Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: GMDSS • Gyrocompass • Navigation Lights

Great Circle Navigation

Term from Maritime Navigation industry explained for recruiters

Great Circle Navigation is the method ships use to find the shortest path between two points on the globe. Think of it like drawing the shortest line between two points on a round ball - that's what ships do on Earth. While it might look curved on a flat map, it's actually the fastest and most fuel-efficient route across oceans. It's a fundamental skill for maritime officers and navigators, similar to how airline pilots plan their routes. When you see this term on a resume, it shows that the candidate understands advanced navigation techniques used on commercial ships, cruise vessels, or naval vessels.

Examples in Resumes

Planned and executed Great Circle Navigation routes for trans-Pacific cargo voyages

Trained junior officers in Great Circle calculations and route planning

Implemented Great Circle Navigation techniques to reduce fuel consumption by 15% on major routes

Typical job title: "Maritime Navigation Officers"

Also try searching for:

Navigation Officer Deck Officer Maritime Officer Ship's Navigator Chief Mate Second Mate Maritime Route Planner

Where to Find Maritime Navigation Officers

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

• Maritime Professional Network on LinkedIn
• Reddit r/Maritime
• Maritime Jobs on LinkedIn

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you plan a fuel-efficient route across the Pacific using Great Circle Navigation?

Expected Answer: A senior navigator should discuss considering weather patterns, seasonal conditions, fuel consumption calculations, and how they would adjust the route for practical considerations while maintaining efficiency.

Q: How do you train junior officers in Great Circle Navigation?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate teaching experience, mention both traditional and modern electronic methods, and explain how they ensure proper understanding of fundamental concepts before moving to electronic tools.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when plotting a Great Circle route?

Expected Answer: Should mention weather considerations, ocean currents, vessel capabilities, and fuel efficiency while showing understanding of both manual and electronic navigation tools.

Q: How do you modify a Great Circle route for practical navigation?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to break down a Great Circle into manageable rhumb line segments and consider practical factors like weather and restricted areas.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic principle of Great Circle Navigation?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in simple terms that it's the shortest distance between two points on a sphere, like Earth, and why it appears curved on flat maps.

Q: What tools do you use for Great Circle calculations?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate familiarity with both traditional tools (charts, publications) and modern electronic navigation systems.