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7118 Career Guide

Navy

7118: Surface Warfare Officer (Limited Duty)

Career transition guide for Navy Surface Warfare Officer (Limited Duty) (7118)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7118 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Ship Captain

$110K
High matchStable demand

Marine Surveyor

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications depending on the type of surveys (e.g., hull, machinery)Commercial awareness

Maritime Logistics Manager

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management software proficiencyLogistics certifications (e.g., Certified Supply Chain Professional - CSCP)

Instructor - Maritime Academy

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Master's degree in a related field (preferred)Teaching certifications

Port Operations Manager

$100K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationKnowledge of port-specific regulations

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7118 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a Navigation Officer, you constantly maintained a 360-degree understanding of your ship's position, potential hazards, and the surrounding environment, making critical decisions based on real-time information.

This translates to the ability to assess complex environments quickly, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions under pressure in any dynamic situation.

Rapid Prioritization

You routinely assessed competing demands, from course corrections to equipment malfunctions, prioritizing actions to ensure the safety and efficiency of the vessel and crew.

This skill allows you to quickly evaluate competing demands, identify the most critical tasks, and allocate resources effectively to meet deadlines and achieve objectives in a fast-paced civilian work environment.

Team Synchronization

You directed and coordinated the activities of deck and navigation personnel, ensuring seamless teamwork and effective communication to execute complex maneuvers and achieve mission objectives.

This translates directly to the ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate teams to achieve common goals, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring everyone is working in sync.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Naval officers are trained to maintain operational effectiveness even when systems fail or resources are limited, requiring innovative problem-solving and adaptability.

This adaptability allows you to find creative solutions, maintain productivity, and keep projects on track even when unexpected challenges arise or resources are scarce.

Procedural Compliance

As a Navigation Officer, you strictly adhered to established protocols and regulations to ensure safe and efficient operations, maintaining meticulous records and following established procedures.

Your commitment to following established procedures, maintaining accurate records, and upholding standards makes you a valuable asset in regulated industries. This also shows a dedication to efficiency and accuracy.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Air Traffic Controller

SOC 53-2011.00

You've been managing complex movements within a dynamic environment, making quick decisions based on real-time information and coordinating with a team to ensure safety. These are all vital skills as an Air Traffic Controller.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been responsible for the safe and efficient movement of personnel and resources. Your skills in planning, prioritizing, and coordinating complex operations translate directly to success in logistics.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-9099.01

You've been trained to handle crises, assess risks, and coordinate responses in high-pressure situations. This makes you an ideal candidate for helping communities prepare for and recover from emergencies.

Marine Surveyor

SOC 19-3099.00

Your expertise in navigation, seamanship, and vessel operations can be directly applied to assessing the condition, safety, and compliance of marine vessels. Your knowledge of maritime regulations and best practices makes you a valuable asset in this field.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Warfare Officer (LDO/CWO) School, Naval Station Newport

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Naval Science

Topics Covered

  • Shiphandling and Navigation
  • Naval Warfare Fundamentals
  • Damage Control and Engineering Systems
  • Leadership and Management
  • Naval Regulations and Procedures
  • Maritime Security Operations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)60% covered

Requires study of supply chain management principles, inventory control, and logistics-specific software applications not explicitly covered in naval deck and navigation training.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Requires focused study on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), including formal project management methodologies, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Port Executive (CPE)Certified Safety Professional (CSP)Master Mariner LicenseCertified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/SPS-73(V) Surface Search RadarMarine radar systems (e.g., Furuno, Raymarine) used for collision avoidance and navigation
Voyage Management System (VMS)Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) software such as Transas or similar maritime navigation software
Global Positioning System (GPS) Military Grade Receivers (e.g., DAGR)High-precision GPS receivers and surveying equipment
AN/WSN-7 Ring Laser Gyro NavigatorFiber optic gyro or similar inertial navigation systems used in commercial aviation and maritime applications
Integrated Bridge System (IBS)Integrated marine navigation systems
Naval Message Handling System (NMHS)Secure email and messaging platforms
Automated Identification System (AIS)Commercial AIS transponders and monitoring systems

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