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Second Officer Jobs on Bulk Carriers

Second Officer jobs on bulk carriers: navigation officer duties, port watches during loading and discharge, certificates (STCW II/1) and how to apply online.

Vessel typeBulk Carrier
LocationWorldwide
ContractCommonly 5 to 6 months
JoiningUpcoming vacancies
CompanyCrewing agencies and shipowners we work with
SalarySet by the employer for each vacancy

Role overview

Open recruitment for crewing agencies and shipowners we work with. This page is not a single vacancy: apply to be considered for Second Officer posts on bulk carriers when they open.

The second officer on a bulk carrier is the navigation officer. Tramp trade means the next port is often fixed only a few days ahead, so passage plans are prepared at short notice, including river passages, canal transits (Suez, Panama) and anchorages with heavy traffic. In port the second officer keeps deck watches during loading and discharge: drafts and trim, deballasting, mooring lines in tidal berths and the gangway are checked through the watch.

Certificates for Second Officer posts on bulk carriers

  • Certificate of Competency as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (STCW Reg. II/1)
  • GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (STCW Reg. IV/2) and ECDIS type-specific familiarisation
  • Proficiency in designated security duties (STCW Reg. VI/6), advanced fire fighting (VI/3), medical first aid (VI/4)
  • Flag endorsement (STCW Reg. I/10)

Watches, trade and contract

At sea the second officer usually keeps the 12 to 4 watch. In port watches are often 6 on and 6 off while cargo is worked. Grabs and bulldozers in the holds can damage hatch coamings, ladders and frames; the duty officer records stevedore damage and reports it to the chief officer so a damage report can be given to the terminal. The second officer also corrects the charts and publications for ports that the ship may never have visited before.

Contract length: commonly 5 to 6 months, set by the employer for each vacancy.

What employers ask for

  • Previous contracts as second or third officer on bulk carriers
  • Passage planning for canals, rivers and port approaches
  • Experience of draft readings and ballast work during cargo
  • Some owners ask for a Suez or Panama transit history

How to apply

  1. Create a free seafarer account and confirm your email address.
  2. Fill in your CV with your sea service on bulk carriers, your CoC and the certificates listed above, and upload copies.
  3. Apply to this post and make your profile visible to verified employers, so crewing agencies and shipowners can find you when a vacancy opens.

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