Chief mate, bosun, third officer – who actually does what on a large cargo ship? Find out more about the different tasks on board.
The master has overall command of the vessel. He is the official representative of the shipping company and ensures the smooth operation of the vessel.
He oversees and manages compliance with national and international regulations and acts as a point of contact between the ship owners and charterers.
The chief officer acts as deputy to the master. In addition to his duties as a watch officer, he is responsible for keeping the master informed about all aspects of ship operation, cargo issues, crewing problems, and any deficiencies or irregularities.
He is also responsible for the following:
He organizes and manages the deck crew and gives clear instructions regarding machinery and equipment maintenance on deck as well as compliance with the relevant international and national regulations. Furthermore, he is responsible for first aid and medical care on board.
In addition to his duties as a watch officer, the second officer is responsible for carrying out the role of navigational officer.
In particular, this entails maintaining all chart folios, revisions, nautical publications, and log books detailing navigational equipment up to date and carrying out passage planning according to master’s instructions.
During port stays, he takes over the role of duty officer on deck and must therefore be familiar with all cargo and ballast operations in port, especially with reefer and dangerous goods containers to be loaded and unloaded.
In addition to his duties as a watch officer the third officer is responsible for performing the role of safety officer.
In particular, this entails:
During port stays, he takes over the role of duty officer on deck and must therefore be familiar with all cargo and ballast operations in port, especially with reefer and dangerous goods containers to be loaded and unloaded.
The chief engineer is in charge of the engine department and engine crew.
His main responsibilities are:
He is also responsible for the overall condition and maintenance of all engine machinery and equipment, for ensuring the repair of all machinery and equipment on board the vessel, and for minimizing the risk of downtime and delays on sea passages and during cargo operations. He also oversees the economical and efficient operation of the engine and ensures that the responsible crew members observe all safety and working standards (including the correct operation of all machinery).
In addition to his duties as a technical watch engineer, the second engineer leads the engineering team.
He is responsible for the following:
In addition to his duties as a watch engineer, the third/fourth engineer is responsible for the following:
In addition to his duties as a watch engineer, the third/fourth engineer is responsible for the following:
The electrician carries out work on electrical and electronic units on board.
In particular, he is responsible for the maintenance and repair of reefer units and monitoring the temperature of these containers during loading and in transit in cooperation with the chief officer.
Specifically, his duties are to ensure that:
He is also required to support other technical maintenance activities on deck in cooperation with the engineers and officers.
The bosun leads the deck hands and is responsible for the monitoring and execution of all work performed on deck.
In particular, this involves:
He is also responsible for carrying out work on deck in discussion with the chief officer.
The able seaman supports the watch officers on the bridge, standing watch or acting as helmsman, for example.
He assists the bosun in lashing and securing cargo and in the maintenance of lashing equipment. He performs the seaman’s duties assigned to him on deck, such as removing rust, lubricating parts, and other maintenance work.
The tasks of the ordinary seaman are identical to those of the able seaman.
The only difference is that he has less work experience than the able seaman.
The fitter puts consumable supplies and replacement parts into storage. He has practical experience in maintaining a wide range of auxiliary engine systems and is conversant with the safety measures that concern engine operation.
He is responsible for reconditioning and overhauling spare engine parts and equipment, and he carries out welding jobs on board. The fitter observes all regulations concerning proper waste disposal and the separation of garbage in the engine room.
The motorman is supporting the watch engineer in the engine room when the vessel is in port or at sea.
His duties include:
Additionally, he assists the engineers in preventative maintenance work and delivery of fuel, lubricant, replacement parts and other consumable supplies.
The main task of the wiper is to clean the engine room and the connected operation rooms.
He assists the watch engineer, and his other duties include gauging the level of various tanks in the engine room using a sounding rod. For instance, he documents the sounding levels of the waste water tank and the sludge tank. He also assists in routine activities assigned by superior officers.
The chief cook has overall responsibility for the catering service and the preparation of meals on board. He coordinates the galley food supplies and equipment with the ship’s master.
He is responsible for ensuring compliance with hygiene requirements in the galley, pantry, messrooms and provisions rooms and for keeping these areas clean. He is also responsible for the proper storage of food.
The steward caters the crew with nutritious and varied meals and serves meals in the officers’ mess.
He assists the chief cook and is also responsible for cleaning the recreation rooms and the officers’ cabins as well as the running of the ship’s laundry room.