Nautical operations manager

What does a nautical operations manager do? – Tasks and work environment

A nautical operations manager has overall responsibility for planning, leading, and monitoring ship navigation and operations. The role includes ensuring that all nautical activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards. Tasks involve coordinating crew work, risk assessments, managing ship documentation, and communication with ports and authorities. The work environment is often dynamic and can vary between land-based offices and onboard ships. The profession demands strong leadership and technical skills, as decisions often need to be made quickly under pressure.

Salary development over time

The salary for a nautical operations manager has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 SEK per month, increasing to 48 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 50 500 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 6.1% over the three-year period. This positive salary development can largely be explained by continued high demand for qualified personnel in the shipping sector, along with increased requirements for education and certification. Inflation and changes in collective bargaining also influence salary formation. Despite the relatively small size of the profession, an attractive salary level reflects both the level of responsibility and the specialized knowledge required.

Naustical operations manager salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 50 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 44,900 SEK/month (men), 48,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 55,300 SEK/month (men), 54,900 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 304 SEK
• Gender differences: Average salary for men 50 500 SEK, data on women's average salary is missing, but the salary range shows some variation
• Regional differences: Specific data is missing, but variation may occur depending on location and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a nautical operations manager, a solid maritime education is usually required, typically in the form of a post-secondary officer qualification. The education is combined with certifications and practical experience, with employers often demanding several years of industry experience. It is also common to supplement with specialized courses in leadership and safety to assume the overall responsibility of the role.

• Formal degree: Maritime officer diploma (post-secondary, 3 years or more)
• Certifications: Officer certificates class VII–I and STCW certificates
• Practical training: Onboard service during education is mandatory
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and passing grades in mathematics, English, and Swedish
• Courses: Leadership, safety at sea, and crisis management are recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for nautical operations managers include occupational pension, travel allowances, extra vacation, wellness contributions, and sometimes bonus schemes. Depending on the employer, insurances, training grants, and access to staff accommodation may also be provided, especially when working on ships for longer periods.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a nautical operations manager is moderate but varies depending on the labor market and location. One of the biggest challenges is meeting the high requirements for education and certification, as well as maintaining competence in an area characterized by rapid changes and strict safety standards. Limited training places and lengthy practical training periods can hinder entry into the profession. At the same time, the role requires good stress resilience and decision-making skills under pressure, which may not suit everyone. Technological developments in shipping also demand continuous retraining and adaptability.

Tips for aspiring nautical operations managers

To succeed as a nautical operations manager, it’s good to combine analytical thinking with a strong sense of responsibility. Being communicative and clear facilitates collaboration with the crew and other stakeholders, while stress tolerance helps in quick and unexpected situations onboard. It’s recommended to early on build on your education with practical training and certifications, and actively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues. Precision in documentation and reporting is crucial for safety, and technical curiosity is an advantage as new navigation systems are continuously introduced. Showing initiative and a desire for ongoing development are key qualities for career progression.

Key facts about nautical operations managers

• Education level: Post-secondary diploma, usually 3 years or more
• Work environment: Both onboard ships and in land-based control rooms
• Job openings in the profession: 412
• Qualification requirements: Maritime officer diploma and STCW certificates
• Work arrangement: May involve shift work and on-call duties

Career paths and future prospects

A nautical operations manager has good opportunities to advance within the shipping industry after gaining some years of experience. Common career paths include moving to higher officer positions, such as chief mate or captain, or further education in shipping management and maritime safety. Some choose to specialize in training future officers or move into consultancy roles within maritime safety and logistics. Forecasts from the Employment Service show no precise assessment for the profession, but the general demand for ship officers remains stable, reflected in the large number of job openings. Technological advances and increased global trade are expected to continue driving the need for qualified operations managers in the future.

Frequently asked questions about nautical operations managers

• What does a nautical operations manager earn?
  - The average salary is 50 500 SEK per month, with a range between 44,900 SEK and 55,300 SEK depending on experience and education.
• What education is required to become a nautical operations manager?
  - A post-secondary maritime officer diploma and necessary certifications and practical experience are mandatory.
• Do nautical operations managers only work onboard ships?
  - No, tasks can be performed both onboard and from land-based control rooms or offices.
• Are there good future prospects in the profession?
  - The demand for nautical operations managers is stable, and many job openings are available in the field according to current figures.
• What is the gender distribution among nautical operations managers?
  - The majority are men, but women are represented; however, complete salary data for women is missing in the statistics.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Responsibility, stress resilience, leadership skills, and good communication skills are essential.
• How many job vacancies are there in the field?
  - There are a total of 412 job openings in the field of ship officers, including nautical operations managers.