7217 Career Guide
7217: Deck and Navigation Officer
Career transition guide for Navy Deck and Navigation Officer (7217)
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Top civilian roles for 7217 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Ship Captain
Marine Surveyor
Skills to develop:
Port Operations Manager
Skills to develop:
Maritime Academy Instructor
Skills to develop:
Emergency Management Specialist
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 7217 training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
Naval Officers must constantly assess their surroundings, including weather conditions, ship traffic, and potential hazards, to make informed decisions about navigation and ship handling.
This translates to an ability to understand the nuances of a business environment, anticipate potential problems, and proactively develop solutions.
Rapid Prioritization
In emergency situations or during critical maneuvers, Naval Officers must quickly assess the situation, prioritize tasks, and delegate responsibilities to ensure the safety of the ship and crew.
This skill is highly valuable in fast-paced civilian environments where you must manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously. You can quickly identify what matters most and act accordingly.
Team Synchronization
Naval Officers are responsible for coordinating the efforts of their team members to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. This requires clear communication, delegation, and a strong understanding of each team member's capabilities.
You are adept at leading and motivating teams to achieve common goals. You understand how to leverage individual strengths and foster a collaborative environment.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Naval Officers are trained to maintain operational effectiveness even when systems fail. They must adapt quickly, troubleshoot problems, and implement alternative procedures to ensure mission success.
Your experience makes you resourceful and adaptable, capable of finding solutions even when resources are limited or unexpected challenges arise. You excel at problem-solving under pressure.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Emergency Management Director
SOC 11-9161.00You've been trained to handle high-pressure situations, assess risks, and coordinate responses effectively. Your experience in navigation and seamanship translates directly to managing disaster response and recovery efforts in coastal communities or regions prone to maritime disasters.
Logistics Manager
SOC 11-3071.00You've been responsible for the efficient movement of personnel and resources. Your experience in planning and coordinating complex operations translates well to managing supply chains and optimizing logistics operations for civilian organizations.
Project Manager
SOC 11-9021.00You've been planning, supervising, and directing activities, developing and administering training programs, and coordinating personnel. Your skills in planning, organizing, and executing projects make you a great fit for civilian project management roles, particularly in industries like construction, engineering, or manufacturing.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS), Newport, RI
Topics Covered
- •Principles of Navigation
- •Electronic Navigation Systems (ECDIS, GPS, Radar)
- •Shiphandling and Seamanship
- •Meteorology and Oceanography
- •Naval Regulations and Procedures
- •Bridge Resource Management
- •Damage Control and Emergency Procedures
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Study the PMBOK guide, focusing on project management methodologies, tools, and techniques not explicitly covered in naval training. Pay particular attention to stakeholder management, risk management, and procurement processes within a civilian project context.
Focus on specific OSHA regulations related to maritime safety, accident investigation, and record-keeping requirements. Study topics such as hazard communication, confined space entry, and lockout/tagout procedures as they apply to civilian maritime operations.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Integrated Bridge System (IBS) | Integrated marine navigation systems (e.g., Transas, Raymarine, Furuno) incorporating ECDIS, radar, and autopilot functionalities. |
| Voyage Management System (VMS) | Commercial voyage planning software (e.g., Jeppesen C-MAP, Navionics) used for route optimization and navigation safety. |
| Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) | Commercial maritime communication systems and emergency beacons (e.g., satellite EPIRBs, VHF radios with DSC) for distress alerting and communication. |
| AN/SPS-73 Surface Search Radar | Commercial marine radar systems (e.g., Furuno FAR series, Raymarine Quantum series) used for collision avoidance and navigation in restricted visibility. |
| ECDIS-N (Electronic Chart Display and Information System - Navy) | Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) software (e.g., Navi Sailor 4000, Transas Navi-Sailor Ecdis) used on commercial vessels |
| Digital Dead Reckoning Tracer (DDRT) | GPS-aided dead reckoning software applications, inertial navigation systems (INS) used as a backup for primary navigation systems |
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