Seafarers professions and ranks

Seafarers hold a variety of professions and ranks, and 1.2 Deck department
each of these roles carries unique responsibilities which
are integral to the successful operation of a seafaring ves- Main article: Deck Department
sel. A ships bridge, lled with sophisticated equipment,
requires skills diering from those used on the deck,
which houses berthing and cargo gear, which requires
skills dierent from those used in a ships engine room, 1.2.1 Ocers/ Licensed
and so on.
Main article: Licensed mariner
The following is only a partial listing of professions and
ranks. Ship operators have understandably employed a
wide variety of positions, given the vast array of technolo-
gies, missions, and circumstances that ships have been Chief Ocer/Chief Mate Main article: First Ocer
subjected to over the years. Usually, seafarers work on The Chief Ocer/First Mate (often called the Chief
board a ship between three and six years. Afterwards they
are well prepared for working in the European maritime
industry ashore.[1] A ships crew can generally be divided
into four main categories: the deck department, the engi-
neering department, the stewards department, and other.
Generally, there are some dierences between naval and
civilian seafarers. One of them is that the seafarers on
merchant vessels are usually not of the same nationality,
so that special cross-cultural training is required, espe- Epaulettes worn by the chief ocer on merchant ships (similar to
cially with regard to a lingua franca.[2] Moreover, admin- those worn by a commander in the commonwealth navies)
istrative work has increased considerably on board, partly
as an eect of increased focus on safety and security. A Mate in the United States) is the head of the deck de-
study shows that due to this development certain skills partment on a merchant vessel, second-in-command af-
are missing and some are desired, so that a new degree of ter the ships Master. The Chief Mates primary responsi-
exibility and job sharing has arisen, as the workload of bilities are the vessels cargo operations, its stability, and
each crew member also increases.[3] supervising the deck crew. The mate is responsible for
the safety and security of the ship, as well as the welfare
of the crew on board. The chief mate typically stands the
4-8 navigation watch as OICNW (Ocer in-charge of
1 Modern ships complement the navigational watch), directing the bridge team. Some
crews have additional Third Mates, which allow the Chief
1.1 Captain/Master Mate to not stand navigational watch, and focus more
on cargo and deck operations. Additional duties include
Main article: Sea Captain maintenance of the ships hull, cargo gears, accommoda-
tions, the life saving appliances and the reghting appli-
ances. The chief mate also trains the crew and cadets on
The captain or master is the ships highest responsible of- various aspects like safety, reghting, search and res-
cer, acting on behalf of the ships owner. Whether the cue, and various other contingencies. The chief ocer
captain is a member of the deck department or not is a assumes command of the whole ship in the absence or
matter of some controversy, and generally depends on the incapacitation of the master.
opinion of an individual captain. When a ship has a third
mate, the captain does not stand watch.
The captain is legally responsible for the day-to-day af- Second Ocer/Second Mate Main article: Second
fairs of the ship as he/she is in command. It is his respon- mate
sibility to ensure that all the departments under him per-
form legally to the requirements of the ships owner. The The Second Ocer/Second Mate is a qualied OICNW
captain represents the owner and hence is called master. watch stander, directing the bridge team and navigating

1
2 1 MODERN SHIPS COMPLEMENT

the ship. The Second Mate is the 3rd most experienced
deck department ocer after the Captain/Master and
Chief Mate. The Second Mates primary duty is naviga-
tional, which includes updating charts and publications,
keeping them current, making passage plans, and all as-
pects of ship navigation. The Second Mates other du-
ties may include directing line handlers, cargo watches,
directing anchor detail and training and instructing crew
members.
1.3.1 Ocers / Licensed
The engineers are also called technical ocers. They
are responsible for keeping the ship and the machinery
running. Today, ships are complex units that combine a
lot of technology within a small space. This includes not
only the engine and the propulsion system, but also, for
example, the electrical power supply, devices for load-
ing and discharging, garbage incineration and fresh water
generators.[1]

