Navigator

In the Union, a navigator is the person on board a ship responsible for its navigation. The navigator's primary responsibility is to be aware of the ship's position at all times. Responsibilities include planning the journey, advising the captain of estimated timing to destinations while en route, and ensuring hazards are avoided. The navigator is in charge of maintaining the ship's stellar charts, publications, and navigational equipment.

While some consider the tasks of a Navigator and an Helm to be the same, they are distinct but complementary. The Navigator is responsible for planning a safe route to a destination, while the helmsman is the one responsible for following that route.

Often, on civilian cargo ships, the two functions are performed by a single being.

On Union Explorer Ships, the task of ploting a course into unexplorered regions is done with input from the Science Mission Chief as well as the OPS Department and Engineering.