They are responsible for navigation, safety, and watchkeeping duties onboard ships, often working in shifts that require maritime training and licensing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a deck watch officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Deck Watch Officer, you need a solid understanding of navigation, seamanship, maritime regulations, and typically hold a relevant maritime officer’s license. Familiarity with electronic navigation systems, radar, GPS, and communication equipment is essential, along with certifications like STCW. Strong leadership, situational awareness, and decision-making skills are crucial for maintaining safety and efficient operations on watch. These competencies ensure the safe navigation of vessels, compliance with regulations, and effective management of crew and emergencies at sea.
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Deck Watch Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Deck Watch Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Surface Ship Diesel Engine Inspector DEI

Core Services Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Role overview:
Core Services Group is seeking an experienced Diesel Engine Inspector with experience on U.S. Navy surface platforms and Navy Staffs to support the Navy Readiness Assistance Training Team (RATT) for Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) in San Diego, CA. RATT is a Type Commander (TYCOM) asset employed to provide timely direct support to ships, tailored to the ship's needs and requirements. RATT ship visits are intended to significantly enhance a ship's organic proficiency and capabilities for a discrete period of time as added capability to conduct training, and address material issues. RATT provides proficient subject matter experts to conduct Sailor centric deck-plate training, material review, program auditing, and naval readiness support to enhance overall proficiency and material readiness through recommendations to the ship and staff to enhance CNSP ship's readiness to conduct sustained operations at sea in support of the nation's strategic objectives.
An ideal candidate has at least two tours as a Navy Diesel Engine Inspector and certification as a Navy DEI, fluent with Navy surface ship propulsion plant operation and maintenance processes,  as well as significant experience with diesel engine propulsion systems as an Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plan Watch Officer, Chief Engineer, or equivalent.
This position is contingent upon contract award, anticipated for October 2026.
Typical Responsibilities. This position’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 
  • Coordinate, schedule, and conduct ship training visits for the purpose of improving Sailor proficiency in the operation and maintenance of propulsion plant systems through targeted training.  Assisting ship's leadership in assessing propulsion plant material condition, readiness, and programs.
  • Compile, develop, and provide training resources (references and curriculum) for ship systems and equipment, engineering programs, watchstanding, and maintenance management.
  • Teach and reinforce sound shipboard operating and maintenance practices, processes, and principles.
  • Conduct comprehensive material condition assessments for installed equipment, portable equipment, safety gear, ship systems, and ship structure.
  • Review and assess ship's processes and procedures for engineering plant operations and evolutions, as well as for preventive and corrective maintenance.
  • Advise ship's leadership regarding crew proficiency, material condition, maintenance practices, and required program effectiveness.
Primary Work Location: Full time onsite in San Diego, CA.
Anticipated Travel:
  • This position involves up to 35% travel, including travel to overseas/OCONUS locations, in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
  • Common travel destinations include, but are not limited to: Everett, WA; Pearl Harbor, HI; Sasebo, Japan; Yokosuka, Japan; and Singapore.
Typical Physical Activity:
  • The ability to work in a variety of shipboard environments (e.g., navigate tight or confined spaces, ladders, hatches, in crew spaces and engineering spaces).
  • Must be physically able to climb up/down a pilot’s ladder to board/embark and debark a naval vessel underway at sea and stay onboard on a U.S. Naval vessel for days at a time.
  • Desk/computer work in an office environment and hands-on technical or instructor work in a waterfront/shipboard environment.
Typical Pay Range: The anticipated pay range for this position in the identified location(s) is $90,000 – 110,000/year. Actual compensation offered will be based upon individual factors including education, qualifications, and experience.
 
SECRET Security Clearance Required: This position requires an active or interim Secret security clearance prior to hire. 
Only U.S. citizens will be considered for this position.
 
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
  • At least fifteen (15) years of supervisory experience in analyses, information system operations, and implementation of technical projects relevant to RATT.
  • Extensive Navy technical management experience on multiple ships.
  • Extensive experience as shipboard Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) on multiple diesel ships.
  • Extensive experience (at least 2 tours) as Navy Diesel Engine Inspector with Navy surface ship maintenance processes.
  • At least fifteen (15) years of supervisory level watchstanding experience on warships or military auxiliaries with diesel engine propulsion systems as Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Officer, Chief Engineer, or equivalent responsible for overall propulsion plant operations and associated auxiliary systems.
  • Extensive experience conducting diesel inspections on surface warships or military auxiliaries.
  • Qualifications and certification as or equivalent to a U.S. Navy Diesel Engine Inspector.
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience, within the last five (5) years, with diesel main propulsion, diesel generators, associated control systems, and associated auxiliaries currently in use by the Navy.
Plus:
  • Proficient with common productivity software including the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and support fast-paced operational environments. 
  • Excellent personnel management, working group and team leadership skills as well as working alongside sailors and officers of varying experience and seniority.
  • Excellent communication skills to include briefing Commanding Officers and other mid-grade to senior leadership in person and in writing.
Additional Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  
  • At least twenty-five (25) years of relevant experience is highly desirable.