Navy NEC · Logistics
W12A Assistant Navigator
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
An Assistant Navigator assists the Navigator with navigation, piloting, and navigation administration. The assistant also ensures the proper preparation of reports required by higher authority.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- marine navigation
- ship piloting
- navigation watchstanding
- voyage planning
- nautical chart use
- position fixing
- navigation reporting
- bridge team coordination
- maritime administration
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
- Training and Education
- Administration
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
- STCW Basic Training
- Radar Observer Unlimited
- FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit
Career Growth
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Operator
- STCW: Advanced Firefighting
- Master or Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels
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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