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Ship Bridge Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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... bridge-channel conditions, environmental and security conditions across all cruise routes to display and communicate to Shipboard Officers, Regional Managers and Senior Executive Leadership.

The 3rd Officer may work independently or as part of the bridge team, performing watchkeeping ... Work at sea in diverse weather conditions; exposure to noise and shipboard hazards; must wear ...

Oversee all the emergency/pyrotechnic equipment on the Bridge and reporting this on the preventive maintenance system * Maintain the on board PC ship-handling simulator * Assist the Chief Officer ...

Oversee all the emergency/pyrotechnic equipment on the Bridge and reporting this on the preventive maintenance system * Maintain the on board PC ship-handling simulator * Assist the Chief Officer ...

Oversee all the emergency/pyrotechnic equipment on the Bridge and reporting this on the preventive maintenance system * Maintain the on board PC ship-handling simulator * Assist the Chief Officer ...

Oversee all the emergency/pyrotechnic equipment on the Bridge and reporting this on the preventive maintenance system * Maintain the on board PC ship-handling simulator * Assist the Chief Officer ...

Third Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$156K/yr

... shipboard software applications. Must be able to use, inspect, and monitor all bridge navigation ... As a deck officer must maintain a proper uniform IAW CMPI. Ensures continuing application of ...

Oversee all the emergency/pyrotechnic equipment on the Bridge and reporting this on the preventive maintenance system * Maintain the on board PC ship-handling simulator * Assist the Chief Officer ...

Chief Officer - Master Chief Officer Master License Position Summary: Reporting to the Captain and ... Be present during embarkation of pilots, escorting them to the bridge. * Ensure all ship side ...

The Third Officer is a civil service mariner (CIVMAR) employed by the Navy to serve the Military ... shipboard software applications. Must be able to use, inspect, and monitor all bridge navigation ...

... ship. In accordance with Royal Caribbean's Anchored in Excellence philosophy, each employee ... Maintain discipline on the bridge and ensure all watchkeeping personnel perform their duties ...

... ship. In accordance with Royal Caribbean's Anchored in Excellence philosophy, each employee ... Maintain discipline on the bridge and ensure all watchkeeping personnel perform their duties ...

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Ship Bridge Officer information

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How much do ship bridge officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship bridge officer in the United States is $29.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship bridge officer?

Ship Bridge Officers are maritime professionals responsible for the safe navigation and operation of a vessel from the ship's bridge. They oversee the ship's course, speed, and position, manage communication with other ships and port authorities, and ensure compliance with maritime laws and safety procedures. Bridge officers also supervise the crew during watchkeeping and handle emergency situations to maintain the vessel's safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ship bridge officer?

To thrive as a Ship Bridge Officer, you need a strong background in navigation, maritime safety regulations, and seamanship, typically supported by a maritime academy degree and an Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificate. Familiarity with navigation systems (ECDIS, radar, AIS), communication equipment, and safety management systems is crucial. Leadership, situational awareness, and effective decision-making are essential soft skills for responding to dynamic conditions at sea. These competencies ensure safe vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and the well-being of the crew and cargo.

What are some of the common challenges ship bridge officers face while working at sea, and how can they prepare for them?

Ship Bridge Officers often face challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, maintaining situational awareness during long shifts, and handling communication with multinational crews. Navigating busy shipping lanes and responding quickly to unexpected situations require both technical skills and strong teamwork. Preparation involves staying updated on maritime regulations, regularly practicing emergency procedures, and developing effective communication strategies with the entire bridge team. Emphasizing continuous learning and cultivating resilience are key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Ship Bridge Officer vs Ship Captain?

AspectShip Bridge OfficerShip Captain
CertificationsSTCW certifications, Bridge Watchkeeping LicenseSame as Bridge Officer, plus additional leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentBridge of the ship, monitoring navigation and safetyOverall ship management, including navigation, crew, and safety
ResponsibilitiesNavigation, watchkeeping, safety proceduresOverall vessel operation, crew management, compliance

While both roles require navigation certifications and involve working on the ship's bridge, the Ship Bridge Officer primarily focuses on navigation and safety during watchkeeping. The Ship Captain holds broader responsibilities, including overall vessel management and leadership. The Bridge Officer supports the Captain but does not have the final authority over the ship's operations.

How do you become a ship bridge officer?

To become a ship bridge officer, you typically need to obtain a maritime license or certification, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, which requires completing maritime training, gaining sea time experience, and passing relevant exams. Many officers start as deck cadets or trainees, develop navigation and safety skills, and accumulate sufficient sea service to qualify for higher ranks.

