Merchant Navy Officer Job Description

What is the job description of a Merchant Navy Officer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Merchant Navy Officer? What does a Merchant Navy Officer do?

Job description of a Merchant Navy Officer

Merchant navy officers are employed by commercial shipping companies to work on all kinds of seagoing vessels, such as cruise liners, cargo ships, tankers and hovercraft. These guys typically adopt a deck officer or engineering officer role in a team leading capacity. However, they also do their fair share of hands-on practical work.

This Merchant Navy Officer job description example includes the list of most important Merchant Navy Officer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Merchant Navy Officer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Merchant Navy Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Merchant Navy Officer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Repairing and upgrading systems and equipment, e.g. air compressors, pumps and sewage plants;
  • Implementing regular equipment inspections and maintenance programmes;
  • Keeping up to date with developments in the marine engineering field.
  • Coordinating the safe loading, storage and unloading of cargo;
  • Managing the care and safety of passengers (if working on a ferry/cruise ship);
  • Supervising the operation and maintenance of deck machinery, e.g. winches and cranes;
  • Managing ship communication systems;
  • Navigating the vessel using a range of satellite and radar systems and equipment;
  • Checking weather and navigation reports and taking appropriate action;
  • Monitoring and maintaining safety, firefighting and life-saving equipment;
  • Overseeing the ship to ensure that the highest levels of health and safety are maintained;
  • Maintaining legal and operational records, e.g. the ship’s log;
  • Keeping up to date with developments in maritime legal, commercial and political matters.
  • Directing others in the operation and maintenance of the mechanical and electrical equipment on board;
  • Managing power, fueling and distribution systems;

Merchant Navy Officer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Merchant Navy Officer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A degree in nautical science, navigation and maritime science or mechanical and marine engineering
  • Decision-making skills
  • Ability to remain calm in difficult situations
  • Team working skills and the ability to lead, motivate and inspire confidence in others
  • Written and verbal communication skills
  • Mathematical ability
  • Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems (for engineer officer roles)
  • An interest in technology
  • Resourcefulness, adaptability and flexibility
  • Confidence, enthusiasm and self-reliance.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Merchant Navy Officer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Merchant Navy Officer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Merchant Navy Officer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.