Nautical

What does a nautical officer do? – Tasks and work environment

A nautical officer is responsible for navigation, safety, and operation onboard ships, often in roles such as watch officer or captain. The work involves monitoring the vessel's progress, navigating according to charts and regulations, leading the crew, and managing communication with authorities and ports. Safety procedures and risk assessments are central to the profession, as is planning and documenting voyages. The work environment is characterized by long periods at sea, shift work, and sometimes challenging weather conditions, while also offering unique opportunities for travel and international experience.

Salary development over time

The salary for nautical officers has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 SEK per month, followed by 48 600 SEK in 2023. The latest figure for 2024 indicates a further increase to 50 500 SEK, representing a total salary increase of approximately 6.1% over the period. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for qualified maritime officers, technological advancements in the industry, and a growing need for high competence in safety and environmental work. Additionally, the education level among nautical officers has risen, which often positively influences salary levels. The market for nautical officers is relatively stable, although the number of positions may vary depending on economic conditions and changes within the shipping industry.

Nautical officer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 50 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 44,900 SEK/month (male, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 55,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary (female): 54,900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (female): 48,700 SEK/month
• Average hourly wage: 304 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Complete statistics are lacking, but men and women have similar salary ranges
• Regional differences: Not specified, but salaries may vary depending on employer and vessel type

Education and qualifications

To work as a nautical officer, a solid education in maritime studies is required, often at university level. The education includes both theoretical and practical components, such as safety at sea, navigation, and leadership. After completing the program, specific certifications and approved onboard training are necessary to work at sea.

• Formal degree: The maritime captain program or equivalent (3–4 years at university)
• Certifications: STCW licenses and other nautical certificates
• Practical training: Mandatory sea practice onboard during education
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies, often with a focus on technology or natural sciences
• Advice for choosing: Select educational institutions or programs with close links to the industry and good internship opportunities

Common benefits and allowances

Nautical officers are often offered benefits such as free food and accommodation during service, per diems for longer journeys, and access to wellness allowances. Additional allowances may be provided for unsocial hours, overtime, and extended periods at sea. Some employers also offer pension contributions and insurance solutions tailored to maritime professions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a nautical officer is relatively stable, but the number of available jobs can vary depending on economic conditions and developments within the shipping sector. Technological advances and increased requirements for environmental and safety work demand higher competence and further training. Working conditions can be challenging, with long periods away from home and shift work around the clock. At the same time, demand for experienced nautical officers remains strong, especially in international shipping, opening opportunities for those investing in their skills. Currently, there are 412 available jobs within the maritime officer group, indicating continued demand.

Tips for aspiring nautical officers

To succeed as a nautical officer, it is beneficial to combine technical understanding with analytical thinking, as navigation and decision-making under pressure require precision and calmness. Flexibility and adaptability to changing work environments are crucial, as the work often involves long periods at sea and varied tasks. Leadership skills and social competence are important, since collaboration with the crew and communication with external actors are central. An interest in technology and safety facilitates understanding modern equipment and routines onboard. It is also wise to seek internships on various types of ships during training to build networks and experience, as well as to continuously update knowledge on new regulations and technologies. Good physical condition and stress management contribute to creating a safe and secure work environment for oneself and others.

Key facts about nautical officers

• Education level: University degree (3–4 years)
• Work environment: Onboard ships, shift work, and periods at sea
• Number of available jobs: 412 within the maritime officer group, among others
• Special skills: Navigation, leadership, safety, and technology
• Demand: Continues to be good, especially in international shipping

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a nautical officer, opportunities may open for advancement to higher officer positions, such as chief mate or captain, depending on experience and further education. Some choose to specialize in areas like safety, training, or inspection within shipping companies and authorities. Forecasts from the Employment Service for the maritime officer group currently do not provide an exact assessment due to limited data, but the number of available positions is relatively large. International opportunities and transition to land-based roles, such as in port operations or maritime administration, are also common career paths for experienced nautical officers.

Frequently asked questions about nautical officers

• What is the salary of a nautical officer?
  - A nautical officer has an average salary of 50 500 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
• How does one become a nautical officer?
  - The profession requires university education, usually the maritime captain program, as well as certifications and practical experience at sea.
• What are the job tasks of a nautical officer?
  - Tasks include navigation, safety work, crew management, and responsibility for vessel operations.
• What is the work environment like for a nautical officer?
  - The work environment is onboard ships, often with shift work and periods away from home.
• Are there many jobs for nautical officers?
  - Currently, there are 412 available positions within the maritime officer group.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Common benefits include free meals and accommodation onboard, per diems, and allowances for unsocial hours.
• What is required to advance as a nautical officer?
  - Experience, further education, and leadership skills are important for progressing to higher officer roles.