Third Ocer/Third Mate Main article: Third mate

Chief engineer The chief engineer on a merchant ves-
sel is the ocial title of someone qualied to oversee the
The Third Ocer is the least experienced qualied
engine department. The qualication for this position is
OICNW watch-stander. When on navigational watch,
colloquially called a Chiefs Ticket.
the Third Mate directs the bridge team, maneuvering the
vessel, keeping it safe and on track. The Third Mates The Chief Engineer, commonly referred to as The
primary duty is matters of safety, inspecting gear lock- chief, or just chief, is responsible for all operations
ers, lifeboats, and all equipment onboard insuring that and maintenance that have to do with all machinery and
it is safe and operational. Other duties include directing equipment throughout the ship. He may be paid on par
line handlers, cargo watches, directing anchor details and with the captain, although he is never responsible for the
training and instructing crew members. action of ship. The chief engineer cannot assume com-
mand and the command always rests with the Captain of
the ship, unless it is clearly mentioned within the safety
1.2.2 Ratings / Unlicensed management system.

Mariners without a certicate of competence are called

ratings. They assist in all other tasks that can arise during
a voyage. This includes for example, mooring, cleaning
of the ship and its holds and repairing broken lines and
ropes. These are physically challenging jobs and have to
be done regardless of the weather.[1]
Second engineer/rst assistant engineer The second
engineer or rst assistant engineer is the ocer respon-
sible for supervising the daily maintenance and operation
of the engine department. He or she reports directly to
the chief engineer.

Fourth engineer/third assistant engineer The fourth

Bosun Highly skilled in marlinspike seamanship, the
Bosun is the highest ranking unlicensed (rating) in the
deck department. The Bosun generally carries out the
tasks instructed by the Chief Mate, directing the Able
Seaman and Ordinary Seaman. The Bosun generally does
not stand a navigational watch.
Able Seaman/AB An Able Seaman works under the
Bosun, completing tasks such as working mooring lines,
operating deck gear, standing anchor details, and working
cargo. The AB also stands a navigational watch, generally
as a lookout or helmsman.
engineer or third assistant engineer is junior to the second
assistant engineer/third engineer in the engine depart-
ment. The most junior marine engineer of the ship, he
or she is usually responsible for electrical, sewage treat-
ment, lube oil, bilge, and oily water separation systems.
Depending on usage, this person is called The Third,
or The Fourth, and usually stands a watch. Moreover,
the fourth engineer may assist the third mate in maintain-
ing proper operation of the lifeboats. In the U.S. eet,
it is not uncommon for the third engineer to carry the
nickname Turd Third due to his/her sewage treatment
responsibilities.

1.3.2 Ratings / Unlicensed

Ordinary Seaman/OS The lowest ranking personnel
in the deck department. An OS generally helps out with Qualied Member-Engine Department/QMED
work the Able Seaman are doing. Other tasks include The QMED is an unlicensed member of the engine
standing lookout, and generally cleaning duties. department, with more experience than an Oiler.

1.3 Engineering department Oiler The Oiler is an unlicensed member of the engine
department, with more experience than a Wiper.
 3

