Seafarer's professions and ranks
Each of these roles carries unique responsibilities that are integral to the successful operation of a seafaring vessel.
The reasoning behind this is that a ship's bridge, filled with sophisticated navigational equipment, requires skills differing from those used on deck operations – such as berthing, cargo and/or military devices – which in turn requires skills different from those used in a ship's engine room and propulsion, and so on.
A study shows that due to this development certain skills are missing and some are desired, so that a new degree of flexibility and job sharing has arisen, as the workload of each crew member also increases.
The chief mate is the head of the deck department on a merchant's vessel, second-in-command after the ship's master.
The chief mate's primary responsibilities are the vessel's cargo operations, its stability, and supervising the deck crew.
The chief mate also trains the crew and cadets on various aspects like safety, firefighting, search and rescue, and other contingencies.
The second mate is a qualified OICNW watch stander, directing the bridge team and navigating the ship.
When on navigational watch, the third mate directs the bridge team, maneuvering the vessel, keeping it safe and on track.
The third mate's primary duty is matters of safety, inspecting gear lockers, lifeboats, and all equipment on board ensuring that it is safe and operational.
Deck cadets after sufficient sea time and exams attain certificate of competency of OICNW.
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 loading and discharging, garbage incineration and fresh water generators.
bunkering), granted the officer holds a valid Person In Charge (PIC) endorsement for fuel transfer operations.
Instead, he is normally on call 24 hours a day and generally works a daily shift carrying out electrical and electronic maintenance, repairs, installations, and testing.
In this situation, the highest ranked electro-technical officer will report directly to the chief engineer.
As the technology advances, more automation and electronic circuits are replacing conventional and electrical systems.
[citation needed] With advancements in satellite communications leading to the widespread adoption of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System the old position of radio officer is far less common, although a U.S. Coast Guard license is still issued for it.
The chief steward also plans menus; compiles supply, overtime, and cost control records.
Additional duties may include baking bread, rolls, cakes, pies and pastries.
[citation needed] The chief cook is the senior unlicensed crew member working in the steward's department of a ship.
It is the equivalent to a chief petty officer in the Navy, and equal to a captain rank in the kitchen.
[citation needed] The chief cook directs and participates in the preparation and serving of meals; determines timing and sequence of operations required to meet serving times; inspects galley and equipment for cleanliness and proper storage and preparation of food.
The Purser was the officer responsible for all administrative duties and ship's supplies, such as food and drink, clothing, bedding, candles.
In the 18th century a purser would buy his warrant for £65 and was required to post sureties totalling £2,100 with the Admiralty.
[7] A small number of doctors with a prestigious medical education were ranked as physicians; they would supervise surgeons on ships or run hospitals on shore.
[15] 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 receive his commission, but taking rather more responsibility aboard ship.
After serving at least three years as a midshipman or master's mate, he was eligible to take the examination for lieutenant.
Promotion to lieutenant was not automatic, and many midshipmen took positions as master's mates for an increase in pay and responsibility aboard ship.
