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6117 Career Guide

Navy

6117: Seamanship and Navigation Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Seamanship and Navigation Officer (6117)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6117 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Ship or Boat Captain

$95K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Civilian Mariner Credentials (e.g., USCG)Specific vessel certifications (e.g., Tanker)Commercial maritime regulations

Marine Surveyor

$80K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Naval Architecture knowledgeMarine engineering principlesSurveying certifications (e.g., NAMS, SAMS)

Port Operations Manager

$110K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain logisticsPort management softwareKnowledge of international trade regulations

Maritime Academy Instructor

$85K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Teaching certificationCurriculum developmentAdvanced degree in maritime studies (preferred)

Yacht Broker

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Sales experienceKnowledge of yacht construction and maintenanceLicensing as a Yacht Broker

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6117 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Naval Officers constantly maintain comprehensive awareness of their vessel's position, surrounding environment, and potential hazards, enabling proactive decision-making and risk mitigation.

The ability to quickly assess dynamic environments, anticipate potential problems, and maintain vigilance for subtle changes translates to effective risk management and proactive problem-solving in various civilian sectors.

Rapid Prioritization

Naval Deck Officers routinely face evolving operational demands, requiring the swift assessment of competing priorities to allocate resources and personnel effectively, ensuring mission success.

Quickly triaging tasks, making critical decisions under pressure, and allocating resources efficiently are vital skills adaptable to fast-paced civilian roles requiring decisive leadership.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating deck and navigation personnel during complex operations demands meticulous synchronization of tasks, clear communication, and a shared understanding of objectives to achieve seamless execution.

Coordinating cross-functional teams, aligning diverse skill sets, and fostering collaborative environments are essential for successful project management and achieving organizational goals in the civilian world.

Procedural Compliance

Adherence to strict naval protocols and safety regulations is paramount for Naval Officers, ensuring operational integrity and minimizing risks in high-stakes environments.

Meticulous attention to detail, unwavering commitment to safety standards, and a proven track record of adhering to regulatory frameworks translate to valuable assets in industries with stringent compliance requirements.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been rigorously trained to assess risks, coordinate resources, and make critical decisions under pressure. As an Emergency Management Director (11-9161.00), you'll use these skills to prepare for and respond to disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

Your experience in coordinating personnel and resources on naval vessels translates seamlessly to managing complex supply chains and logistics operations. As a Logistics Manager (11-3071.00), you'll optimize processes, ensure timely delivery, and minimize disruptions in civilian supply chains.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You're a seasoned expert in planning, organizing, and executing complex projects while managing diverse teams. As a Project Manager (11-9021.00), you'll leverage your leadership skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances to drive successful project outcomes in any industry.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS), Navigation Department Head Course, Newport, RI

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Nautical Science

Topics Covered

  • Voyage Planning
  • Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
  • Radar Navigation
  • Collision Avoidance
  • Celestial Navigation
  • Shiphandling
  • Bridge Resource Management
  • Naval Regulations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Manager (CM)60% covered

Requires study of general management principles, human resources, and financial management topics not explicitly covered in naval deck officer training.

Project Management Professional (PMP)50% covered

Requires additional study of formal project management methodologies, documentation, and specific project management knowledge areas as defined by PMI.

OSHA 30-Hour Maritime Training70% covered

While naval officers receive safety training, this OSHA certification requires specific knowledge of OSHA regulations and maritime-specific safety standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Port Executive (CPE)Certified Marine Terminal Operator (CMTO)Master Mariner License (depending on career path post-military)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Integrated Bridge System (IBS)Integrated marine navigation systems (e.g., Transas, Raymarine, Furuno) with ECDIS, radar, and conning display.
Voyage Management System (VMS)Voyage planning software (e.g., MaxSea, Coastal Explorer) used in commercial shipping.
Global Positioning System (GPS) / Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)GPS navigation devices and apps (e.g., Garmin, Navionics) with WAAS/EGNOS support for enhanced accuracy.
Automatic Identification System (AIS)AIS transponders and vessel tracking services (e.g., MarineTraffic, VesselFinder) for collision avoidance and monitoring.
AN/SPS-73 Surface Search RadarMarine radar systems (e.g., Furuno, Simrad) for detecting surface contacts in low visibility conditions.
GyrocompassMarine gyrocompass systems (e.g., Sperry Marine, Raymarine) for accurate heading information independent of magnetic field.
Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS)Maritime Command and Control Systems

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