Training aboard, building sea time toward first watchkeeping certificate.
From cadet to command — typical progression timelines and real 2026 salary ranges for every rank, deck and engine.
Training aboard, building sea time toward first watchkeeping certificate.
First officer rank — navigation watches, safety duties.
💰 $3,000–$6,000/moPrimary navigation and voyage planning responsibility.
💰 $4,500–$8,500/moCargo operations, deck department, direct link to the Master.
💰 $7,000–$14,000/moFull command — navigation, cargo, crew, and regulatory compliance.
💰 $9,000–$21,000/moTimelines are general industry patterns and vary by company, flag state, and individual sea time — not a guarantee. Salary ranges span bulk carrier to LNG carrier rates for 2026, from ShipCrewFinder's Salary Index.
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