Third Officer - Maritime Operations

F3EA, Inc.; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

F3EA, Inc. seeks qualified Third Officers/Mates to support maritime operations aboard operational vessels.

You will assist the Master and Chief Officer in the safe navigation, operation, and readiness of the vessel while supporting mission execution in dynamic maritime environments. The role includes watch-standing duties, navigation support, maintenance of navigational systems and publications, emergency preparedness, and vessel safety compliance, with STCW requirements and potential security

Qualifications

• MMC appropriate for position, valid USCG credential.
• STCW endorsements and required maritime certifications.
• Experience as Officer of the Watch aboard operational vessels.
• Knowledge of watch-standing procedures, COLREGs, and bridge operations.
• Experience operating navigational and communications equipment.
• Ability to work rotational schedules in maritime environments.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• US citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist Master and Chief Officer in safe vessel operations.
• Perform Officer of the Watch duties per COLREGs.
• Support safe navigation and operational readiness of the vessel.
• Maintain nautical charts and navigational publications.
• Operate navigational and GMDSS equipment.
• Monitor MSI, weather, and navigational warnings.
• Maintain deck logs and operational records.
• Support SMS implementation and vessel inspections.
• Conduct training for new personnel per STCW.
• Coordinate across deck, engineering, and operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Decision-making

Ability to work independently

Team collaboration

Education

MMC credential (USCG)

STCW endorsements

Maritime certifications

Tools

Navigational equipment operation

GMDSS communications equipment

Bridge operations knowledge

Job description

Job Summary

F3EA is seeking qualified Third Officers/Mates to support maritime operations aboard operational vessels supporting dynamic mission requirements. This position assists the Master and Chief Officer in the safe navigation, operation, and readiness of the vessel while supporting mission execution in dynamic maritime environments.

The Third Officer/Mate is responsible for watch-standing duties, navigation support, maintenance of navigational systems and publications, emergency preparedness, and vessel safety compliance. Personnel in this role are expected to uphold F3EA operational standards while reinforcing a culture of professionalism, accountability, and safety.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist the Master and Chief Officer in safe and efficient vessel operations
• Perform Officer of the Watch (OOW) duties in accordance with COLREGs and vessel procedures
• Support safe navigation, maneuvering, and operational readiness of the vessel
• Maintain nautical charts, navigational publications, and associated corrections
• Operate and maintain electronic navigational equipment and GMDSS communications equipment
• Monitor Maritime Safety Information (MSI), weather reports, and navigational warnings
• Maintain deck logbooks and required operational records
• Support implementation of the vessel Safety Management System (SMS)
• Conduct and support vessel inspections, drills, and emergency preparedness activities
• Support familiarization training for newly assigned personnel in accordance with STCW requirements
• Monitor and execute planned maintenance actions within assigned areas of responsibility
• Ensure proper completion of checklists, risk assessments, and operational documentation
• Utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and enforce safe work practices
• Exercise sound judgment during emergencies and notify vessel leadership of significant issues
• Support cross-functional coordination between deck, engineering, and operational departments
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of vessel operations and mission requirements

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May provide task-level oversight, mentorship, and coordination of junior deck personnel during watch-standing, maintenance, and operational activities.

Required Qualifications and Education

• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) appropriate for position
• Valid STCW endorsements and required maritime certifications
• Experience serving as Officer of the Watch aboard operational vessels
• Knowledge of navigational watch-standing procedures, COLREGs, and bridge operations
• Experience operating navigational and communications equipment
• Ability to work rotational schedules in maritime environments
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary maritime team
• U.S. citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance

Preferred Qualifications and Education

• Experience supporting government maritime operations or defense-related missions
• Prior experience aboard offshore support vessels, research vessels, or similarly complex platforms
• Familiarity with Dynamic Positioning (DP) vessel operations
• Prior military or government-contracted maritime experience
• Experience operating in high operational tempo maritime environments

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Operational maritime and shipboard environment
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, vessel motion, and operational deck activities
• Extended periods standing watch, climbing ladders, and operating in physically demanding environments
• Ability to support rotational or extended underway operations as required

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

F3EA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. F3EA, Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.