1.6. The Deck Department Crew
The Deck Crew is responsible for the vessel’s navigation, watchkeeping, maintenance of the ship’s hull, cargo loading and unloading, gear and accommodation, and the ship’s lifesaving and firefighting appliances.
The
deck department crew typically consists of :
Chief
Officer:
The Chief Officer, also called Chief Mate or First Mate, is the second-in-command on the ship after the captain. They are responsible for the Deck Department, which includes cargo operations, vessel stability, and supervising the Deck Crew. The Chief Officer is also responsible for the safety and security of the ship, as well as the welfare of the crew on board.
Second
Officer:
The Second Officer, also called Second Mate, is usually in charge of ship navigation. They are the third-in-command on the ship after the Master and Chief Officer. The Second Officer typically stands watch from 1200 to 1600 at noon, and again from 0000 to 0400 in the night.
Third
Officer:
The Third Officer, also called Third Mate, is primarily responsible for the safety of the ship and crew. They serve as the ship's chief safety officer, and they are responsible for conducting safety inspections and ensuring that all safety regulations are followed.
Boatswain
(Bosun):
The Bosun is the highest-ranking non-officer on board. They supervise the Deck Crew, which includes Able Bodied Seamen (ABs) and Ordinary Seamen (OSs). The Bosun takes orders directly from the Chief Officer and is responsible for maintaining the ship's rigging, moorings, and cargo lashings.
Purser:
The Purser is responsible for the ship's finances, including handling passenger and crew accounts, payroll, and inventory management. They also handle passenger and crew requests, and they are responsible for maintaining the ship's safe and secure operation.
Able
Bodied Seaman (AB):
The AB is a skilled seaman who is responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking watches and steering the vessel, assisting the Officer of the Watch, mooring and unmooring the vessel, deck maintenance and cleaning.
Ordinary
Seaman (OS):
The OS is a basic-level seaman who is responsible for learning the basics of seamanship and assisting the ABs with their tasks.
Deck
Cadet:
A Deck Cadet is a deck officer in training who receives structured training and experience on board a ship. They are supervised by the Deck Officers and are learning how to become a deck officer.