1

Second Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2nd Officer Royal Caribbean Group The 2nd Officer is a licensed watchkeeping officer responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel. They stand their own watch, primarily during ...

Second Security Officer Job Type: Full time Industry: Nonprofit Charitable Organizations Salary: $25 to $28/hr Location: San Jose, California, United States, 95134 Position Summary: The Second Shift ...

Mate

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$64K - $78K/yr

The Assistant Marine Captain / Mate serves as the vessel's second officer and assistant command authority aboard FIO research vessels. The position is directly involved in the daily operation, safe ...

Second Security Officer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $26/hr

Second Security Officer Department: Security Reports To: Security Officer Lead FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Location: Redemption Church - San Jose Schedule: Sunday through Thursday • Monday through ...

Second Security Officer Department: Security Reports To: Security Officer Lead FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Location: Redemption Church - San Jose Schedule: Sunday through Thursday • Monday through ...

The 2nd Engineer Officer is responsible for operating, inspecting, and maintaining engines, machinery, and equipment in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner to the highest professional ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Second Officer information

See salary details

$23.5K

$75.9K

$182.5K

How much do second officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for second officer in the United States is $75,929.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Second Officer vs Third Officer?

AspectSecond OfficerThird Officer
CertificationsSTCW certifications, maritime licensesSTCW certifications, maritime licenses
Work EnvironmentBridge operations, navigation, safety dutiesAssist in navigation, safety, and watchkeeping
Role in Crew HierarchyHigher rank, responsible for navigation and safetyEntry-level officer, supports Second Officer

Second Officers and Third Officers both hold maritime certifications and work in similar environments on ships. The Second Officer typically has a higher rank, with responsibilities including navigation and safety oversight, while the Third Officer supports these duties and is often an entry-level officer. The main difference lies in their level of responsibility and seniority within the deck crew hierarchy.

What are the main responsibilities of a Second Officer during a typical voyage, and how do they interact with the rest of the bridge team?

As a Second Officer, you are primarily responsible for navigation and maintaining the ship’s charts and publications, ensuring safe passage. You typically stand watch on the bridge, monitoring radar and communication systems, and assist the Chief Officer with safety drills and equipment checks. Collaboration with the Captain, Chief Officer, and other deck officers is essential, as you share information on weather, course adjustments, and vessel operations. This role offers valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills and advance to senior officer positions.

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

To thrive as a Second Officer, you need strong navigational skills, knowledge of maritime regulations, and typically a valid Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificate or equivalent maritime qualifications. Familiarity with electronic chart display systems (ECDIS), radar, and bridge management systems is essential. Excellent communication, teamwork, and situational awareness are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe and efficient vessel operations, compliance with regulations, and effective coordination among the crew.

What are Second Officers?

Second Officers are licensed members of a ship's deck department who assist with navigation, watchkeeping, and safety operations. They are typically third in command after the Captain and Chief Officer, and are responsible for updating navigational charts, maintaining communication equipment, and ensuring the vessel complies with safety regulations. Second Officers often stand watch on the bridge, oversee cargo operations, and help with emergency procedures. Their role is vital for the smooth and safe operation of maritime vessels.
More about Second Officer jobs
What states have the most Second Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Second Officer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Second Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,929 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

2nd Officer

Hosco

Miami, FL • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

2nd Officer

Royal Caribbean Group

The 2nd Officer is a licensed watchkeeping officer responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel. They stand their own watch, primarily during daytime and evening hours when senior officers are available, provided they are deemed fit and competent by the Master. The 2nd Officer ensures adherence to safety, security, and environmental protocols and assists with navigation, safety equipment, and safety training.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with Royal Caribbean Group's The Royal Way, SQM standards, USPH guidelines, environmental, and safety policies.

Employees may be required to perform functions across various service venues and throughout the ship.

In accordance with Royal Caribbean's Anchored in Excellence philosophy, each employee conducts themselves professionally and courteously at all times, engaging positively with guests and crew members.

Watchkeeping & Navigation:

  • Have a thorough understanding of the Safety and Quality Management program, including responsibilities within the safety organization according to the emergency plan and station bill.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations, observing alarm and indicator panels continuously.
  • Conduct safety rounds as per master's standing orders.
  • Report significant events immediately to the Master and/or Staff Captain; act on initiatives if necessary.
  • When giving orders to the engine room, ensure they are appropriate; consult with the Master if time permits; record all actions in the logbook.
  • Maintain discipline on the bridge and ensure all watchkeeping personnel perform their duties properly.

Port & Mooring Operations:

  • Maintain radio contact with gangway security and monitor port operations.
  • Supervise mooring shifts and be alert for strong winds or other conditions that may affect the ship's moorings, notifying senior officers as necessary.

Tender Operations:

  • Be prepared to operate tenders and establish safe, secure passenger and crew transfer procedures, following chapter 7 procedures.

Navigation & Safety Procedures:

  • Familiarize with and strictly follow Navigation Policy & Procedures, Standard Operating Procedures, and Master's Standing Orders.
  • Ensure adequate rest hours in compliance with STCW and report any issues affecting rest or alertness immediately.
  • Conduct weekly and monthly inspections of watertight doors, fire screens, and safety equipment, logging all tests, drills, and defects.
  • Supervise testing of fire and watertight doors, ensuring proper operation and maintenance.
  • Participate in crew safety drills and training, organizing regular safety education sessions with the Chief Officer Safety and other officers.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Attend meetings, training, and other work-related activities as required.
  • Perform any additional duties assigned by supervisors or management.

Qualifications:

Minimum Hiring & Licensing Requirements:

  • Valid Nav. Watch Officer License (OOW) Without Limitations, conforming to all international and national regulations.
  • Completion of all required regulatory and company training as listed in the Training, License, & Certificates Requirements Matrix.

Internal Candidate Requirements:

  • Completion of at least one full contract with a performance rating of satisfactory or above.

Language Requirements:

  • Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly, and cordially with guests.
  • Proficiency in reading and writing English to interpret procedures, instructions, and communicate effectively with guests, supervisors, and co-workers.
  • Additional languages such as Spanish, French, or German are preferred.

Physical & Visual Requirements:

  • Regularly required to stand, walk, handle equipment, reach, talk, hear, and smell.
  • Frequently or continually lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, with the ability to adjust focus.
  • Must be physically capable of participating in emergency life-saving procedures and drills, including handling lifeboats, with full use of arms, legs, and sensory functions.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a cruise vacation company comprised of three award-winning global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Royal Caribbean Group is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that includes TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, our brands operate a global fleet of 64 ships traveling to more than 800 destinations worldwide.