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Ship Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Glacier Fish

Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel

Seattle, WA

$120K - $185K/yr

Provides direct supervision of all medical and safety activities on board in person or by delegation to other ships officers. * Conducts Safety Drills, Safety Orientation, ensures compliance with all ...

Servexo

Ship Security Officer - NOAA

Newport, OR · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Remaining observant for signs of fire or ship flooding/water damage * Patrol the interior and exterior of your assigned scientific vessel and remain alert for any equipment malfunctions, high water ...

Glacier Fish

Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Provides direct supervision of all medical and safety activities on board in person or by delegation to other ships officers. * Conducts Safety Drills, Safety Orientation, ensures compliance with all ...

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How much do ship officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship officer in the United States is $26.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship officer?

Ship Officers are licensed professionals responsible for the safe operation and navigation of a ship. They oversee various aspects of maritime operations, including navigation, safety, crew management, and cargo handling. Ship Officers typically include ranks such as Captain, Chief Officer, Second Officer, and Third Officer, each with specific duties. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the vessel complies with international regulations and reaches its destination safely.

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

To thrive as a Ship Officer, you need a solid background in maritime navigation, vessel operations, and safety procedures, usually supported by a maritime academy education and relevant licensure such as a Certificate of Competency (CoC). Familiarity with navigation systems (like ECDIS and radar), radio communication equipment, and international maritime regulations is essential. Strong leadership, situational awareness, and problem-solving abilities help Ship Officers manage crews and respond effectively to emergencies. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the safe and efficient operation of vessels and the well-being of everyone on board.

What are some common challenges faced by ship officers during long voyages, and how can they be managed?

Ship Officers often encounter challenges such as maintaining crew morale, ensuring compliance with international safety regulations, and adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions during long voyages. Effective communication, strong leadership, and proactive planning are crucial for overcoming these obstacles. Ship Officers regularly conduct safety drills, monitor equipment, and collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth operations and the well-being of everyone onboard.

What is the difference between Ship Officer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectShip OfficerMarine Engineer
CertificationsSTCW certifications, Officer of the Watch (OOW)STCW certifications, Marine Engineer License
Work EnvironmentBridge operations, navigation, safety proceduresEngine room, machinery maintenance, technical systems
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, cargo and passenger shipsShip operators, technical service providers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Ship Officers primarily focus on navigation, safety, and bridge operations, while Marine Engineers handle engine room maintenance and technical systems. Both roles require STCW certifications and are essential for ship safety and operation, but they differ in daily responsibilities and technical focus.

Can I work on a ship with no experience?

Ship officers typically require prior maritime training and certifications, such as STCW certification, before they can work onboard. Entry-level positions like deckhands or ratings may be available with minimal experience, but advancing to officer roles generally requires relevant training and sea service hours.

How do you become a ship officer?

To become a ship officer, individuals typically need to complete maritime education such as a degree or diploma in nautical science or marine engineering, gain relevant sea time through internships or cadet programs, and obtain necessary certifications like a Merchant Mariner Credential or equivalent license. Experience at sea and passing licensing exams are essential for advancement to officer ranks.

What does a ship officer do on a ship?

A ship officer is responsible for the safe operation and navigation of the vessel, overseeing crew, maintaining safety procedures, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. They operate navigation equipment, manage ship systems, and handle communication with port authorities. Ship officers typically hold certifications such as STCW and work in shifts to ensure continuous vessel operation.
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What states have the most Ship Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ship Officer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Ship Officer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Ship Officer jobs are:

Ship Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,274 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Ship Superintendent

