How to become a Ship's Officer
Also called: Deck Officer
Navigates and controls the safe operation of a ship, and supervises and coordinates the activities of deck crew.
Main tasks
- Navigates and controls the safe operation of a ship
- Supervises and coordinates the activities of deck crew
- Assists in the planning of a ship's course and monitors its progress
- Ensures compliance with maritime regulations and safety procedures
- Manages cargo operations and equipment inspections
- Maintains accurate records of a ship's activities, including logbooks and reports
- Communicates with other ships, ports and authorities
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Diploma of Maritime Operations (MAR50320); Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited) (MAR60220)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $174,980 a year
- About 10,500 people work in this job group now, and about 11,800 are projected by 2035. (+12%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Ship's Officer?
Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Agriculture & Environment degrees; Diploma of Maritime Operations; Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited).
How much does a Ship's Officer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $174,980 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Ship's Officer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 10,500 to about 11,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Ship's Officer?
Not always. 35% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Agriculture & Environment degrees; Diploma of Maritime Operations; Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited).
Will AI change the work of a Ship's Officer?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04