Army MOS · Logistics
880A Marine Deck Officer
Overview
A Marine Deck Officer commands Army watercraft and oversees vessel operations, crew discipline, safety, and seaworthiness. This officer operates deck machinery and navigation systems, communicates with vessels and shore stations, and directs cargo stowage, emergency steering, firefighting, lifesaving, and damage control activities.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- Vessel operations and navigation
- Maritime safety and risk management
- Crew leadership and supervision
- Emergency response and incident management
- Cargo and deck operations management
- Regulatory compliance (maritime law and rules of the road)
- Use of navigation and communication systems
- Maintenance oversight and inspections
- Training and mentoring of crew
- Decision-making under pressure
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Office software
- Apple macOS
- Autodesk Revit
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Civilian Career Paths
- Transportation Management
- Fleet Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- National 2nd Mate Unlimited OC or NC
- National 3rd Mate Unlimited OC or NC
- National Chief Mate Unlimited OC or NC
- National Master 200 OC
- National Master 500/1600 GL and Inland
Career Growth
- National Master 500/1600 OC or NC
- National Master Unlimited GL and Inland
- National Master Unlimited OC or NC
- STCW: Advanced Firefighting · Funded · STAR
- STCW: Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties/ Security Awareness · Funded · STAR
What the Work Involves
- Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
- Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
- Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
- Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
- Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
Related Occupations
- Sailors and Marine Oilers
- Motorboat Operators
- Ship Engineers
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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