Junior Officer Jobs

Junior Officer Jobs

Find current Junior Officer (JO) vacancies on merchant, tanker, gas and offshore fleets. JobMarineMan is a direct maritime hiring platform connecting seafarers with shipowners without intermediaries, crewing agencies or hidden commissions.View Junior Officer Vacancies

Who is a Junior Officer (JO)

Junior Officer (JO, Junior Deck Officer, trainee deck officer, junior navigational officer) is the first officer position in the deck department after completing a cadetship program and obtaining an OICNW Certificate of Competency (STCW II/1).The Junior Officer position is considered a transition stage between Deck Cadet and Third Officer (3/O). The main goal is to gain the first real officer experience, develop independent bridge watchkeeping skills and prepare for further career growth.Depending on the company, the position may also be called:

• Junior Deck Officer
• Trainee Officer
• Additional Officer
• Watchkeeping Officer
• Junior Navigational Officer

In practice, JO duties are similar to those of a Third Officer, but the officer usually works under supervision of senior deck officers.

Main Duties of Junior Officer

Bridge WatchkeepingJunior Officer performs navigational watchkeeping duties as OICNW:

• maintaining safe navigation;
• monitoring course and position;
• operating ECDIS, Radar, ARPA, AIS;
• collision avoidance according to COLREG;
• communication with VTS and pilots;
• maintaining log books;
• monitoring navigational safety.

Most vessels operate on 4/8 or 6/6 watch systems.Chart Corrections & Navigation PublicationsJO is often responsible for:

• paper chart corrections;
• ECDIS updates;
• Notices to Mariners;
• navigational publications and sailing directions.

Safety EquipmentJunior Officer assists with maintenance and inspections of:

• lifeboats;
• liferafts;
• EPIRB;
• SART;
• firefighting equipment;
• fire detection systems.

JO also participates in Safety Drills according to SOLAS requirements.Cargo OperationsOn tankers, bulk carriers and container vessels Junior Officer assists with:

• loading and discharging operations;
• cargo watch;
• stability calculations;
• cargo documentation;
• deck crew supervision.

Mooring & Anchoring OperationsJO participates in mooring and anchoring operations and gradually gains first leadership experience with deck ratings and AB seamen.

Required Certificates for Junior Officer

Typical requirements for the first officer contract include:

• CoC OICNW (STCW II/1)
• GMDSS GOC
• Radar / ARPA
• ECDIS Type Specific
• Basic Safety Training (VI/1)
• Advanced Fire Fighting (VI/3)
• PSCRB (VI/2)
• Medical First Aid
• Valid Medical Certificate

Additional endorsements for tanker and gas fleets:

• Oil Tanker Endorsement
• Chemical Tanker Endorsement
• Gas Tanker Endorsement

Fleet Types for Junior Officer

Bulk Carrier / Container FleetA strong starting point for navigation practice:

• ocean passages;
• narrow channel navigation;
• intensive bridge watchkeeping;
• cargo operation experience.

Average salary:
$2,500–3,500/monthBulk Carrier JobsTanker FleetJunior Officer gains experience in:

• cargo operations;
• IGS and COW systems;
• tanker cargo procedures;
• Ship/Shore Checklist operations.

Average salary:
$3,000–4,500/monthTanker Fleet JobsLNG / LPG FleetOne of the most перспективных and highest-paid sectors for young officers.Responsibilities include:

• cargo care;
• pressure and temperature monitoring;
• gas handling operations;
• LNG/LPG cargo systems.

Average salary:
$3,500–5,500/monthLNG Fleet JobsOffshore FleetOn offshore vessels JO gains experience in:

• Dynamic Positioning (DP);
• close-platform maneuvering;
• supply / AHTS vessel operations.

Rotations are usually shorter:
28/28 or 5/5 weeksOffshore Jobs

Difference Between Junior Officer and Third Officer

Junior Officer (JO)

• First officer contract
• Partial supervised watchkeeping
• Works under senior officer supervision
• Transitional role after cadetship

Third Officer (3/O)

• Fully independent officer position
• Full responsibility for safety equipment and watchkeeping
• Higher salary level
• Usually requires 1–2 contracts of officer experience

In some companies cadets are promoted directly to Third Officer without JO stage.Third Officer Jobs

Junior Officer Career Path

Typical career progression:Deck Cadet → Junior Officer → Third Officer → Second Officer → Chief Officer → MasterAverage timeline from JO to Master:
8–12 yearsMaritime Mentors & Career Guidance

Junior Officer Salary

Average Junior Officer salaries:

• Bulk / Container Fleet: $2,500–3,500
• Tanker Fleet: $3,000–4,500
• LNG / LPG Fleet: $3,500–5,500
• Offshore Fleet: $3,000–5,000
• Passenger Fleet: $2,800–4,000

How to Choose Your First Officer Contract

When choosing your first officer contract, consider:

• fleet type;
• ECDIS availability;
• shipowner reputation;
• officer development programs;
• rotation length;
• promotion opportunities to 3/O.

Large shipping companies often provide structured cadet & JO development programs with onboard mentoring and clear promotion pathways.Check ShipownersSearch Vessels in Global Vessel Database

Why Seafarers Choose JobMarineMan

• Direct hiring without intermediaries
• Verified shipowners
• LNG, Tanker, Bulk and Offshore vacancies
• Daily updated jobs
• No manning fees
• Direct contact with employers

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FAQ — Junior Officer

Who is a Junior Officer?Junior Officer is the first officer rank after obtaining OICNW certification and completing cadetship training.How much does Junior Officer earn?Usually between $2,500 and $5,500 per month depending on fleet type.Is GMDSS required for JO?Yes. GMDSS GOC is mandatory for deck officers.Can cadets become Third Officer directly?Yes. Some companies promote cadets directly to Third Officer positions.Which fleet is best for starting a career?

• Bulk Fleet — strong navigation practice
• Tankers — high market demand
• LNG — highest salaries
• Offshore — short rotations and DP experience

Related Maritime Jobs

• Deck Cadet Jobs
• Third Officer Jobs
• Second Officer Jobs
• Chief Officer Jobs
• Master Jobs
• Bosun Jobs
• AB Seaman Jobs

Jobs by Fleet Type

• LNG Fleet Jobs
• Tanker Fleet Jobs
• Bulk Carrier Jobs
• Container Fleet Jobs
• Offshore Jobs
• Passenger Fleet Jobs