1.6 The Steward's Department Crew
The catering or steward's department is a crucial part of any merchant ship, responsible for ensuring the well-being and comfort of the crew by providing them with food, accommodation, and general housekeeping services.
The
department comprises various crew members with specific roles and
responsibilities that collectively contribute to the smooth operation
of the ship's living quarters.
Chief
Steward:
The chief steward is the overall head of the steward's department, delegating and overseeing all aspects of food preparation, service, and housekeeping. They are responsible for:
Planning
and preparing menus:
Creating and managing meal plans that cater to the crew's dietary
needs and preferences while adhering to budget constraints.
Supervising
cooks and stewards:
Ensuring that cooks adhere to food safety regulations and produce
high-quality meals while managing the workload of stewards.
Inventory
management and cost control:
Overseeing the procurement, storage, and usage of food supplies,
stores, linen, and other supplies to ensure adequate stock levels for
the voyage. The Chief Steward also does other activities such
as overtime and cost control records and may requisition or purchase
stores and equipment.
Cleaning
and maintenance:
Managing the cleanliness and upkeep of officers' quarters, cabins,
galley, mess rooms, and other common areas.
Cooks:
The cooks are responsible for the actual preparation and cooking of meals for the crew in the galley . On cruise ships, the chef, and their team of cooks and kitchen staff tirelessly prepare tasty meals that cater to diverse culinary preferences.
Their duties include:
Meal
preparation:
Following the chef's instructions and menu plans to prepare
nutritious and palatable meals.
Food
safety: Adhering to
strict hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent foodborne
illnesses.
Inventory
management:
Assisting the steward in managing food supplies and ensuring adequate
ingredients for meal preparation.
Stewards:
The stewards are responsible for the service and clean-up of meals, as well as general housekeeping tasks. Their duties include:
Meal
service: Serving
meals to the crew in the mess rooms, ensuring prompt and efficient
service.
Cleaning
and maintenance:
Cleaning and maintaining the galley, mess rooms, cabins, and other
designated areas.
Linen
management:
Handling the laundry and storage of linens, including sheets, towels,
and tablecloths.
General
housekeeping:
Performing miscellaneous housekeeping tasks such as emptying trash
bins, vacuuming, dusting, and polishing.
The
housekeeping crew :
Led by a dedicated Housekeeping Supervisor, is responsible for maintaining the ship's impeccable cleanliness. They ensure that staterooms, public areas, and common spaces sparkle with fresh linens, spotless surfaces, and a sense of order.
Guest
Relations Officers :
Often referred to as Cabin Stewards or Stewardesses, act as the guests' personal ambassadors, providing attentive and personalized service throughout their stay. They are responsible for welcoming guests, addressing inquiries, handling requests, and ensuring their overall satisfaction.
The
steward's department plays a vital role in maintaining the morale and
well-being of the crew and passengers, contributing to a comfortable,
productive and safe environment aboard merchant vessels, passenger
ships and cruise liners.