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7213 Career Guide

Navy

7213: Deck and Navigation Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Deck and Navigation Officer (7213)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7213 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Ship Captain

$110K
High matchStable demand

Marine Surveyor

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Accreditation from a recognized marine surveying organizationIn-depth knowledge of maritime regulations and safety standards

Port Operations Manager

$105K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management knowledgeLogistics experience

Maritime Academy Instructor

$80K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Teaching certification or experienceAdvanced degree in a related field (Maritime Studies, etc.)

Naval Architect

$90K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture or Marine EngineeringCAD software proficiency

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7213 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a Navigation Officer, you constantly maintain awareness of your ship's position, the surrounding environment, potential hazards, and the status of your team, adapting plans as needed to ensure safe and effective navigation.

This translates to a keen ability to understand complex environments, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions in dynamic situations, crucial for strategic planning and risk management.

Rapid Prioritization

On the bridge, you make split-second decisions, prioritizing tasks and allocating resources to address immediate threats, navigational challenges, or equipment malfunctions while maintaining overall operational effectiveness.

You excel at quickly assessing situations, identifying critical issues, and focusing efforts where they matter most, a valuable asset in high-pressure environments requiring quick decision-making and efficient resource allocation.

Team Synchronization

You orchestrate the activities of deck and navigation personnel, ensuring seamless coordination and communication to execute complex maneuvers, respond to emergencies, and maintain the ship's operational readiness.

Your experience in synchronizing team efforts allows you to effectively lead and coordinate groups, foster clear communication, and ensure that all members work together efficiently towards a common goal.

Procedural Compliance

You are responsible for ensuring strict adherence to maritime regulations, safety protocols, and navigational procedures to maintain the safety of the ship and its crew, minimizing risks and ensuring operational effectiveness.

You have a strong understanding of the importance of following established rules and guidelines, meticulously applying procedures and regulations to ensure quality, safety, and compliance in any operational setting.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to handle crises calmly and efficiently, assess risks, coordinate responses, and lead teams under pressure. Your experience in navigational planning and resource allocation directly translates to disaster preparedness and response.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.04

You've been responsible for planning and executing complex operations, managing resources, and coordinating personnel. Your experience in naval operations gives you a unique insight into optimizing supply chains and ensuring the smooth flow of goods.

Air Traffic Controller

SOC 53-2011.00

You've developed exceptional situational awareness, decision-making skills, and the ability to manage multiple streams of information simultaneously. Your experience in navigation equips you with the precision and focus needed to safely manage air traffic.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS), Newport, RI

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in navigation, maritime operations, and leadership.

Topics Covered

  • Shiphandling
  • Navigation and Piloting
  • Celestial Navigation
  • Maritime Law
  • Electronic Navigation Systems (ECDIS, Radar)
  • Bridge Resource Management
  • Seamanship
  • Naval Operations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)40% covered

Requires knowledge of advanced safety management techniques, legal and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA), risk assessment methodologies beyond standard naval practices, and comprehensive safety program development and implementation.

Project Management Professional (PMP)30% covered

Formal project management training including predictive, agile, and hybrid methodologies. Knowledge of PMBOK guide, stakeholder management and advanced risk management principles.

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)20% covered

Requires an understanding of supply chain management principles, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and procurement best practices within a business context. Military logistics experience provides a foundation, but CPSM requires broader business acumen.

Recommended Next Certifications

Master Mariner (depending on sea time and experience)Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO)Certified Port Executive (CPE)

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) used on commercial ships and large yachts
Voyage Management System (VMS)Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) software for route planning and real-time vessel tracking
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)Satellite and terrestrial communication systems for maritime safety, including DSC radios, EPIRBs, and SARTs
AN/SPS-73(V) Surface Search RadarCommercial marine radar systems (e.g., those from Simrad, Garmin) used for collision avoidance and navigation
NAVSSI (Navigation Sensor System Interface)NMEA 2000 network systems integrating data from multiple navigation sensors on a vessel
Magnetic North FinderNavigation compass

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