3rd Officer’s Weekly and Monthly Checklist on Ship

A Third Officer (3/O) on board ship is usually responsible for safety equipment, navigation watch, and documentation. Weekly checklists focus on immediate readiness of life-saving and firefighting gear, while monthly checklists involve deeper inspections, inventory, and compliance reporting.
After joining on ship find the Safety Management Manual (SMM) and look for the “Rank Responsibilities” section. It is the “official” list of what you are responsible for on that ship.
Here are some basic Weekly & Monthly checklist for 3rd Officer but this may vary ship to ship.

Weekly Checklist (Third Officer)
Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)

1. Engine Tests: Run lifeboat and rescue boat engines for at least 3 minutes (check ahead/astern gears).
2. Fuel Levels: Ensure tanks are full and there are no leaks.
3. General Condition: Check for water in the boats, integrity of the hull, and that the painters are clear.
4. Inspection of life rafts (general condition, hydrostatic release units/HRU etc).
5. Check Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) – cylinder pressure gauges must be within safe range.
6. Verify lifejackets and immersion suits are in good condition and properly stowed.
7. Test lifebuoy lights and smoke signals.
8. Emerge Ensure drills are scheduled/recorded (e.g., fire, abandon ship, enclosed space).
9. Emergency lighting and exit signs check.
10. Alarms: Test the General Alarm and the Whistle.
    

Fire-Fighting Appliances (FFA)

1. BA Sets: Check cylinder pressures on Breathing Apparatus sets
2. Inspect fire extinguishers for pressure and seals.
3. Check fire hoses, hydrants, and nozzles for leaks and accessibility.
4. Test fire detection and alarm systems.
5. Fire Pumps: Test the emergency fire pump

Bridge Items

Pyrotechnics: Check bridge rocket parachute flare and line-throwing appliances for expiry dates or damage.

Monthly Checklist for Third Officer

1. Monthly inspection & signature in LSA & FFA Equipment’s.
2. Conduct comprehensive checks of lifeboats and rescue boats (engine start, fuel, equipment inventory)
3. Muster List: Verify that all muster lists posted around the ship are legible and updated with current crew names.
4. Inspect fixed firefighting systems (CO₂, foam, water mist). Check every extinguisher on the ship. Verify the safety pin is intact, the gauge is in the green, and the “last serviced” tag is current.
5. Safety Signs: Replace any faded IMO symbols or safety posters.
6. Check emergency lighting and batteries.
7. GMDSS Portable Radios: Test the batteries and the physical condition of the handheld survival craft radios.

Inventory & Documentation

1. Update LSA/FFA inventory records.
2. Prepare Monthly Safety Report
3. Check crew safety equipment allocation (immersion suits, lifejackets).

Training & Compliance

1. Assist in monthly safety training sessions.
2. Record deficiencies and corrective actions

Pro-Tips for the Third Mate

The “Walking” Rule: Don’t just tick the box. Physically touch the equipment. A safety pin that looks okay from 5 feet away might be rusted solid when you actually try to pull it.