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Fourth Officer Jobs

2 open vacancies · updated 27 Oct 2026

About the role

Fourth Officer (also written Fourth Mate or 4/O) is a junior deck officer. The rank is common on ships that carry more deck officers than the minimum, such as large tankers, bulk carriers, container ships and passenger ships. The Fourth Officer reports to the Chief Officer and the Master. On watch, the Fourth Officer may direct an AB or OS. The officer keeps navigational watches on the bridge, helps the Chief Officer with deck work and safety equipment, and takes part in drills and security duties. STCW sets the certificate for an officer in charge of a navigational watch under STCW II/1; it does not set a separate Fourth Officer certificate.

Duties on board

  • Keep navigational watches on the bridge under the Master and Chief Officer.
  • Use ECDIS, ARPA and radar to monitor position and traffic.
  • Check course, speed, compass error and weather during the watch.
  • Report traffic, weather changes and position problems to the Master.
  • Supervise AB and OS during deck work, mooring and anchoring.
  • Assist the Chief Officer with deck maintenance and safety checks.
  • Maintain the bridge logbook and chart corrections as required.
  • Take part in fire, abandon ship and man overboard drills.
  • Carry out security duties under the ISPS Code when designated.
  • Check life-saving and fire-fighting equipment as instructed.

Requirements

DocumentConventionNote
Certificate of Competency (CoC) as Officer in Charge of a Navigational WatchSTCW II/1Every officer in charge of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of 500 GT or more must hold a certificate of competency.
GMDSS radio operator certificateSTCW IV/2Every person in charge of or performing radio duties on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS must hold an appropriate GMDSS certificate.
Basic Safety Training (BST)STCW VI/1Seafarers must receive safety familiarization and basic training or instruction in line with section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code.
Security-related familiarization and security-awareness trainingSTCW VI/6Seafarers must receive security-related familiarization and security-awareness training or instruction.
Certificate of Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (PSCRB)STCW VI/2A candidate for a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats must be not less than 18 years of age.

Sea service

For the OOW CoC, a candidate needs approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months as part of an approved training programme documented in a training record book, or otherwise approved seagoing service of not less than 36 months. During the service, at least six months must be bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the Master or a qualified officer.

Medical fitness

Seafarers may not work on a ship unless certified medically fit. Before beginning work, they must hold a valid medical certificate. A medical certificate is valid for a maximum of two years, or one year if the seafarer is under 18; a colour vision certificate is valid for a maximum of six years.

Documents

  • Passport
  • Seaman's book (CDC)
  • CoC as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch
  • GMDSS radio operator certificate
  • BST certificate
  • Medical certificate
  • Security training certificate
  • Visas when the voyage needs them

What employers on Krew Guru ask for

Vessel typesChemical Tanker 25%, Bulk Carrier 21%, Oil Tanker 21%, Container Ship 19%, LPG Carrier 5%
Contracts in rank (median)1
Contract length (median)6 months
Open to any nationality97%
VisasUnited States of America 9%
Based on 548 vacancies on Krew Guru over the last 365 days.

Career path

Comes from: Deck Cadet, Junior Officer (Trainee Officer)
Next step: Third Officer

Companies hiring Fourth Officer now

Related ranks

Fourth Officer: questions and answers

Is a Fourth Officer the same as a Third Officer?

No. Fourth Officer is a junior rank used on some ships. The certificate for an officer in charge of a navigational watch is the same under STCW II/1. The watch position and duties depend on the ship and the Master's orders.

What CoC does a Fourth Officer need?

On a seagoing ship of 500 GT or more, an officer in charge of a navigational watch must hold a CoC under STCW II/1. The candidate must be not less than 18 years of age and meet the STCW standard of competence.

How much sea service is needed for the OOW CoC?

A candidate needs approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months in an approved training programme documented in a training record book, or otherwise not less than 36 months. At least six months must be bridge watchkeeping duties under supervision.

What medical certificate do I need?

You must hold a valid medical certificate before you begin work on a ship. It is valid for a maximum of two years, or one year if you are under 18. A colour vision certificate is valid for a maximum of six years.

Can a Fourth Officer become a Third Officer?

Yes. With the OOW CoC and sea service, a Fourth Officer can move to Third Officer when the company and ship need a Third Officer. Promotion depends on the company, the ship and the officer's record.
7,200+ Fourth Officer profiles on Krew Guru · 67 vacancies in the last 90 days

Sources

Checked against the official texts on 26 Oct 2026.