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Live · Guide v1.06117 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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NAVY · 6117Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.6117.R.04
6117 · NAVY · Officer

Seamanship and Navigation
Officer.

Navy 6117 (Seamanship and Navigation Officer). 240 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $70K–$110K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours240DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 6 semester hours in Nautical Science
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles

Roles your code maps to.

SOURCE · BLS + LIGHTCAST ROLES · 4

Industry tech roles your 6117 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge

The gap, named.

What 6117 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have04
  • 01
    Voyage PlanningData Analysis
  • 02
    Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)Data Visualization
  • 03
    Team SynchronizationCross-functional Collaboration
  • 04
    Procedural ComplianceQuality Assurance
To learn04

The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.

+SQL for data querying+Data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI+Project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum)+Software testing principles
How VWC fits

Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.

See VWC Programs →
/ 03 · Civilian Pathways

Where your code lands.

SOURCE · LIGHTCAST + CURATED PATHWAYS · 5
P.01

Ship or Boat Captain

$95K
High match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • Civilian Mariner Credentials (e.g., USCG)
  • Specific vessel certifications (e.g., Tanker)
  • Commercial maritime regulations
P.02

Marine Surveyor

$80K
Good match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
  • Naval Architecture knowledge
  • Marine engineering principles
  • Surveying certifications (e.g., NAMS, SAMS)
P.03

Port Operations Manager

$110K
Good match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • Supply chain logistics
  • Port management software
  • Knowledge of international trade regulations
P.04

Maritime Academy Instructor

$85K
Moderate match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
  • Teaching certification
  • Curriculum development
  • Advanced degree in maritime studies (preferred)
P.05

Yacht Broker

$70K
Moderate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • Sales experience
  • Knowledge of yacht construction and maintenance
  • Licensing as a Yacht Broker
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

Cognitive skills your 6117 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.

S.01

Situational Awareness

Naval Officers constantly maintain comprehensive awareness of their vessel's position, surrounding environment, and potential hazards, enabling proactive decision-making and risk mitigation.

Transfers to

The ability to quickly assess dynamic environments, anticipate potential problems, and maintain vigilance for subtle changes translates to effective risk management and proactive problem-solving in various civilian sectors.

S.02

Rapid Prioritization

Naval Deck Officers routinely face evolving operational demands, requiring the swift assessment of competing priorities to allocate resources and personnel effectively, ensuring mission success.

Transfers to

Quickly triaging tasks, making critical decisions under pressure, and allocating resources efficiently are vital skills adaptable to fast-paced civilian roles requiring decisive leadership.

S.03

Team Synchronization

Coordinating deck and navigation personnel during complex operations demands meticulous synchronization of tasks, clear communication, and a shared understanding of objectives to achieve seamless execution.

Transfers to

Coordinating cross-functional teams, aligning diverse skill sets, and fostering collaborative environments are essential for successful project management and achieving organizational goals in the civilian world.

S.04

Procedural Compliance

Adherence to strict naval protocols and safety regulations is paramount for Naval Officers, ensuring operational integrity and minimizing risks in high-stakes environments.

Transfers to

Meticulous attention to detail, unwavering commitment to safety standards, and a proven track record of adhering to regulatory frameworks translate to valuable assets in industries with stringent compliance requirements.

/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches

Roles the recruiter won't suggest.

Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been rigorously trained to assess risks, coordinate resources, and make critical decisions under pressure. As an Emergency Management Director (11-9161.00), you'll use these skills to prepare for and respond to disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities.

Adjacent · Match

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

Your experience in coordinating personnel and resources on naval vessels translates seamlessly to managing complex supply chains and logistics operations. As a Logistics Manager (11-3071.00), you'll optimize processes, ensure timely delivery, and minimize disruptions in civilian supply chains.

Adjacent · Match

Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You're a seasoned expert in planning, organizing, and executing complex projects while managing diverse teams. As a Project Manager (11-9021.00), you'll leverage your leadership skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances to drive successful project outcomes in any industry.

Adjacent · Match
/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED
Academy

Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS)

Navigation Department Head Course, Newport, RI
240hHours
6wkWeeks
ACECredit

Up to 6 semester hours in Nautical Science

Topics · 8
  • Voyage Planning
  • Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
  • Radar Navigation
  • Collision Avoidance
  • Celestial Navigation
  • Shiphandling
  • Bridge Resource Management
  • Naval Regulations
Partial coverage · 3
  • Certified Manager (CM)60%

    Requires study of general management principles, human resources, and financial management topics not explicitly covered in naval deck officer training.

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)50%

    Requires additional study of formal project management methodologies, documentation, and specific project management knowledge areas as defined by PMI.

  • OSHA 30-Hour Maritime Training70%

    While naval officers receive safety training, this OSHA certification requires specific knowledge of OSHA regulations and maritime-specific safety standards.

Recommended next · 03
  • Certified Port Executive (CPE)Adjacent
  • Certified Marine Terminal Operator (CMTO)Adjacent
  • Master Mariner License (depending on career path post-military)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation

What you ran, in their words.

Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian EquivalentDomain
Integrated Bridge System (IBS)Integrated marine navigation systems (e.g., Transas, Raymarine, Furuno) with ECDIS, radar, and conning display.Operations
Voyage Management System (VMS)Voyage planning software (e.g., MaxSea, Coastal Explorer) used in commercial shipping.Operations
Global Positioning System (GPS) / Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)GPS navigation devices and apps (e.g., Garmin, Navionics) with WAAS/EGNOS support for enhanced accuracy.Operations
Automatic Identification System (AIS)AIS transponders and vessel tracking services (e.g., MarineTraffic, VesselFinder) for collision avoidance and monitoring.Operations
AN/SPS-73 Surface Search RadarMarine radar systems (e.g., Furuno, Simrad) for detecting surface contacts in low visibility conditions.Signals
GyrocompassMarine gyrocompass systems (e.g., Sperry Marine, Raymarine) for accurate heading information independent of magnetic field.Operations
Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS)Maritime Command and Control SystemsOperations
/ Translator · Live

Translate 6117 into a resume that ships.

Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.