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7212 Career Guide

Navy

7212: Deck and Navigation Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Deck and Navigation Officer (7212)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7212 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Ship Captain

$95K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Merchant Mariner CredentialSpecific vessel certifications

Navigation Officer

$80K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Merchant Mariner CredentialFamiliarity with specific electronic navigation systems

Maritime Instructor

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Teaching certificationCurriculum development

Port Operations Manager

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain managementLogistics experience

Emergency Management Specialist

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Emergency management certificationHAZMAT training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7212 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a Navigation Officer, you constantly monitor your ship's position, heading, speed, and environmental conditions (weather, currents, other vessels) to ensure safe and efficient navigation. You synthesize data from multiple sources (radar, GPS, visual sightings) to maintain a comprehensive understanding of your surroundings.

This ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize information from diverse sources to maintain a clear understanding of a dynamic environment is directly transferable to roles requiring constant vigilance and quick adaptation.

Team Synchronization

You lead and coordinate deck and navigation personnel during critical evolutions such as docking, underway replenishment, and emergency drills. This requires precise communication, delegation, and anticipation of your team's needs to ensure seamless execution.

Your experience in orchestrating team efforts under pressure translates to a strong ability to manage projects, lead teams, and ensure smooth collaboration in fast-paced civilian settings.

Procedural Compliance

Naval operations are governed by strict regulations and procedures to ensure safety and efficiency. As a Navigation Officer, you're responsible for enforcing these protocols and ensuring that all actions are performed in accordance with established guidelines.

Your adherence to detailed procedures and commitment to regulatory compliance makes you well-suited for roles in industries with high safety standards and stringent operational protocols.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are trained to navigate and maintain operational effectiveness even when primary systems fail. You can use alternative methods, such as celestial navigation, and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions to ensure mission success under challenging circumstances.

Your ability to adapt to unexpected challenges, troubleshoot problems under pressure, and maintain operational effectiveness in the face of adversity is a valuable asset in any industry.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Air Traffic Controller

SOC 53-2011.00

You've been responsible for the safe navigation of a vessel in complex environments. As an Air Traffic Controller, you'll use similar situational awareness and communication skills to manage the flow of air traffic, ensuring the safety of aircraft and passengers.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've managed the movement of a ship and its crew, including planning routes and schedules. As a Logistics Manager, you'll apply these skills to coordinate the flow of goods and materials, optimizing efficiency and minimizing delays.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've planned and executed emergency drills and responded to real-world crises at sea. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you'll use your skills in planning, coordination, and crisis response to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS), Newport, RI

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Navigation and Maritime Operations

Topics Covered

  • Shiphandling and navigation
  • Naval Seamanship
  • Meteorology and Oceanography
  • Naval Leadership
  • Damage Control
  • Small Arms Qualifications
  • Rules of the Road (International and Inland)
  • Bridge Resource Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)50% covered

Formal project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall), PMI terminology, and predictive planning tools. Focus on the PMBOK Guide.

OSHA 30-Hour Maritime Training70% covered

Specific OSHA regulations related to maritime environments, record-keeping requirements, and hazard communication standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

Master Mariner License (depending on sea time and specific duties)Certified Professional Mariner (CPM)Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) certificationCertified Safety Professional (CSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Voyage Management System (VMS)Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
Global Positioning System (GPS) Military ReceiversCommercial GPS navigation systems (e.g., Garmin, Raymarine)
Surface Search RadarMarine radar systems for collision avoidance and navigation
Automated Identification System (AIS)Commercial AIS transponders and monitoring software
Celestial Navigation Tools (Sextant, Chronometer)Nautical almanacs and celestial navigation apps
Tactical Defense Alert Radar (TDAR)Air surveillance radar systems used at airports and critical infrastructure sites
Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS)Air traffic control systems

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