Ship Deck Department Rank & Responsibilities

1️⃣ Master (Captain)

Rank: The Master is the overall in command of the ship and crew.

Responsibilities:

1.    Overall command of the ship and crew

2.    Safe navigation and voyage planning

3.    Compliance with international regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREGs)

4.    Safety of ship, crew, cargo, and environment

5.    Liaison with ship owners, port authorities, and charterers

6.    Final authority during emergencies

2️⃣ Chief Officer (Chief Mate / First Mate)

Rank: Second-in-command

Responsibilities:

1.    Overall in charge of deck department

2.    Cargo operations: loading, discharging, stowage & securing

3.    Ship stability, ballast operations

4.    Safety management & emergency drills

5.    Maintenance of hull, deck machinery & safety equipment

6.    Acts as Master when Captain is unavailable

3️⃣ Second Officer (Second Mate)

Primary Role: Navigation Officer

Responsibilities:

1.    Passage planning and chart correction (paper & ECDIS)

2.    Navigation watchkeeping (usually 12–4)

3.    Maintaining nautical publications

4.    GMDSS communication and distress equipment

5.    Assisting in cargo and safety operations

4️⃣ Third Officer (Third Mate)

Primary Role: Safety Officer

Responsibilities:

1.    Maintenance of life-saving appliances (LSA)

2.    Maintenance of fire-fighting appliances (FFA)

3.    Navigation watchkeeping (usually 8–12)

4.    Safety inspections and drills

5.    Assisting Chief Officer in cargo operations

6.    Record keeping for safety equipment

5️⃣Bosun

Rank: Senior unlicensed deck crew

Responsibilities:

1.    Supervises deck ratings (ABs & OS)

2.    Executes maintenance work (chipping, painting, greasing)

3.    Ensures proper seamanship practices

4.    Reports work progress to Chief Officer

5.    In charge of mooring operations under officer supervision

6️⃣ Able Seaman (AB)

Rank: Skilled deck rating

Responsibilities:

1.    Watchkeeping lookout duties

2.    Steering the ship under officer’s command

3.    Mooring and unmooring operations

4.    Maintenance of deck and cargo gear

5.    Assists in emergency duties (fire, abandon ship)

7️⃣ Ordinary Seaman (OS)

Rank: Entry-level deck crew

Responsibilities:

1.    Assists ABs and Bosun

2.    General deck maintenance

3.    Cleaning, painting, and greasing

4.    Learns seamanship skills

5.    Lookout duties under supervision

8. Deck Cadet

1.    Learn How to use navigational equipment Like (radar,    GPS, ECDIS, compass)

2. Support senior officers in day-to-day operations.

3. Observe bridge procedures and emergency responses.

4. Develop discipline, teamwork, and professional conduct.

4. Maintain a training record book (TRB)

5. Assist officers in voyage planning and chart corrections.