Vacancies for 3rd Officer

3rd Officer (also Third Officer, 3/O or 3rd Mate) is a junior deck officer and part of the bridge team. On most vessels, the 3rd Officer stands a navigational watch, supports senior deck officers and helps keep bridge, safety and routine deck work under control. This is often one of the first officer positions in a deck career, so the job combines navigation duties with a lot of day-to-day practical work on board.

3rd Officer Salary Expectations

3rd Officer salary today often starts at around USD 2,300 - 3,000 per month on general cargo, bulk carrier and similar merchant fleet vessels, but stronger tanker and gas contracts can pay much more. The average 3rd Officer salary on Maritime Zone is USD 3,464/month. On tanker and gas fleets, salaries can move well beyond that level, while offshore jobs are less common for this rank but may be offered on a day-rate basis. For a broader overview, see the 3rd Officer salary statistics page.

Duties

The 3rd Officer stands a navigational watch and must be familiar with the passage plan, route details and the vessel’s current position. The job usually includes monitoring the ship’s course and speed, keeping bridge routines in order and making sure navigational information is properly recorded during the watch.

On many ships, the 3rd Officer also takes part in mooring and anchoring operations and assists senior deck officers during routine bridge and deck work. This rank is also often linked with safety duties, including regular checks, maintenance and minor repair of life-saving equipment such as lifeboats, life rafts, life buoys and launching appliances. Depending on the vessel and company structure, the 3rd Officer may work closely with the 2nd Officer and Chief Officer on both bridge and safety-related tasks.

Some fleets expect extra background. Tanker companies may ask for the right tanker endorsements. Offshore employers may look for DP (dynamic positioning) awareness or previous experience on vessels with a larger bridge team. On some ships, strong ECDIS, GMDSS or safety equipment knowledge can also be an advantage.

Requirements

A 3rd Officer vacancy usually requires a valid deck officer Certificate of Competency in line with STCW II/1, the national CoC required by the flag or company, and the documents needed for a watchkeeping deck officer position. Depending on vessel type, employers may also ask for ECDIS, GMDSS, tanker endorsements or other fleet-specific certificates.

If you are looking for the best 3rd Officer vacancies, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, trading area, contract length, bridge workload and the reputation of the employer. The best contract is not always the one with the highest number. Clear terms, a normal workload and a company that gives you solid sea time and career growth often matter just as much.