Ships Officer
Ensure the safe navigation of commercial or passenger ships at sea.
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Ships Officer?
- How to become a Ships Officer
- Ships Officer role reviews
What's it like to be a Ships Officer?
Ship’s Officers assist in navigating a ship and supervising its crew. They report to the ship’s captain and ensure the safe operation of ships at sea, in port or at anchor. Being a Ship’s Officer requires advanced navigational skills, the ability to motivate others, and a willingness to spend long periods of time at sea, away from home. They work for shipping and logistics companies, cruise ship and ferry lines and fisheries.
Tasks and duties
- Navigating a ship by supervising the course and speed in accordance with pre-planned routes.
- Working shifts to keep watch from the ship’s bridge.
- Supervising crew members.
- Ensuring safety regulations are observed.
- Coordinating loading and unloading of cargo.
- Acting as a liaison between the master and crew of a ship.
- Using radar, computers and other navigational aids to determine the position of the ship, other vessels and obstructions.
- Interpreting and updating charts and other nautical publications.
- Keeping daily records in the logbook of weather conditions and the ship’s course including any alterations.
How to become a Ships Officer
You are required to complete a cadetship or relevant maritime qualification to become a Ship’s Officer. Training for this role typically takes at least four years and includes a mixture of study and sea-time. You are also required to gain certifications from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Additional on-the-job training may be provided.
- Apply for a cadetship with a shipping company, or attain a relevant qualification, such as the Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) (MAR50315). You can also complete a bachelor degree in nautical science or a related field. Prerequisite subjects or assumed knowledge include English, mathematics and physics.
- Develop your sea service experience in a trainee position aboard a ship.
- Once you have the necessary sea service experience, attain your Certificate of Competency qualifications from the AMSA by undergoing the examination process.
- Pass a medical examination
Latest Ships Officer jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Ships Officer jobs on SEEK right now.Cruise Operations Officer
Inchcape Shipping Services
Brisbane QLD
Full Time
Hospitality & Tourism20d ago
Project Support Officer
Department of Defence
Russell, Canberra ACT
Full Time
Government & Defence4h ago
Integrated Rating
Spirit of Tasmania
Perth WA
Casual/Vacation
Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics2d ago
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Latest Ships Officer reviews
Feb 2024
Challenging
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationMining, Resources & Energy
The good thingsA job with frequent demand, a lot of responsibilities and opportunities to reach higher ranks.
The challengesLong hours, especially during operations at port. Away from home for a number of months. Lack of decent internet for more bandwidth intensive activities
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