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Second Officer Jobs

2 open vacancies · updated 15 Oct 2026

About the role

Second Officer is a deck officer who holds a navigational watch on ships of 500 GT or more. The Second Officer reports to the Master for navigation and to the Chief Officer for deck work. During watch, the Second Officer directs the lookout or AB on bridge watch. The Second Officer keeps charts, nautical publications, and voyage plan up to date. The Second Officer also checks bridge navigation equipment such as radar, ECDIS, AIS, and GMDSS. On ships where no Radio Officer is carried, the Second Officer often handles radio duties. The Second Officer may also act as the ship's medical officer when designated. Typical ship types include cargo ships, container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, and passenger ships.

Duties on board

  • Keep the navigational watch on the bridge as officer in charge.
  • Plan the voyage and lay off courses on paper charts and ECDIS.
  • Correct charts and nautical publications from Notices to Mariners.
  • Monitor radar, ARPA, ECDIS, AIS, and GMDSS equipment during watch.
  • Record navigational events in the deck logbook.
  • Test bridge navigation equipment before departure.
  • Assist the Chief Officer with cargo watch and mooring operations when required.
  • Maintain the passage plan and update it with weather and traffic changes.
  • Hand over the watch to the Third Officer with full navigational information.

Requirements

DocumentConventionNote
Certificate of Competency (CoC) as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on ships of 500 GT or moreSTCW II/1Every officer in charge of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more must hold a certificate of competency.
GMDSS Radio Operator CertificateSTCW IV/2Every person in charge of or performing radio duties on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS must hold an appropriate GMDSS certificate.
Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Training (BST)STCW VI/1Seafarers must receive safety familiarization and basic training or instruction in line with section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code.
Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)STCW VI/2A candidate for a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (other than fast rescue boats) must be not less than 18 years of age.
Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)STCW VI/3Seafarers designated to control fire-fighting operations must complete advanced training in fire fighting, with emphasis on organization, tactics and command.
Certificate of Proficiency in Medical First AidSTCW VI/4Seafarers designated to provide medical first aid on board must meet the standard of competence in medical first aid (section A-VI/4 of the STCW Code).
Certificate of Proficiency in Security AwarenessSTCW VI/6Seafarers must receive security-related familiarization and security-awareness training or instruction (section A-VI/6 of the STCW Code).

Sea service

A candidate needs approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months as part of an approved training programme documented in a training record book, or otherwise approved seagoing service of not less than 36 months. During this service, the candidate must perform bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer for not less than six months.

Medical fitness

Before beginning work on a ship, seafarers must hold a valid medical certificate. The certificate states that hearing, sight and colour vision, where relevant to the work, are satisfactory. A medical certificate is valid for a maximum of two years, or one year if the seafarer is under the age of 18.

Documents

  • Passport
  • Seaman's book (CDC)
  • Certificate of Competency (CoC)
  • GMDSS radio operator certificate
  • Certificates of Proficiency: BST, PSCRB, AFF, medical first aid
  • Medical certificate
  • Visas when the voyage needs them

Career path

Comes from: Third Officer
Next step: Chief Officer (Chief Mate)

Companies hiring Second Officer now

Related ranks

Second Officer: questions and answers

What certificate do I need to work as Second Officer?

You need a Certificate of Competency as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on ships of 500 GT or more. You also need BST, PSCRB, advanced fire fighting, medical first aid, and security awareness training. If you perform radio duties, you need a GMDSS certificate.

What are the main duties of a Second Officer?

The Second Officer keeps the navigational watch, plans the voyage, corrects charts and publications, and monitors bridge equipment like radar, ECDIS, AIS, and GMDSS. The Second Officer also assists the Chief Officer with cargo and mooring operations.

Can a Third Officer become Second Officer?

A Third Officer who holds the STCW II/1 certificate can serve as Second Officer. There is no additional STCW certificate for Second Officer beyond this. The promotion depends on company needs and available sea service.

Is a GMDSS certificate required for Second Officer?

If the Second Officer is in charge of or performs radio duties on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS, an appropriate GMDSS certificate is required under STCW IV/2. On many ships the Second Officer holds this certificate.
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Sources

Checked against the official texts on 26 Oct 2026.