Graduates of Marine Academies may continue to serve as housing officers. Sailors who did not graduate from marine academies, on the other hand, generally must obtain many hours of work experience before being promoted to deck officers.
Consider taking continuing education courses. Maritime academies offer continuing education courses for professional development. These classes can help sailors learn new skills or keep abreast of new technological developments, such as global maritime emergency safety systems.
Some programs can also prepare workers for recertification exams, such as radar systems.
As they continue to gain experience and receive on-the-job training, housing officers may qualify for a captain promotion. The years of experience required to reach this point vary and are based on the time spent in levels or ranges. In some cases, tests may also be administered.