How much do ship bridge officers make?

Ship bridge officers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the vessel. Salaries can increase with seniority, specialized skills, and longer deployments, often supplemented by benefits such as housing and travel allowances.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Bridge Officer jobs?

For Ship Bridge Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ship Bridge Officer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,397 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Technical Watch Officer - Engineer

Guilford, CT • On-site

American Cruise Lines
Travel Arrangement Services • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

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Job description

American Cruise Lines is seeking shoreside Technical Watch Officer - Engineers for our Fleet Operations Center to support our growing fleet of small cruise ships sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia- Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland Rivers. Our U.S flagged ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 guests. This is a fully in-person role based in Guilford, CT.

Technical Watch Officer - Engineers report directly to the Fleet Operations Center Manager and are responsible for maintaining 24hr fleet support through proactive monitoring of weather forecasts, channel conditions, bridge-lock operations; together with tracking the status of vessels and routes to sustain safe, secure and consistent cruise operations. Watch Standers communicate regularly with vessel officers to manage routine and emergent situations. Watch Standers audit company and regulatory performance standards continually through oversight tools and technologies, supporting performance excellence while representing the company as a professional.

This role executes the current and future fleet Operations Center communication and oversight tasks, flexing daily requirements to sustain fleet execution of cruise schedule. Technical Watch Officer - Engineers maintain set watches and execute a framework of fleet and crew status-tracking-oversight-assessment tools and views to enable proactive real-time fleet operations management. Technical Watch Officer - Engineers maintain full real-time and 21-day outlook views for weather, tidal, river gage, lock-bridge status, waterway status, and environmental status across all fleet routes during their assigned watch schedules.

 Technical Watch Officer - Engineers maintain various shifts to support 24/7 fleet operations and are the first point of contact and direct support contact for all vessels and regional managers across all cruise routes. Similar to the officers aboard our vessels,  Technical Watch Officer - Engineers are focused and diligent in the performance of their duties while “on watch” reducing risk and optimizing decisions, by maintaining an accurate status of vessels, crews, logistics, and route conditions together with accurate forecasts, schedules, and plans. The Fleet Operations Center supports fleet and company decision makers in keeping well ahead of planning, response, and emergent decision timelines.

At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities:

  • Maintain and execute framework of fleet and crew status-tracking-oversight-assessment tools and views to enable proactive real-time Fleet Operations Center management.
  • Organize and assess 30-day outlook of fleet, crewing, and logistics information, forecasts, and projections to display and communicate to Shipboard Officers, Regional Managers and Senior Executive Leadership.
  • Organize and assess 30-day outlook of fleet operations within standard parameters for weather, tides, river gages, lock-bridge-channel conditions, environmental and security conditions across all cruise routes to display and communicate to Shipboard Officers, Regional Managers and Senior Executive Leadership.
  • Coordinate and communicate with Operations Centers supporting USCG, USACE, FEMA, Maritime Industry Operators.
  • Coordinate and communicate with Regional and Industry Maritime Operator Groups.
  • Execute required regulatory Notices of Arrival, Bridges-Locks-Waterways Use Notifications and Reservations.
  • Administrative reporting, filing, invoicing, and documentation of standard Fleet Operations Center procedures.
  • Maintain track of repair timelines to ensure executions of current and future cruise desired.

Qualifications:

  • Maritime engineering operations and maintenance experience.
  • Team-building experience, poised communications and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven multi-tasking and prioritization project execution skills.
  • Proven responsibility and discretion in handling sensitive personnel and security information.

Work Location, Routine Hours, and Travel: 

  • Primary Work Location is the Fleet Operations Center – Guilford CT.
  • 40-hour Per Week Duty Periods including weekends (Day-Afternoon-Night Shifts).
  • Periodic travel for 7-day periods aboard company vessels for operational familiarization, mariner recency, and route familiarization. Annual travel days 14-21 days (less than 5% of normal work days).

Perks: 

  • Competitive salary and 401k plan. 
  • Health, dental, and vision plans available. 

Why Join American Cruise Lines? 

At American Cruise Lines, our people are the driving force behind our success. As the nation’s leader in U.S. river cruising, we’re experiencing rapid growth — and we're investing in top talent to grow with us. When you join our team, you’ll find a dynamic work environment that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence, with real opportunities to build your career and make an impact.

Company Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest river and small-ship cruise line in the United States, offering more than 50 itineraries across the country’s most scenic waterways and coastal destinations. From Alaska and New England to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, we provide personalized guest experiences aboard the finest ships in America, guided by our mission to share America’s story through exceptional travel.