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The Officer of the Watch (OOW) is the first command-level rank in the deck department. An OOW holds a Certificate of Competency under STCW Regulation II/1 and stands a solo navigational watch — typically a 4-hour bridge watch on a 4-on / 8-off rotation — on vessels of 500 GT or more. Entry is via a maritime academy cadetship programme (18–22 years typical entry age) or, for candidates with substantial AB sea time, through an upgrading pathway. The pathway demands strong mathematical, navigational, and situational-awareness skills; aspiring cadets should expect to study stability, meteorology, celestial and electronic navigation, cargo work, and STCW survival skills before sitting the flag-state examination.
STCW Table A-II/1 lists the mandatory minimum competencies for an OOW on ships of 500 GT or more. Flag-state examinations test against these columns. The required certificates are:
STCW Regulation II/1.2 requires a minimum of 12 months of approved sea service as part of an approved seagoing service programme (cadetship), during which the competencies in Table A-II/1 must be demonstrated. Alternatively, 36 months of sea service forming part of a navigational watch (as a qualified rating) may be accepted by some flag states in lieu of the 12-month structured cadetship. Typical timing under a maritime academy pathway:
4-year Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) at a MARINA-accredited MHEI, including a mandatory 1-year shipboard cadetship. MARINA administers the Licensure Examination for Officers of Vessel (LEOV) for OOW (II/1). Flag-state-specific — verify with marina.gov.ph.
B.Sc. Nautical Science (3 years pre-sea + 18-month cadetship) or B.Tech. Marine Engineering equivalent. DG Shipping Phase 2 written examination and Phase 3 oral examination for OOW Class IV CoC (equivalent to STCW II/1). Flag-state-specific — verify with dgshipping.gov.in.
Odessa National Maritime University (ONMU) and other accredited academies offer 4-year nautical programmes including cadetship sea time. State qualifying examinations for OOW CoC. War-era disruptions affect document issuance and some academy operations. Flag-state-specific — verify with the Ukrainian Maritime Administration.
Phase 1 college (pre-sea) → 12 months sea time as deck cadet → Phase 2 college → MCA oral examination with an MCA-appointed examiner for OOW (Unlimited). Total programme typically 3 years. Flag-state-specific — verify with gov.uk/MCA.
3-year nautical engineering programme at Høgskulen på Vestlandet (HVL), NTNU Ålesund, and affiliated colleges, including structured sea-time periods. NMD certification for Navigatør klasse 3 (equivalent to OOW). Flag-state-specific — verify with sdir.no.
A newly certificated OOW typically earns USD 2,800–4,200 per month on a container or bulk carrier, rising to USD 4,500–6,500 on tankers where additional tanker endorsements apply. ITF/IBF minimum wage scales for OOW (2025) sit around USD 2,800/month basic wage. Full data by vessel type in the salary database.
After gaining 12 months of sea service as an OOW (post-CoC), candidates qualify to apply for the Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (STCW II/2). The full progression continues to Master (STCW II/2). See the Deck officer pathway for the Chief Mate and Master stages. Branching options at OOW level include: tanker endorsements (oil / chemical / gas Basic and Advanced), Polar Code (V/4-1), Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO), and further specialist courses.
Typically 3–5 years from starting a maritime academy or cadetship programme: 2–3 years of college study, 12 months of supervised sea time, and flag-state examinations. Some flags (India, Philippines) require a 4-year degree including the sea phase. The UK MCA two-phase system can be completed in around 3 years if sea-time berths are secured promptly.
Yes — STCW Regulation II/1.2 explicitly provides that 36 months of sea service as a rating forming part of a navigational watch can substitute for the 12 months of supervised cadetship sea time. Flag states implement this differently; the Philippines MARINA upgrading pathway and UK MCA's conversion route both recognise substantial AB sea time.
ECDIS competence has been a mandatory Table A-II/1 competency since the 2010 Manila Amendments. Flag states require evidence of ECDIS training, either a type-approved course on a generic or type-specific system, plus simulator assessment. Some flag states accept in-company familiarisation records; others require an accredited classroom course.
Bridge Resource Management (BRM) is the leadership and teamwork component of STCW A-II/1. It is mandatory for OOW certification under the Manila 2010 amendments — it appears as HELM (Human Element, Leadership and Management) at the operational level in many flag-state training lists. Simulator-based assessment is the norm.
STCW II/1 can be endorsed for ships of 500 GT or more (OOW Unlimited), or for ships under 500 GT on near-coastal voyages (OOW Near-Coastal under STCW II/3). The unlimited endorsement is the industry-standard qualification for deep-sea trading vessels; near-coastal is used in coastal and domestic trades. Flag states set the tonnage brackets.
Flag-state caveat: STCW sets the international floor. Individual flag administrations may require additional national examinations, longer sea-time periods, or supplementary courses not listed here. Always verify current requirements with the issuing flag-state administration.
This page is for information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Requirements change — verify with your flag administration before acting.