Vacancies for Chief Officer

Chief Officer (also known as Chief Mate or C/O) is the senior deck officer on board after the Master. On most vessels, the Chief Officer is responsible for cargo operations, ballast management, supervision of the deck crew, safety matters, and the general condition of the deck areas and cargo spaces. In practice, the Chief Officer manages the day-to-day work of the deck department and ensures that the vessel is ready for cargo operations, sea passages, and daily operation.

Chief Officer salary expectations

A typical Chief Officer salary in the merchant fleet currently ranges from USD 7,000 to 12,300 per month, depending on the vessel type, company, and contract conditions. Salaries on stronger tanker and gas contracts may be considerably higher. The average Chief Officer salary on Maritime Zone is USD 8,197 per month. Current vacancies on the website offer around USD 7,000 on General Cargo vessels, USD 7,000–8,000 on Bulk Carriers, approximately USD 6,800–8,500 on Container Ships, and USD 7,500–12,300 on Oil Products Tankers. Offers on Chemical and Crude Oil Tankers are often around USD 7,500–11,000, while the highest-paying contracts on LPG Tankers may reach USD 22,700. In the offshore sector, salaries are often quoted as a day rate. Recent offers include approximately USD 280–320 per day on AHTS vessels, USD 270–280 per day on AHT vessels, and around USD 320–450 per day on Platform Supply Vessels. For a broader overview, visit the Chief Officer salary statistics page.

Chief Officer duties

The Chief Officer supervises the deck crew and is responsible for its daily work. Typical duties include managing cargo operations, monitoring ballast operations, planning deck maintenance, supervising mooring and anchoring operations, and ensuring that deck equipment and cargo spaces remain in good condition.

On many vessels, the Chief Officer also keeps a navigational watch when required, works closely with the Master during loading and discharging operations, and supervises the work of the 3rd Officer, Boatswain, and deck ratings. The position is closely connected with both safety and ship security. On many vessels, the Chief Officer is appointed as the Ship Security Officer (SSO) and plays a leading role in drills, inspections, and onboard compliance.

Additional experience may be required for certain vessel types. Offshore employers often require DP (dynamic positioning) certification or previous experience on DP vessels. Tanker companies normally expect strong knowledge of cargo operations, ballast procedures, and safety requirements for handling oil, chemical, or gas cargoes. On some merchant vessels, employers may also require experience with cargo planning or loading software used during operations.

Chief Officer requirements

A Chief Officer vacancy normally requires a valid management-level deck Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW II/2, a national CoC accepted by the vessel’s flag state or employer, and substantial previous sea service as a 2nd Officer. Depending on the vessel type, employers may also require tanker endorsements, DP certification, GMDSS and ECDIS certificates, cargo-operation experience, or other documents specific to the particular fleet.

When searching for the best Chief Officer jobs, compare not only the salary but also the vessel type, contract duration, scope of cargo operations, crew composition, and the company’s reputation. The best contract is not always the one offering the highest salary. Clear procedures, a well-organised deck department, and a company that supports safe cargo operations can be just as important.