Wiper The wiper is an unlicensed member of the en- 1.5.2 Chief cook
gine department, usually with the least experience.
The chief cook is the senior unlicensed crew member
working in the stewards department of a ship. His posi-
1.4 Electrical department tion corresponds to that of the Bosun in the deck depart-
ment, the pump man in an oil tanker, and the electrician
1.4.1 Electrotechnical Ocer (but not ETO) in the engine department of a container
ship or general cargo ship. He can be regarded as equiv-
The electrotechnical ocer sometimes referred to as the alent to a chief petty ocer in the Navy.
electrical engineer or simply electrician is in charge of all
The chief cook directs and participates in the preparation
the electrical systems on the ship. The electrical engineer
and serving of meals; determines timing and sequence of
is one of the most vital positions in the technical hierarchy
operations required to meet serving times; inspects gal-
of a ship and engineer is responsible for their assigned
ley and equipment for cleanliness and proper storage and
work under the chief engineers instructions.
preparation of food.
Unlike engineers the ETO does not carry out an assigned
engine room watch instead they are normally on call
24 hours a day and generally work a daily shift carrying 2 Royal Navy historical ships com-
out electrical and electronic maintenance, repairs, instal-
lations and testing. plement
Some shipping companies do not carry electrical ocers
on their ship to cut down the manning cost, and the elec-
trical duties are carried by an engineer. This is usually
the third engineer. However, many companies realized
that electrical and electronic system requires some extra
attention and therefore require an expert to attend them.
This is especially true on diesel electric ships or vessels
equipped with systems such as dynamic positioning.
Relative ranks in the Royal Navy, c. 1810. Warrant ocers are
On larger vessels such as cruise ships, electrotechnical of- underlined in the chart.[4]
cers can have ranks within their profession, such posi-
tion names include, lead ETO, 1st Electrician, chief elec- The Captain was a commissioned ocer naval ocer in
trical ocer or chief electrical engineer. In this situation, command of a ship and was addressed by naval custom
the highest ranked electrotechnical ocer will report di- as captain while aboard in command, regardless of the
rectly to the chief engineer. On special class ships such ocers actual rank.
as FPSOs the electrotechnical ocer can sometimes earn
nearly the same wage as a chief engineer due to the com-
plexity of the electrical systems on the ship. 2.1 Wardroom ocers
As the technology advances, more automation and elec-
tronic circuits are replacing conventional and electrical The Lieutenants were commissioned ocers immedi-
systems. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ately subordinate to the captain. Lieutenants were num-
amended STCW 95 (also known as the Manila Amend- bered by their seniority within the ship, so that a frigate
ment) on June 25, 2010 to introduce the certied position (which was entitled to three lieutenants) would have a rst
of Electro-technical ocer in place of Electrical Ocer. lieutenant, a second lieutenant, and a third lieutenant. A
rst-rate was entitled to six lieutenants, and they were
numbered accordingly.
1.5 Stewards department The Sailing Master" was a naval ocer trained in and
responsible for the navigation of a sailing vessel. The rank
1.5.1 Chief steward can be equated to a professional seaman and specialist in
navigation, rather than as a military commander and was
The chief steward directs, instructs, and assigns person- originally a warrant ocer who ranked with, but after,
nel performing such functions as preparing and serving the lieutenants and was eventually renamed to navigating
meals; cleaning and maintaining ocers quarters and lieutenant in 1867.
steward department areas; and receiving, issuing, and in-
ventorying stores. The chief steward also plans menus; The Captain of Marines was the commissioned oce in
compiles supply, overtime, and cost control records. The command of the Royal Marines on the ship.
steward may requisition or purchase stores and equip- The Purser was the ocer responsible for all adminis-
ment. Additional duties may include baking bread, rolls, tration and of supplies such as food and drink, clothing,
cakes, pies, and pastries. bedding, candles, the purser was originally known as the
4 4 REFERENCES

clerk of burser.. Pursers received no pay but were enti- 2.4 Senior Petty Ocers
tled to prots made through their business activities. In
the 18th century a purser would buy his warrant for 65 A Midshipman was an apprentice ocer who had previ-
and was required to post sureties totalling 2,100 with theously served at least three years as a volunteer, ocers
Admiralty.[5] They maintained and sailed the ships and servant or able seaman, and was roughly equivalent to a
were the standing ocers of the navy, staying with the present day petty ocer in rank and responsibilities. Af-
ships in port between voyages as caretakers supervising ter serving at least three years as a midshipman or mas-
repairs and retting.[6] ters mate, he was eligible to take the examination for
lieutenant. Promotion to lieutenant was not automatic,
The Surgeon was the medical ocer of the ship. Sur-
and many midshipmen took positions as masters mates
geons were ranked by the Navy Board based on their
[7] for an increase in pay and responsibility aboard ship.
training and social status. Surgeons were wardroom
warrant ocers with a high status, billeted along with the The Clerk was a literate worker who did administrative
other ocers in the wardroom.[8] Surgeons were assisted work on the ship.
by surgeons mates, who after 1805 were called assistant The Armourer maintained and repaired the smaller
surgeons.[9] The surgeon and his mates were assisted by weapons on the ship.
boys, who were called loblolly boys, named after the
gruel commonly served in the sick bay.[7] A small num- The Caulker maintained and repaired the caulking of the
ber of doctors with a prestigious medical education were ships hull.
ranked as physicians; they would supervise surgeons on The Ropemaker made, maintained and repaired ropes on
ships or run hospitals on shore.[10] board.
The Chaplain lead the ships religious services. As an The "Master-at-arms" was a naval rating, responsible dis-
ordained minister his social status meant he was made cipline aboard ship, assisted by Corporals.
an ocer.