A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

A Ship Superintendent is responsible for overseeing day to day technical and operational issues pertaining to the assigned vessels. The Ship Superintendent will report to the Director of Technical Operations. A Ship Superintendent is responsible for an estimated $120 million in assets or equivalent program management and has independent expense approval for up to $10 million per year at his/her discretion. These expenses are for the purpose of ship maintenance, engineering, spare parts and repairs. Specific assignments may change periodically depending on the current needs of the company.
General Responsibilities:
  • Act as the primary point of contact with the customer
  • Act as advocate for company Safety culture and actively support timely attention to any Safety issue and encourage all levels of the vessel management function to enhance further safety awareness. Ensure that safety is a top priority in all vessel operations.
  • Responsible for internal program coordination of both operations and engineering to ensure contract or charter party compliance and customer satisfaction.
  • Responsible for daily ship management of assigned vessels
  • Ensure timely and sufficient support to vessels on all operational and technical matters at all times including readiness for cargo
  • Responsible for planning and executing maintenance of the vessels regulatory required equipment and respective documentation
  • Provide oversight for vessel Masters and Chief Engineers to ensure that voyages are efficiently and safely performed
  • Recommend appointment of personnel for senior positions of Master and Chief Engineer per Safety Management System. Promote succession planning among junior officers.
  • Supervise in the evaluation and screening of voyage repairs, service contracts and selection of vendors
  • Actively assist in planning and execution dry-docking, larger repairs, classification surveys (ABS, LRS, DNV), regulatory surveys (USCG), equipment upgrades, modifications and emergency repairs.
  • Actively develop work specifications for voyage / emergency repairs and services from contractors
  • Actively coordinating with terminals, vendors and other functions in order to service the vessel with timely attention and efficiency
  • Routinely review the vessel safety committee meeting and initiate follow up. Utilize support in cooperation with other departments as needed.
  • Support in handling and closing out Casualty and /or claims pertaining to P&I or Hull Machinery insurance matters.
  • As applicable, act on special overtime requests with timely attention and completion in a cost efficient and documented manner.
  • Address Stevedore Damages, document repairs and handover after close out to Marine Claims and finance for invoicing.
  • Prepare for and participate in internal audit and external audit of the company, ensuring that there are no non-conformities.
  • Conduct performance appraisals for Masters and Chief Engineers serving onboard vessels under responsibility. Closely work with Marine HR to Issue letters of warning or performance improvement plans or take other disciplinary measures as appropriate.
  • Supports company commitment to safety and other selected standards and certifications
  • Performs other position related duties as specified by management including documentation of all the above activities that are performed in SharePoint or common drive.

Specific Responsibilities:
Ship Manager Maintenance:
Ship Manager is the asset management operating system. This is the primary shipboard application suite. It is used for ship maintenance and procurement. It handles scheduled maintenance programs which track scheduled maintenance, parts needed and associated timing for predictive maintenance programs; and work orders.
  • Overall supervise the utilization of Ship Manager processes and functionalities.
  • As applicable, ensure ships officers complete training as required in the use of Ship Manager.
  • As applicable, complete applicable training in support of the correct processes for handling Work Orders, approving Requisition and follow-up on purchasing issues pertaining to Requisition delivery Priorities (Standard, Urgent, ShipHot), item specifications, cost estimation and selection of OEM versus non-OEM products, and in the purchase of lubes per Safety Management System procedure.

Shipyard Preparation:
  • Overall responsibility for meeting the requirements and deadlines as identified in preparation of shipyard specifications, selection of vendors, and optimal utilization of ship's force during the shipyard period

Business Unit (BU) Reporting:
  • As directed, provide BU report items on a weekly interval.
  • Any issue which may have significant impact on the Fleet's operational capabilities shall be reported by phone without delay and in writing to BU and TO as soon as practical.

Budgets:
  • Responsible for cost control on ship management budget and explaining to Management any significant deviation from budgets for vessels under responsibility
  • Ensure cost spending decisions are made with a continuous review of the Budget
  • Review Cost Commitment Report basis factual estimations, as applicable
  • Review the Financial Cost Overview Reports on a monthly basis to address any budgetary constraints or project proposals
  • Actively oversee and participate in the budget preparation, its process and timeline.
  • Identify and provide inputs of cost optimization where appropriate.

Invoice Approval:
  • As applicable, ensure that invoices are approved in a timely manner and returned the same day to Finance for closure.
  • Approve Port Packages reflecting Port and Agency costs and that respective appointment letters are issued for each vessel port call.
  • Negotiate invoices with vendors when appropriate.

Monthly Reports:
  • Oversee that vessels are submitting the required reports in Star connect as directed
  • Ensure that any unfavorable variance in the daily operational vessel performance is addressed as appropriate including but not limited to Off-service, Schedule integrity (buffer), P-max values, Cylinder Oil consumption, AUX engine operation, Speed percentage and Losses Monthly reports including LO analysis, CW analysis, ICCP, MGPS, Engine performance reports to be checked on a regular basis.
  • Review KPI's on a minimum monthly basis and take action as need to achieve efficient vessel operation.

