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1695 Career Guide

Navy

1695: Special Duty Officer (Merchant Marine)

Career transition guide for Navy Special Duty Officer (Merchant Marine) (1695)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1695 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Ship Captain

$140K
High matchStable demand

Marine Surveyor

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Marine surveying certificationSpecialized knowledge of vessel types

Port Operations Manager

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certificationKnowledge of port logistics software

Maritime Academy Instructor

$75K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Teaching certificationCurriculum development skills

Logistics Manager

$80K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management certificationExperience with logistics software

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1695 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Merchant Marine Officers constantly monitor their surroundings, considering weather, vessel traffic, mechanical status, and cargo stability. They must anticipate potential hazards and react swiftly to maintain the safety of the crew, vessel, and cargo.

This translates directly to the ability to perceive and understand complex environments, predict potential problems, and make proactive decisions to avoid negative outcomes.

Rapid Prioritization

From managing cargo operations and navigation to responding to emergencies like fires or mechanical failures, Merchant Marine Officers must quickly assess the urgency and importance of competing demands to allocate resources effectively and maintain operational efficiency.

You excel at triaging tasks, identifying critical issues, and delegating responsibilities under pressure, ensuring that resources are allocated where they have the greatest impact.

Procedural Compliance

Adherence to maritime regulations, safety protocols, and operational procedures is paramount for Merchant Marine Officers. They must meticulously follow established guidelines to ensure compliance, prevent accidents, and maintain the integrity of operations.

You have a demonstrated ability to understand, implement, and enforce complex rules and regulations, ensuring consistent adherence to standards and minimizing risks.

System Modeling

Merchant Marine Officers develop a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of shipboard systems, including navigation, propulsion, cargo handling, and safety equipment. They use this knowledge to predict how changes in one area will impact others and to optimize overall performance.

You can analyze complex systems, understand their interdependencies, and predict outcomes based on various inputs and conditions. This ability allows you to identify potential bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve overall system efficiency.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been responsible for the safe and efficient transport of valuable cargo across the globe. As a Logistics Manager, you'll apply your expertise in planning, coordinating, and executing complex supply chain operations to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of goods. You're already adept at managing resources, mitigating risks, and navigating challenging environments, making you a natural fit for this role.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've honed your ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure, to assess and mitigate risks, and to coordinate resources effectively during emergencies. As an Emergency Management Director, you will leverage these skills to develop and implement emergency preparedness plans, coordinate response efforts, and protect communities from natural disasters and other crises. Your experience in maritime safety and emergency response will be invaluable in this role.

Marine Surveyor

SOC 19-3099.02

You've developed an intimate understanding of ship construction, maintenance, and operation. As a Marine Surveyor, you'll use your expertise to inspect vessels, assess their condition, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. You're already familiar with maritime laws, inspection procedures, and risk management, making this a seamless transition for you.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Direct Commission Officer Indoctrination Course (DCOIC), Naval Station Newport, RI

160 training hours4 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in Naval Science

Topics Covered

  • Naval Organization and Customs
  • Military Justice and Code of Conduct
  • Leadership and Management Principles
  • Damage Control and Firefighting
  • Maritime Security Operations
  • Naval Warfare Fundamentals
  • Communications and Information Technology
  • Watchstanding Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential - Third Mate70% covered

Familiarization with specific vessel types, company policies, and any updates to maritime regulations since military service. Also, practical experience logging sea time on commercial vessels is needed.

US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential - Second Mate50% covered

Significant sea time, specific training courses (e.g., advanced firefighting, radar observer), and passing the USCG exam. Requires documenting qualifying sea service and demonstrating competency in navigation and maritime law.

Recommended Next Certifications

US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential - Chief MateUS Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential - Master MarinerCertified Port Executive (CPE)Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER)Commercial ship tracking and emergency response systems (e.g., Pole Star, Lloyd's List Intelligence)
Voyage Management System (VMS)Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and voyage planning software (e.g., Transas, NaviSailor)
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)Satellite and terrestrial communication systems for maritime safety (e.g., Inmarsat, Iridium)
Naval Vessel Rules (NVR)American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Rules or Lloyd's Register (LR) Rules for ship construction and maintenance
Damage Control SystemEmergency response and safety management systems (e.g., incident management software, fire and safety equipment)
Integrated Bridge System (IBS)Integrated navigation systems (e.g., Raymarine, Furuno)

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