Everything You Need to Know About Navigation Officer Jobs
Do you live near the sea or like to stay close to it? If yes, then a vessel navigator job can be the right thing for you. An important point to note is that the vessel navigator's job isn't something similar to other positions, like Chief Engineer or Junior Electrician.
It is more of a role that a relevant person will handle who is already on the vessel. Therefore, the Navigation Officer’s responsibilities would be the same as the position that they hold. In some cases — Second Officer or Second Mate — are the terms that can be used for Navigation Officer.
So, what are the Navigation Officer's duties exactly? Is there any minimum maritime education in India necessary for this role? And what can you expect in terms of Navigation Officer salary? We'll discuss all these things about the vessel navigator job to give you a comprehensive idea about it.
What Does a Vessel Navigator Job Entail?
Navigation officers in a merchant navy deal with a wide range of things. Most notably, the Navigation Officer has to find the most secure, time- and cost-efficient method to the port. Not only does the officer find those routes, but they also ensure that the vessel follows them.
Following the right route is known as a passage plan and the navigation officer needs to follow it. The plan would include various things, for instance:
- Charting the course itself
- Checking tides and currents
- Keeping an eye on weather forecasts
Additionally, the navigation offers would also have to update their nautical publications. These publications include a clear plan from safety details to port distances along with sailing directions. As a prosperous candidate, any individual can get enrolled in a reputable nautical institute for training. With the right nautical studies courses, they can learn about all these things.
What is the Passage Plan?
If you want to build a successful career in maritime navigation, then you need to have a complete idea of what a passage plan is. It is the most important task of a vessel navigator job. The passage plan would depend on the various components, such as size and type of tanker or ship.
The Navigation Officer would have to draw and plot the entire passage plan by hand. After the plan is complete, the officer will then submit it to the ship’s ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System). The officer can also submit to other electronic navigation tools like the chart plotter or GPS unit.
The creation of a passage plan requires the input of the Master (Captain) and the crew members on the vessel. Keep in mind that the Navigation Officer won't bear any responsibility for deciding on the ports or the final location. However, they need to know about the vessel’s position at all times when at sea.
Their main responsibility at sea is to track the ship's progress. The navigation officers can also make relevant route changes in case of bad weather or any such situation. For every change that they make, the navigation officer needs to report it to the Master along with other crew members.
What to Do In Case of a Change in the Passage Plan?
The changes that the navigation officer makes it necessary for them to assess the overall impact on the journey. They would have to report the changes in the schedule to the relevant people. As a navigation officer, the responsible individual can only make minor amendments.
They won't be able to make any major changes to the plan since it falls under the purview of the Master. The ship navigation skills that the officers get throughout their maritime training programs play a major role in changing the passage plan.
These skills will ensure that the Navigation Officers can ensure that the vessel carries out the journey safely. In addition to that, the officers would also need to perform their day-to-day activities. They would get a complete schedule of their duties from the seafarer rank.
How to Pursue a Career as a Navigation Officer?
Statistics show that the earning potential in this industry can go as high as ₹356,000 per month. So, if you want to kick start your Navigation Officer career in the right direction, then here are a few things to keep in mind.
Step 1 - Get the Relevant Educational Qualifications
To embark on a career as a Navigation Officer, you need to start with a strong educational foundation. The primary educational requirement is to complete a Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering from a recognized maritime training institute in India. Furthermore, you can also go for vocational training to ensure that there is no skills gap.
Step 2 - Go for Sea Training
After completing the academic portion of your training, you'll need to gain practical experience at sea. This is typically referred to as "sea time." You'll need to spend a designated period on board ships to gain hands-on experience and apply what you've learned. This period is essential for your Navigation Officer certification.
Step 3 - Continuous Learning
The maritime industry is constantly evolving, and it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and technologies. Consider pursuing further certifications and courses to enhance your skills and career prospects. It will ensure that you have the relevant skill set to find some of the best India vessel navigator jobs.
Begin Your Journey in the Maritime Industry of India Today
We hope you have a clear idea about how to make a career and find the relevant vessel navigator jobs. You can get a vessel navigation certification through a reputable Indian maritime training institute. It will help you get the relevant vessel navigator qualifications and skills for the position.
You can also sign up for the Navigation Officer courses for vocational training. Speaking of vocational training, Jointrain is here to help you out in making a career in the maritime industry. With our services, you will be able to have a clear idea of the things you'll encounter throughout your journey.