Navigation officers on cruise ships are responsible for the ships course. The navigation officer decides on the best route to get from one point to the next. The officer uses charts for each region that ship sails. Charts are the same as maps used on land for a specific area. Navigation officer jobs can be found in the Deck & Engineering Department. This is the most important department on the vessel –without it the ship would never set sail. This department is responsible for maintaining and running the vessel. Please note that the positions in this department are not typically entry-level positions, especially on large ships.
The deck & engineering department consists of deckhands, maintenance workers, engineers, and officers. These positions help to motor or sail the ship, attend to the physical maintenance needs of the ship, and keep it in accordance with fleet regulations and international maritime laws. Officers are in charge of passenger safety as well.
If you think a navigation officer position is for you, if you have a specific cruise line in mind, locate the cruise lines’ OFFICIAL website first. Visit the Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings. Once you have located the site, visit the website and search around for job postings. Most cruise line websites have a career center or job postings page. If the cruise line lists job openings, be sure to follow the application procedure to the letter. Applicants that do not follow directions are typically passed over in favor of those that do. If the cruise line does not list job openings on its site, send a polished cover letter and resume to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager.
What kind of perks can I look forward to?
Navigation officers on cruise ships can expect to receive free travel to and from the ship, free accommodations, and meals. You will also receive a competitive salary, health insurance, retirement benefits, etc. The salary for navigation officers ranges from $4,300-$5,800 per month.