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Navigational Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spottswood Companies

Ship Captain

Key West, FL · On-site

The Captain is the sole navigational officer for the vessel and ensures all navigational and propulsion machinery is in satisfactory operating order. Responsibilities: * Know your work schedule and ...

ssc

Cargo Mate - Marine

Galveston, TX

The Cargo Mate is primarily responsible for conducting cargo operations, oversee deck hands, perform and supervise deck maintenance duties, and stand a navigational watch (Officer in Charge of a ...

ssc

Cargo Chief Mate - Marine

Galveston, TX

The Cargo Chief Mate is primarily responsible for conducting cargo operations, oversee deck hands, perform and supervise deck maintenance duties, and stand a navigational watch (Officer in Charge of ...

Savage

Cargo Mate - Marine

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Cargo Mate is primarily responsible for conducting cargo operations, oversee deck hands, perform and supervise deck maintenance duties, and stand a navigational watch (Officer in Charge of a ...

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: ...

Savage

Cargo Chief Mate - Marine

Miami, FL · On-site

The Cargo Chief Mate is primarily responsible for conducting cargo operations, oversee deck hands, perform and supervise deck maintenance duties, and stand a navigational watch (Officer in Charge of ...

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Navigational Officer information

What are Navigational Officers?

Navigational Officers, also known as Deck Officers, are professionals responsible for the safe navigation and operation of a ship. They plan and execute the vessel's voyage, manage navigational equipment, and ensure compliance with maritime laws and safety regulations. Additionally, Navigational Officers supervise deck crew, maintain safety protocols, and handle communication with ports and other ships. Their role is crucial for the smooth and safe transit of vessels across international waters.

What is the salary of navigation officer?

The salary of a navigational officer typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and the type of vessel. They often receive additional benefits such as housing, travel allowances, and overtime pay, especially when working on ships or maritime environments.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Navigational officers, such as senior maritime or aviation navigators, can earn around $300,000 annually with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications. High-paying roles in finance, law, medicine, and executive management also reach or exceed this level, often requiring advanced education and significant responsibility.

What does a navigational officer do?

A navigational officer, also known as a navigation officer or watch officer, is responsible for safely guiding a vessel by planning routes, monitoring navigation equipment, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. They use tools such as radar, GPS, and charts, and typically hold certifications like STCW to perform their duties onboard ships. Their role is critical for safe vessel operation during voyages across various sea conditions.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

For Navigational Officers, advancements in automation, GPS technology, and autonomous ships are expected to reduce the need for human navigation roles on vessels by 2030. Many routine navigation tasks may be performed by automated systems, potentially decreasing demand for traditional navigational positions, though oversight and technical skills will remain important. The shift emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and certification in maritime technology.

What are some common challenges Navigational Officers face when working on international voyages?

Navigational Officers on international voyages frequently encounter challenges such as adjusting to different time zones, adapting to diverse weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with varying international maritime regulations. They must also maintain constant vigilance to prevent collisions in busy shipping lanes and coordinate closely with multicultural crews. Effective communication and adaptability are essential to manage these responsibilities and ensure safe, efficient passage across global waters.

What is the difference between Navigational Officer vs Marine Pilot?

AspectNavigational OfficerMarine Pilot
CredentialsNavigation certifications, STCW certificationsMarine pilot license, STCW certifications
Work EnvironmentShip bridge, onboard trainingPort and harbor areas, onboard pilot boats
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, maritime industryPort authorities, shipping companies
Work FocusNavigation, safety, route planningAssisting ships in port entry, local navigation

Both Navigational Officers and Marine Pilots hold navigation-related certifications and work within the maritime industry. Navigational Officers primarily operate onboard ships, focusing on navigation and safety during voyages. Marine Pilots, on the other hand, specialize in guiding ships through port areas and harbors, often working in port authorities or pilot stations. While their roles overlap in navigation, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Navigational Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Navigational Officer, you need a solid grounding in maritime navigation, ship operations, and international maritime regulations, usually supported by a degree from a maritime academy and a relevant Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification. Proficiency with navigational equipment such as ECDIS, radar, GPS, and communication systems is critical. Strong decision-making, leadership, and teamwork skills help Navigational Officers handle challenging situations at sea and coordinate with crew members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety of the vessel, crew, cargo, and compliance with international maritime standards.
More about Navigational Officer jobs
What states have the most Navigational Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Navigational Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Navigational Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Navigational Officer jobs are:
Navigational Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Navigational Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, and 62% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Marine Transportation Specialist (Ship Inspector)

Marine Transportation Specialist (Ship Inspector)

Department of Transportation

Massena, NY

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This position is located in the Office of Lock Operations, the Ship Inspector serves as a marine expert in requirements for vessels transiting the Seaway such as investigations of marine incidents/accidents, reviewing salvage methods, and verifying marine engineering issues. 

*PLEASE NOTE: Given our continuing need for top professionals in this field, we will review applications after the first 30 days of the vacancy opening. Then after, applications will be reviewed on an as needed basis. 

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.
To qualify for the GS-12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, it must include:

  • Technical experience conducting marine regulatory reviews, inspections, surveys, audits, vetting, clearances, or incident investigations of ship structures, control systems, propulsion systems, safety systems, or machinery as a marine surveyor, inspector, engineer, auditor, advisor; shipboard engineer officer, deck (navigational) officer, or similar in the public or private sector.


To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:

  • Technical experience conducting marine regulatory reviews, inspections, surveys, audits, vetting, clearances, and incident investigations of ship structures, control systems, propulsion systems, safety systems, or machinery as a senior level marine surveyor, inspector, engineer, auditor, advisor; senior shipboard captain, senior shipboard engineer, senior deck (navigational) officer, or similar. 


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  • Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job.
  • Leadership - Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.
  • Self-Management - Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
  • Teamwork - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.


Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - accounting, business administration, business or commercial law, commerce, economics, engineering, finance, industrial management, statistics, traffic management, transportation, motor mechanics, nautical science, marine affairs, marine engineering, marine transportation, or other fields related to the position. For Marine Transportation Specialist positions, education obtained in a Federal, State, or other accredited Merchant Marine Academy is qualifying.

Employment Type: OTHER

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