Third Officer Education Requirements And Courses

Third officer education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Usually, third officers don't need a college education. The most common degree for third officers is bachelor's degree with 78% graduates, with only 8% third officer graduates earning master's degree. Third officers who decided to graduate from college often finish United States Merchant Marine Academy or SUNY Maritime College. Some good skills to have in this position include safety equipment, cargo operations and emergency equipment.

What education do you need to become a third officer?

What degree do you need to be a third officer?

The most common degree for third officers is bachelor's degree, with 78% of third officers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 8% and master's degree degree at 7%.

Bachelor's, 78%

Master's, 8%

Associate, 7%

Diploma, 4%

Other Degrees, 3%

What should I major in to become a third officer?

You should major in marine transportation to become a third officer. 48% of third officers major in marine transportation. Other common majors for a third officer include business and supply chain management.

Marine Transportation, 48%

Business, 19%

Supply Chain Management, 9%

Physics, 4%

Other Majors, 20%

Best majors for third officers

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Marine Transportation	47.7%
2	Business	19.3%
3	Supply Chain Management	9.2%
4	Physics	3.7%
5	Maritime Studies	1.8%

Show more common third officer majors

20 best online courses for third officers

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1. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment

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The most complete course available on Functional Safety. 2+ hours of videos, case studies, assignments, & more...

3. Basic Certificate in Health Safety & Environment-HSE Level 2

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A comprehensive course for Safety Officers, Supervisors, Managers and Aspiring Safety Professionals...

4. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert

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Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...

5. NEBOSH FIRE SAFETY

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Managing Fire Safety in Workplace...

6. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System

4.4

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Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...

7. Complete Health and Safety Auditor Course. OHSAS 18001.

4.5

(2,235)

How to implement and audit a health & safety management system and obtain certification to OHSAS 18001 Standard...

8. Basic Fire Safety Awareness

4.3

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Basic Fire Safety Awareness - Your Gateway towards Career in Fire Safety...

9. Fun food safety and sanitation course

4.6

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The food safety course will help prepare you for safely working in a kitchen and food handler tests like Servesafe...

10. Food Safety for Managers and Supervisors

4.3

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The Highfield Food Safety Level 3 syllabus presented in two hours of video tutorials. Boost your food safety knowledge...

11. ISO 45001. Occupational health & safety management system

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Upgrate your health and safety career by understanding the requriements for an OH & S management system from ISO 45001...

12. Inventory Management: Safety Stock Calculation and Control

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Optimize your Supply Chain Safety Stock. Simple to Advanced Methods. Reduce Costs and Risk in your Business Operations...

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Become an expert in understanding Fire Safety and Prevention Planning for your workplaces and organizations...

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15. Occupational Health & Safety Training

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Workplace Health and Safety Course For Employees & Managers...

16. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)

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Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...

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A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...

18. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings

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A Brief Safety Management Course for Current and Aspiring Safety Professionals...

19. High Voltage Electric Vehicle Safety

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Electric Vehicle Safety Battery Pack Fire Safety Electric Shock Safety Accidental Safety High Voltage Components...

20. Refresher course of Safety Management Systems

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A quick overview for aviation managers and safety professionals about basic concepts and philosophy of SMS...

Average third officer salary by education level

Third officers with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $139,234 annually. With a Associate degree, third officers earn a median annual income of $116,399 compared to $110,825 for third officers with an High School Diploma degree.

Third officer education level	Third officer salary
High School Diploma or Less	$110,825
Bachelor's Degree	$139,234
Some College/ Associate Degree	$116,399