2.5 Petty Ocers

2.2 Standing ocers The Yeoman of the Sheets was in charge of the rope
store. Given that the ship was rarely dry inside and the
ropes rotted when wet, preserving the rope was a major
The Gunner was the warrant ocer in charge of the
problem.[13]
shipss naval artillery and other weapons. He supervised
the Armourer, the Gunners Mate and the Yeoman of the
Power room.
3 See also
The Boatswain (/bosn/), bos'n, bosn, or bosun, was
the warrant ocer of the deck department. As deck crew
Ship transport
foreman, the boatswain planned the days work and as-
signed tasks to the deck crew. As work was completed,
the boatswain checked the completed work was done cor-
rectly. He supervised the Ropemaker, the Boatswains 4 References
Mate and the Sailmaker.
[1] Careers on board. Go-maritime.net. Retrieved 13 De-
The carpenter was the warrant ocer who was responsi- cember 2014.
ble for the maintenance and repair of the wooden com-
ponents of the ship. He supervised the Caulker, the Car- [2] "Cross-cultural training needs of seafarers, shore-based
penters Mate and the Master-At-Arms. personnel and industry stakeholders" (PDF). Know-
me.org. Retrieved 13 December 2014.

[3] Gesine Stueck. 2.1.Future demand of maritime profes-

sionals in the maritime and port industry. Know-me.org.
2.3 Cockpit mates Retrieved 13 December 2014.

Originally, a masters mate was an experienced petty of-
cer, who assisted the master, but was not in line for pro-
motion to lieutenant.[11] By the mid-eighteenth century,
he was far more likely to be a superior midshipman, still
waiting to pass his examination for lieutenant or to re-
ceive his commission, but taking rather more responsibil-
ity aboard ship. Six masters mates were allowed on a rst
rate, three on a third rate, and two on most frigates.[12]
[4] Lavery, Brian (1989). Nelsons Navy: The Ships, Men and
Organization. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. p.
136. ISBN 0-87021-258-3.
[5] Royal Navy Customs and Traditions
[6] Naval Historical Center (2005-07-20). Why is the
Colonel Called Kernal"? The Origin of the Ranks and
Rank Insignia Now Used by the United States Armed
Forces. United States Navy. Retrieved 2007-05-26.
 5

[7] King 2001, p. 32

[8] King 2001, pp. 33

[9] King 2001, p. 16>

[10] King 2001, pp. 31

[11] Lavery, Brian (1989). Nelsons Navy: The Ships, Men and
Organization. Annapolis, Md: Naval Institute Press. p.
93. ISBN 0-87021-258-3.

[12] Lavery, Brian (1989). Nelsons Navy: The Ships, Men and
Organization. Annapolis, Md: Naval Institute Press. p.
328. ISBN 0-87021-258-3.

[13] The Wooden World: Anatomy of the Georgian Navy by

N.A.M. Rodger, ISBN 978-0006861522

King, Dean (2001). A Sea of Words: Lexicon and Com-

panion for Patrick O'Brians Seafaring Tales. Henry Holt.
ISBN 0-8050-6615-2. Retrieved 2009-05-19.

5 External links
United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Li-
censing and Documentation web site
6 6 TEXT AND IMAGE SOURCES, CONTRIBUTORS, AND LICENSES

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