CAR's/Vettings/Safety Issues:
  • Perform thorough Internal technical inspections at intervals specified by the Safety management system
  • Ensure identified vetting or ISM audit CAR's are completed in a timely manner. Follow up of Vetting inspections and ensure the corrective measures to close out the identified issues in an efficient and cost effective manner
  • Provide training to ensure key billets are familiar with the Safety Management System and MLL Quality system.

Other:
  • When requested, conduct regulatory reviews (requirements of IMO circulars, CFR requirements, USCG requirements, etc).
  • Maintain proficiency / certification as directed by the Director of Technical operations or Fleet Group Manager by completing other prescribed training initiatives
  • Projects/tasks as assigned

Position Specifications:
Education and Experience
  • USCG License or equivalent international standard - Chief Engineer or experience 1st Engineer, Unlimited Tonnage, any oceans, or container RoRo vessel experience preferred
  • Three years shipyard or ship management experience or equivalency with commercial vessels
  • B.S. from an accredited institution, degree in marine transportation, marine engineering or equivalent experience is required

Technical Skills and Competencies Required
  • Computer literacy Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Planned Maintenance System.
  • Project management experience preferred.
  • Successful completion of DNV Superintendent certification preferred.
  • Good communication skills and can work efficiently with multiple teams ashore and on board.
  • A diligent and organized work approach.
  • Understand and accept the importance of cost effectiveness.
  • Enhanced problem-solving skills and an interest in tackling challenges with innovative solutions, maximizing the use of resources available.

Travel Requirements: Extensive travel (including foreign travel and travel in cars, boats, ships, and airplanes) will be required to attend to shipyard maintenance, to ride vessels or visit vessels for quality assurance and general management of vessel and crews, and on short notice for casualties, to conduct investigations and to protect the company's reputation, as is required by the contract specifications, or as directed by management.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
General office setting, typically the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work, usually at a computer terminal - with short breaks or lunch period. However, this position requires visits to shipyards and to the vessels for inspections or ship rides. There will be exposure to harsh environmental conditions and navigating confined or elevated spaces is required. There may be some bending/stooping, reaching above shoulder level, walking; standing; carrying of light items such as papers, books or packages of up to 25 pounds. Should be able to hear & speak clearly using phone / headset to communicate with customers; be able to navigate, view & enter information on the computer.
Physical Demands
  • Frequent travel to vessels, shipyards, and repair facilities-often at short notice, including international travel.
  • Climbing and mobility: Ability to safely climb ladders, gangways, and scaffolding, and to move through confined spaces, tanks, and machinery areas.
  • Physical endurance: Extended periods of walking, standing, bending, or working in awkward positions during inspections.
  • Manual handling: Lifting or carrying tools, inspection equipment, and documentation (typically up to 20-25 kg).
  • Sensory requirements: Adequate vision, hearing, and depth perception to perform inspections in varying light and noise conditions.

Environmental tolerance: Exposure to heat, cold, humidity, vibration, odors, and potential hazardous substances (with appropriate PPE).
Work Environment
  • Split between office and field: Combination of desk-based work for planning, reporting, and communication, and onboard/shipyard-based work for inspections, supervision, and troubleshooting.
  • Onboard vessel conditions: Working in operational areas with noise, moving machinery, and variable weather conditions, including during vessel operations.
  • Shipyard environment: Presence in industrial repair settings with heavy equipment, welding, blasting, and other maintenance activities.
  • Irregular hours: Work often outside standard business hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, depending on vessel schedules or emergencies.
  • High coordination demands: Interaction with ship crew, contractors, port officials, classification societies, and regulatory authorities in multicultural environments.
  • Safety-critical role: Work in compliance with company HSE procedures and maritime safety regulations, with a strong focus on hazard identification and mitigation.

Company Benefits:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k + Company Match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Flexible Work Schedules (when possible)
  • And more!

Pay Range:
$127,000 - $142,000*
*The above stated pay range is the anticipated starting salary range for the position. The Company may adjust this range in light of prevailing market conditions and other factors such as location. The Company will work directly with the selected candidate(s) on the final starting salary in accordance with all applicable laws.
#DE#
Maersk is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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