Nautical Officer (Navigators)
かいぎし（こうかいしであるもの）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Specialist responsible for ship navigation operations and operations management, supporting safe and efficient maritime transportation.
Description
Nautical Officers (Navigators) board cargo ships, passenger ships, and other vessels to handle navigation plan creation, operation of nautical charts and navigation instruments, ship position fixing, steering, monitoring of radar and AIS, radio communication (GMDSS), collection and analysis of meteorological information, watchkeeping, and safety management tasks. They comply with international conventions such as SOLAS and MARPOL, as well as related laws like the Ship Officers Law and the Collision Prevention Law at Sea, and also take charge of commanding and supervising crew safety training and crisis response. Calm judgment and precise responses are required during extended periods at sea and under changing sea conditions.
Future Outlook
With increasing global demand for maritime logistics and improvements in maritime traffic safety, demand for nautical officers remains stable. As automation and digital navigation systems advance, acquiring new technologies and improving IT literacy will be required, and market value is expected to remain high going forward.
Personality Traits
Calm and composed / Excellent judgment / Good cooperativeness / High crisis management ability / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Domestic and International Routes / Land Standby / Long-term Voyage Duty / Shift Watchkeeping
Career Path
Third Mate (Third-Class Nautical Officer) → Second Mate (Second-Class Nautical Officer) → Chief Mate (First-Class Nautical Officer) → Captain → Ship Operations Manager
Required Skills
GMDSS Radio Communication Operation / Maritime Law Knowledge / Maritime Safety Knowledge / Meteorological and Oceanographic Information Analysis / Nautical Chart Reading and Navigation Calculations / Navigation Instrument Operation
Recommended Skills
Communication Skills (English) / Digital Navigation System Operation / First Aid / Leadership / Meteorological Forecaster Qualification
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Because quick adaptation to changing sea conditions or route alterations is necessary. |
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | To accurately analyze sea conditions and route information and incorporate them into navigation plans. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because overlooking minute values on charts or instruments can lead to major accidents. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because physical endurance is needed for prolonged watchkeeping or work in bad weather. |
| Planning & Organization | Because organizing navigation plans and watch rotations is crucial. |
| Problem Solving | Rapid problem-solving is required for sudden issues or bad weather. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because calmness must be maintained during long watch shifts or emergency responses. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | To collaborate with crew to achieve safe navigation. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Work centers on following established procedures, with relatively low need for creativity. |
Related Qualifications
- First-Class Nautical Officer (Navigation) License
- STCW (Nautical Officer)
- Second-Class Nautical Officer (Navigation) License
- Third-Class Nautical Officer (Navigation) License
Aliases
- Deck Officer
- Navigating Deck Officer
- Navigator
Related Jobs
- Captain
- Marine Engineer Officer
- Pilot
- Ship Operations Manager