CIVSail
Portal
Career Exploration

Chart Your Course

Maritime careers split along two axes: what you do aboard and where you sail. Explore the progression from entry-level to command.

Licensed Deck
Unlicensed Deck
Licensed Engine
Unlicensed Engine
Other Positions
Part 1

What You Do

Five career tracks from entry to senior positions. Each card shows the progression, daily duties, and path forward.

Licensed Deck

Officers of the Watch

Licensed deck officers hold USCG credentials authorizing them to serve as officers in charge of a navigational watch. This is the required path to become a Master.

Requirements

Maritime academy degree or hawsepipe progression, USCG license, STCW certification

Chapter 1 of 5
1

Third Mate / Third Officer

0-5 years typical
$70,000 - $110,000
per year

Your first licensed position. You have earned your credential and are now responsible for standing a navigational watch.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Stand navigational watch
Maintain firefighting and lifesaving equipment
Conduct safety drills and training
Manage navigation charts and publications
Supervise deck crew during watch
Path Forward

Accumulate sea time and endorsements to sit for Second Mate exam

2

Second Mate / Second Officer

4-6 years typical
$90,000 - $140,000
per year

The navigation officer. You own the bridge equipment, charts, and publications. Safety and medical responsibilities expand.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Stand navigation watch
Maintain all navigation equipment
Update charts and voyage planning
Increased general responsibility
Manage safety equipment inventories
Path Forward

Take exams and accumulate sea time for Chief Mate license

3

Chief Mate / Chief Officer

6-15 years typical
$120,000 - $200,000
per year

Second in command. You run the deck department, oversee cargo operations, and are responsible for maintenance and crew management.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Stand navigation watch
Supervise all cargo operations
Manage deck department personnel
Oversee vessel maintenance program
Serve as safety officer
Relieve Master as needed
Path Forward

Accumulate sea time to earn Masters license and command of a vessel

4

Master / Captain

10-20+ years typical
$150,000 - $300,000+
per year

Ultimate authority aboard. You are responsible for the vessel, crew, cargo, and safe navigation. The buck stops with you.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Command overall vessel operations
Final authority on all decisions
Interface with charterers, agents, authorities
Ensure regulatory compliance
Manage vessel budget and crew
Navigate in restricted waters and during emergencies
Path Forward

Continue building experience, mentor junior officers, transition to shore-side leadership or retire.

Unlicensed Deck

Ratings & Skilled Seafarers

Unlicensed deck personnel are the backbone of deck operations. Starting as an Ordinary Seaman, you will learn seamanship fundamentals and can progress to officer positions or more advanced unlicensed roles like Bosun.

Requirements

MMC with appropriate endorsements, TWIC, Basic Safety Training (BST)

Chapter 2 of 5
1

Ordinary Seaman (OS)

0-2 years typical
$40,000 - $80,000
per year

Entry position. You are learning the fundamentals of seamanship while supporting the deck department in daily operations.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Stand lookout watches
Assist with mooring operations
Chip, paint, and preserve the vessel
Learn knots, splicing, and line handling
Assist ABs with maintenance tasks
Keep decks and spaces clean
Path Forward

Accumulate sea days and take classes necessary for AB endorsement

2

Able Seaman (AB)

2-8 years typical
$60,000 - $100,000
per year

Qualified rating. You can stand helm watches, work independently, and are proficient in all aspects of deck seamanship.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Stand helm and lookout watches
Lead mooring stations
Operate deck machinery (cranes, winches)
Perform skilled maintenance work
Assist with cargo operations
Train and mentor Ordinary Seamen
Path Forward

Build experience toward Bosun or begin studying for Third Mate license

3

Bosun (Boatswain)

8-15 years typical
$85,000 - $120,000
per year

Senior unlicensed deck position. You lead the deck gang, coordinate all maintenance, and are the Chief Mate's right hand.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Supervise all unlicensed deck personnel
Plan and coordinate maintenance work
Manage deck stores and supplies
Lead mooring and anchoring operations
Ensure deck safety compliance
Train crew in seamanship skills
Path Forward

Many Bosuns continue in this role for career; others pursue Third Mate license via hawsepipe

Licensed Engine

Engineering Officers

Licensed engineers hold USCG credentials for operation and maintenance of propulsion and auxiliary machinery. From learning systems as a Third to running the entire engineering plant as Chief, this path rewards technical expertise with premium compensation.

