Deck department

All ranks in the deck department are required to have undertaken training in accordance with the STCW Convention, for fleets of those countries who have ratified it.

For example, in the United Kingdom the Maritime and Coastguard Agency ensure that the deck department receive training and examinations in order to assume the responsibilities of their rank at sea.

The chief mate also usually compiles supply, overtime, and cost control records, and requisitions or purchases stores and equipment.

In the days before satellite navigation systems, the second mate would shoot morning and evening star fixes to determine the ship's position.

[citation needed] In the military, the deck department comprises sailors who perform a variety of functions depending on ship type and size.

Undesignated seamen, or those who have not selected a rating (e.g. job or vocation), are normally the most junior sailors on board and are usually sent to the deck department for their first assignment.

The deck department is responsible for safely receiving, discharging, and caring for cargo during a voyage.
The ship's bosun , an able seaman (AB) day worker, and a watchstander AB are seen here working aloft aboard a U.S. freighter to maintain cargo rigging .