Third Officer - Trainee

Duties

The Third Officer (In Training) is a civil service mariner (CIVMAR) in a developmental training status, employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) onboard naval auxiliaries and hybrid-manned warships worldwide, in peace and war. MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations. MSC provides on-time logistics, strategic sealift, as well as specialized missions anywhere in the world, in contested or uncontested environments.

This position is a developmental role created to build a pipeline of qualified talent and grow a skilled workforce through structured training, credentialing, on-the-job learning, and real-world experience, ultimately preparing the incumbent for promotion into the fully qualified Third Officer role. This hybrid shore/underway developmental position supports the structured training, certification, and credentialing of motivated individuals who aspire to become fully credentialed Third Officers. The trainee will first complete foundational training in a shore-based status. Once core readiness requirements are met (e.g., medical clearance, mandatory certifications, security access), the individual may be assigned to limited underway periods to fulfill training objectives, not to assume full-duty status. This approach supports MSC’s long-term mission readiness by growing a stronger, more sustainable workforce from within.

Under close supervision of MSC engineering leadership, the developmental Third Officer will assist in the responsibilities of the Deck Department, while progressively developing independent technical skills. The incumbent will also support preventive maintenance efforts, recordkeeping (e.g., SAMM), and Quality Assurance observations under the direction of senior engineers. Underway assignments may be scheduled once minimum training and safety prerequisites are met.

The trainee will work under the mentorship of the Chief Officers and receive tasking and technical supervision from the Master. The developmental assignment will be tailored to individual progress and completion of required certifications and training milestones.

DEVELOPMENTAL PHASE GOALS: • Build foundational knowledge and proficiency in navigation, shipboard operations, and watchstanding. • Gain hands-on experience supporting safety, security, environmental, and emergency response programs. • Develop confidence and competence in executing duties under the supervision of senior officers. • Learn to apply operational procedures and regulations consistently and accurately. • Contribute to the readiness and training of junior crew members through observation, participation, and support. • Progressively assume more responsibility in routine and emergent shipboard operations. • Prepare for full qualification as a Third Officer capable of independent watchstanding and leadership duties.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements and endorsement acquisition, the trainee may be eligible for promotion or reassignment to a full-duty Third Officer sailing billet.

A Third Officer is a member of the Deck Department. Serves as a deck Watch Officer and assists the Master and senior deck officers in carrying out their responsibilities; and in their absence may assume command of the ship. May be called upon to assist the Navigation/Operations Officer or Operations personnel with conducting various duties associated with communicating with military units. May be required to stand watch during naval operations that require the securing of electromagnetic navigation aids such as radar and bridge to bridge radio, or the extinguishing of navigational lights. May be required to maneuver and conduct naval operations; these may include underway connected replenishment and vertical replenishment evolutions, tactical signaling, formation steaming, torpedo evasion tactics, and other plans. May be assigned collateral duties of Assistant Damage Control Officer, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense Officer, or Special Service Officer or others as directed.

A Third Officer, as directed/designated by the Chief Mate: (1) makes timely and frequent inspection of all lifesaving equipment onboard the vessel, including lifeboats, life rafts and associated securing devices, and any other equipment; (2) performs duties of CBR-Readiness Officer, provides direct input to the First Officer about CBR training and readiness of the vessel/crew to counter all threats; keeps informed on all matters concerning radiacs, the ship’s fire main system and any other material condition reports having a direct impact on the ship’s CBR status.

A Third Officer assists with the timely and accurate update of the ship’s navigational publication library and electronic chart system under the direction of the Second Officer (W). Makes chart corrections or post chart correction cards only with the permission of the Master and under the supervision of the Second Officer (W). Must be able to effectively use applicable shipboard software applications. Must be able to use, inspect, and monitor all bridge navigation equipment using GMDSS. Must be able to properly communicate with radio telephone.

During at sea periods, a Third Officer; (1) maintains the watch in accordance with USCG, COMSC, and the Master’s instructions or standing orders; (2) ensures that the Watch is properly trained in standard helm commands and lookout duties and; (3) responds to a steering casualty scenario, a man overboard incident, ship’s security violation, and emergency maneuvering situations.

A Third Officer maintains a proper lookout and an accurate ship’s position at all times while on watch. Provides the Master information immediately about ship’s position, course, and speed, using any and all means available. Adheres to the Collision Regulations (COLREGS) Rules of the Road unless directed by the Master or Commanding Officer to divert from one or more of them for military operational reasons. Unless directed by the Master, maintains a continuous radar/surface plot of all surrounding traffic to a scale appropriate to the traffic situation. During periods of restricted visibility, heavy traffic, any emergency or when in doubt, contacts the Master, providing him/her ample time to survey the situation and make an informed decision.

During in port periods, a Third Officer conducts the watch in a proper and safe manner, including the safe and appropriate lighting of the vessel at night. Maintains a proper security posture, properly tended mooring lines; and, an alert, attentive gangway watch. Ensures accurate communications between the Deck and Engine Watch so as to remain alert for conditions of fire or flooding, or any incidents that may hamper damage control efforts. Performs duties consistent with Federal, Local and Command oil and environmental pollution regulations whenever fuel is being transferred during his/her watch. As a deck officer, must maintain a proper uniform IAW CMPI.

All duties and development activities are essential to the position. Performs additional assignments related to training and workforce development as directed.

Requirements

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: • Must be a United States Citizen of at least 18 years of age. • Possess and maintain a valid U.S. Passport with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date. • Possess and maintain a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) and/or Department of Defense (DOD) Common Access with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expirations date. • United States Coast Guard (USCG) Medical Certificate without any Limitations/Restrictions, with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date. • United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC), with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date with the following endorsement(s): Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, Stewards Department (FH) with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date.

LICENSING AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in leadership, management, navigation, ship handling, engineering, damage control, or maritime warfare with a minimum of 1,080 days of service in the deck department on Ocean/Near Coastal (NC) or Great Lakes self-propelled vessels, of which 180 days of bridge watching duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer, including 90 days of sea service in the past 7 years on vessels over 100 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) to include 45 days on vessels over 1,600 GRT. (Note: experience gained in the engine department on vessels of appropriate tonnage (100 GRT) may be creditable for up to 90 days of the service requirement.)

OR

• Graduate of the United States Naval Academy (USNA) and a qualified Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) with a minimum of 4 years of cumulative sea duty aboard commissioned surface warships

OR

• Surface Warfare Officer (non-USNA graduate) with a minimum of 5 years of cumulative sea duty aboard commissioned surface warships

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Designation as Navigation Expert aboard surface ships • Degree from an accredited Maritime Academy, or equivalent maritime education.