Requirements

Maritime academy degree or hawsepipe progression, USCG engineering license, STCW certification

Chapter 3 of 5
1

Third Assistant Engineer

0-5 years typical
$70,000 - $110,000
per year

Your first licensed engineering position. You stand watches, learn the plant, and build the foundation for your engineering career.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Stand engine room watch
Monitor and log plant parameters
Perform routine maintenance tasks
Assist with repairs under supervision
Maintain assigned machinery spaces
Learn vessel-specific systems
Path Forward

Accumulate sea time for Second Assistant Engineer

2

Second Assistant Engineer

4-8 years typical
$90,000 - $140,000
per year

Growing responsibility. You typically own auxiliary systems, boilers, or specific machinery groups depending on vessel type.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Stand engine room watch
Maintain boilers and steam systems
Manage auxiliary machinery maintenance
Supervise engine room ratings
Coordinate with deck on cargo systems
Order parts and manage inventory
Path Forward

Build experience and take classes necessary for First Assistant Engineer license

3

First Assistant Engineer

10-15 years typical
$120,000 - $200,000
per year

Second in the engine department. You manage the main engine, coordinate all maintenance, and run the department day-to-day.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Stand engine room watch
Maintain main propulsion machinery
Supervise all engine department personnel
Manage maintenance schedules and records
Coordinate with Chief on budget and repairs
Relieve Chief Engineer as needed
Path Forward

Prepare for Chief Engineer license and command of the engine department

4

Chief Engineer

10-20+ years typical
$150,000 - $280,000
per year

Head of the engineering department. You are responsible for all machinery, fuel management, and your engineering team.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for engineering plant
Manage department budget and repairs
Interface with office, contractors and authorities
Ensure regulatory compliance
Lead major repairs and drydock planning
Mentor and develop engineering officers
Path Forward

Continue building expertise, transition to shore-side technical management, or retire.

Unlicensed Engine

Engine Ratings & Support

Unlicensed engine personnel maintain and operate machinery under engineer supervision. Starting as a Wiper, you learn the engine room from the bilges up. With sea time and study, you can advance to QMED ratings or pursue engineering licenses.

Requirements

MMC with entry rating or QMED endorsement, TWIC, Basic Safety Training

Chapter 4 of 5
1

Wiper

0-2 years typical
$40,000 - $80,000
per year

Entry engine department position. You learn the machinery spaces while keeping them clean and assisting with basic maintenance.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Clean engine room spaces and bilges
Paint and preserve machinery
Assist Oilers with maintenance
Learn engine room layout and systems
Handle tools and parts for engineers
Dispose of waste oil and oily rags properly
Path Forward

Accumulate sea time to qualify for Oiler or QMED rating

2

Oiler

2-5 years typical
$60,000 - $85,000
per year

Engine room watchstander. You monitor machinery, take readings, and ensure proper lubrication of all equipment.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Stand engine room watches
Take hourly machinery readings
Check and maintain oil levels
Monitor pumps, motors, and auxiliaries
Assist engineers with maintenance
Respond to alarms and abnormalities
Path Forward

Qualify for QMED endorsements through sea time and examination

3

QMED (Qualified Member Engine Department)

5-12 years typical
$70,000 - $100,000
per year

Specialized engine rating. QMEDs hold endorsements in specific areas: Electrician, Refrigeration, Pumpman, Machinist, or Junior Engineer.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Perform specialized maintenance in rating area
Stand watches as qualified
Troubleshoot systems in specialty
Train junior ratings
Work independently on assigned equipment
Support major repairs and overhauls
Path Forward

Many continue as QMED; others pursue Third Assistant Engineer license via hawsepipe

Other Positions

Steward, Supply, Communications & Specialty

Essential shipboard roles beyond traditional deck and engine departments. These positions vary significantly by company, ship type, and sector. Large vessels, cruise ships, and specialized operations may have positions not found on standard cargo ships.

