Navy Rating · Logistics
166X Strategic Sealift Officer
Overview
A Strategic Sealift Officer serves in traditional mariner positions aboard civilian ships and is qualified to command a vessel or provide engineering support. Depending on the position, they oversee navigation, voyage planning, cargo operations, vessel stability, deck crews, safety equipment, lifeboats, emergency systems, and bridge or cargo watches.
Core Skills
- maritime navigation and piloting
- voyage planning and route optimization
- bridge resource management
- risk management and safety of navigation
- cargo and logistics coordination
- maritime regulatory compliance (IMO, USCG)
- leadership of multi-disciplinary crews
- emergency response and incident management
- basic mechanical and electrical systems awareness
- situational awareness and decision-making under pressure
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Project
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Warehouse management system WMS
- Microsoft Windows
Civilian Career Paths
- Supply Chain Management
- Transportation Management
- Fleet Management
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- National Lifeboatman and Lifeboatman-Limited
- National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
- National 3rd Mate Unlimited OC or NC
Career Growth
- National 2nd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
- National 2nd Mate Unlimited OC or NC
- National 1st Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
- National Chief Engineer (Limited) Steam/Motor/GT
What the Work Involves
- Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
- Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
- Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
Related Occupations
- Project Management Specialists
- Motorboat Operators
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
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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