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Ship Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel

Seattle, WA ยท 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 ...

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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Ship Officer information

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$8

$26

$72

How much do ship officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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 as a ship officer with no experience?

Becoming a ship officer typically requires relevant maritime training, certifications, and experience in navigation, safety, or engineering roles. Entry-level positions may be available for those with maritime education or cadet programs, but generally, prior experience or training is necessary to qualify for a ship officer role.
More about Ship Officer jobs

What states have the most Ship Officer jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Ship Officer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Ship 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 $55,274 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel UNIMAK

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

Glacier Fish
201 - 500 employees

$175K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

North Star Fishing Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish products in the world. We accomplish our mission with a day-in-and-day-out commitment to quality, safety, consistent attention to detail and an on-going concern for the stability and health ofย the North Pacific fishery resource.

We are one of the largest producers of frozen at sea flatfish, cod, pollock and other groundfish, and distributes seafood throughout the world. We manage threeย trawl catcher-processor vessels that operate in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and the Gulf of Alaska. Come join us with one of the many exciting job opportunities available!

Mates work aboard at-sea processing vessels in the Bering Sea, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands. The Mate commands and is responsible for the overall safe operation of the vessel and the conduct of its crew, under the direction of the Master. Mate may command the vessel in the Master's absence for a specified period.
ย 
Coast Guard License Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessel license required: 1600 GT on the Unimak. Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience fishing onboard H&G vessels in Alaskan waters.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the safe operation of the factory trawler and the entire vessel crew, under direction of the master.
  • Safely navigates and maneuvers the vessel using navigational charts, standard navigational aids and electronic bridge equipment including plotters, radar, radios, depth finders and sonar. Ensures compliance with COLREGS and Coast Guard Commercial Fishing Vessel requirements.
  • Directs fishing operations at night using knowledge of fishing grounds and workload capacities of vessel and crew. Records daily activities in ship's log.
  • Overall responsibility for implementation and support of all company safety and environmental policies and procedures in accordance with the Safety Management System. 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 safety regulations and maintains related record keeping. Acts as Safety Officer onboard, prepares and maintains station bill details.
  • Completes and documents Safety/Equipment checks monthly, orders navigational publications, charts & updates local notice to mariners.
  • Acts as Fire Team Leader and coordinates Fire drills
Physical Ability and Skills
  • Work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week in all kinds of weather conditions.
  • Understand instructions and safety rules in English.
  • Board and exit vessel without assistance by climbing up and down a gangway or Jacob's ladder.
  • Capable of climbing and descending steep stairs and vertical ladders.
  • Able to be away from land-based medical attention for up to 3 months.
  • Share spaces with others including crew quarters, dining areas and bathrooms.
Hours/Days/Schedule
  • Ability to work up to 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. One trip averages 7-12 days in length dependent on species targeted and time of year.
Compensation & Benefits
  • The pay while fishing is crew share based/percentage of catch so no hourly or guaranteed wage. Varies based on fishery, time of year, length of trip and quotas.
  • Free Room and Board.
  • Eligible for 401K.
  • Health/Dental benefits once eligibility requirements are met.
$175,000 - $210,000 a year
Crew are paid a crew share which can range each trip worked. Trip lengths can vary between 8-12 days on average depending on fishing conditions. There are a scheduled number of trips the vessel will fish each season based on quota. Shipyard work is available while the vessel is in port between the fishing seasons.
North Star Fishing Company areย Equal Opportunity Employers - Minority / Women / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.ย ย 

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