Requirements

Varies by position - culinary credentials, medical certifications, supply chain experience, or specialized training

Note

Positions and titles vary by company, vessel type, and sector. Not all vessels carry all positions.

Chapter 5 of 5
1

Steward Utility (SU)

0-3 years typical
$38,000 - $75,000
per year

Entry steward department position. You support galley operations and maintain crew accommodations and common areas.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Assist with food preparation
Serve meals in mess rooms
Clean galley, mess, and accommodations
Maintain laundry facilities
Stock provisions and supplies
Support Chief Cook as directed
Path Forward

Develop culinary skills to advance to Cook or Chief Cook

2

Chief Cook

3-10 years typical
$55,000 - $85,000
per year

Head of galley operations. You plan menus, prepare meals for the crew, and manage food inventory.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Plan and prepare all crew meals
Manage food inventory and ordering
Maintain galley sanitation standards
Accommodate dietary restrictions
Supervise steward utilities
Control food costs within budget
Path Forward

Advance to Chief Steward on larger vessels or specialized operations

3

Chief Steward

10-15 years typical
$75,000 - $105,000
per year

Department head on larger vessels. You manage all hotel services including galley, accommodations, and stores.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Supervise steward department personnel
Manage all provisions and stores
Coordinate with port agents for supplies
Maintain department budget
Ensure health and sanitation compliance
Handle crew welfare and accommodations
Path Forward

Continue in role or transition to shore-side hospitality management

4

Supply Officer / Storekeeper

3-10 years typical
$85,000 - $135,000
per year

Manages vessel stores, spare parts, and procurement. Common on government vessels (MSC).

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Maintain inventory of all ship stores
Process requisitions and procurement
Coordinate deliveries with agents
Track and control supplies budget
Manage bonded stores and customs
Maintain inventory management systems
Path Forward

Advance to senior supply roles or shore-side logistics

5

Purser

3-10 years typical
$65,000 - $120,000
per year

Administrative officer handling payroll, customs documentation, and passenger services. Common on passenger vessels and ferries.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Process crew payroll and accounts
Handle customs and immigration paperwork
Manage passenger manifests and ticketing
Maintain ship certificates and documents
Coordinate with port authorities
Handle cash and ship funds
Path Forward

Advance to senior purser or shore-side administration

6

Radio Officer / Communications

3-12 years typical
$60,000 - $125,000
per year

Electronics and communications specialist. Maintains GMDSS equipment and IT systems on modern vessels.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Maintain GMDSS radio equipment
Handle distress and safety communications
Maintain navigation electronics
Manage shipboard IT systems
Coordinate satellite communications
Support bridge electronics maintenance
Path Forward

Advance to ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) or shore-side technical roles

7

Helicopter Pilot

5-15 years typical
$100,000 - $180,000
per year

Operates helicopters on vessels with helidecks. Common on offshore support vessels, government vessels (MSC), icebreakers, and research ships.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Conduct helicopter operations from vessel
Personnel and cargo transfers
Search and rescue support
Ice reconnaissance (icebreakers)
Medical evacuations
Maintain flight logs and compliance
Path Forward

Senior pilot roles or flight operations management

8

Other Specialty Positions

Varies years typical
Varies widely
per year

Specialized roles on certain vessel types: Medical Officers on cruise ships, DPOs on offshore vessels, Riding Crew/Surveyors, Cadets, and more.

Daily Duties & Responsibilities
Medical Officer: Shipboard healthcare
DPO: Dynamic positioning operations
Riding Crew: Maintenance during transit
Cadet: Training position for future officers
Surveyor: Inspection and compliance
Security Officer: Vessel security (SSO)
Path Forward

Varies by specialty - see sector-specific pages for details

Part 2

Where You Sail

Eleven distinct sectors with different rotations, pay structures, and lifestyles. Click any sector to explore.

N
S
W
E

Click any sector to explore

Ready to Start?

Now that you understand the landscape, learn how to break into the industry.

Training & Entry

Pathways into maritime careers

Credentials

Licenses and certifications

Life at Sea

What to expect from the lifestyle