Seafarers are individuals employed to work on ships. They are dedicated to their duties and always courageous. As George William Curtis said, ‘It is not the ship that guarantees a prosperous voyage, but skillful sailing.’ But who are the ones who actually enable sailing or navigation? What do they do for a living? Let’s take a look at the complement of a modern ship.
Deck Department
The deck department crew are responsible for cargo handling and ship navigation. Their duties require comprehensive knowledge, endurance, and courage. To become a licensed seafarer in deck departments, one must be a university or college graduate.
The department is operated by deck officers. At the top of the hierarchy, surprisingly the most respected but also most duty-bound position, the captain leads the general operation. Captains are also known as masters. They assume absolute responsibility for the ship. As expressed in famous maritime tradition, ‘The captain goes down with the ship.’ Additionally, in admiralty law, barratry refers to the captain’s misconduct during voyage that causes damage to the ship or cargo and leads to penalties. The captain’s responsibilities are not limited to the shipowner, cargo, or passengers. They also have responsibilities towards their crew.
The deck department isn’t just about the captain. From inspecting and monitoring any maritime cargo, to deck maintenance or stability monitoring, to ballast water discharge, many things are accomplished in the deck department.
The chief officer is responsible for the safety and security of operations. They work as the captain’s right hand and are also known as the second captain or first mate.
The second officer, third in the command hierarchy, navigates the ship by monitoring its position using the latest navigation equipment such as GPS, NACOS/ECDIS, etc. There’s no rest in port either. Second officers also serve in ship security while in port. Although the second officer or second mate typically deals with navigation, depending on the ship’s operating conditions, they may be responsible for directing line officers, cargo watchmen, anchor detail, and training and educating the crew.
As the second officer’s assistant, the third officer helps with ship maneuvering by directing the bridge team during operations.
Before entering full commission, deck officers must go through the process of being a cadet or deck apprentice.
Unlicensed seafarers have known deck ratings. They primarily work on the physically demanding aspects of operations. Among deck ratings, the boatswain holds the highest prestige. The boatswain has direct contact with the second officer and can direct sailors. Able-bodied seamen also work directly with the second officer.
Those who maintain the ship’s hull and deck are called bosuns.
Engine Department
Ships are complex vehicles. While extreme engineering processes keep them running, they still need the touch of engineers and technicians during operations.
Engineering officers deal with the machinery. Due to distinguished tanks and work areas, engineering officers have many duties.
All machinery and equipment maintenance is performed by the chief engineer.
The second engineer, as the name suggests, remains in the second position of the inspection scheme. They meet with chief engineers regarding daily maintenance and operation of the engine department.
The third engineer or second engineer assistant serves as responsible for boilers, fuel, auxiliary engines, condensate and feed systems. They also assist senior engineers. There is another subordinate position called fourth engineer after the third engineer.
Ratings can also be seen in the engine department. For example, motormen work for maintenance and repair of engine room, fire room, machine shop, ice machine room, steering-engine room equipment. On the other hand, oilers and wipers work on lubrication machines.
Electro-technical officers (ETO) join to perform electrical and electronic maintenance, repair, installation, and testing. Unlike other engine room crew, they don’t work and stay 24 hours on the ship and mostly take responsibility when needed.
Stewards and Galley Department
For the crew, the ship is not just a workplace but also their home for long periods. Without professionals responsible for nutrition, it can be very difficult for the crew to stay healthy and comfortable. On commercial vessels, the cooking department is known as the Steward’s department. The chief steward and head cook are among the main positions in the Steward department.
On the other hand, large teams are responsible for cooking and service work, especially on passenger ships.
On passenger ships, the kitchen refers to the galley. Though not apparent at first glance, the galley, which operates continuously, is one of the busiest sections of the ship. The galley section mostly consists of hot and cold kitchens. Hot kitchen specializing in vegetables, soups, fish, and meat cooking; cold kitchen specializing in pastries, baked goods, confectionery, and snacks. The highest executive chef position is responsible for the entire kitchen department and staff.
Of course, ships operate not just for cargo but for transportation and entertainment as well. For example, thousands of people work on passenger ships for customer needs. Ships are designed and built for daily life. So it’s possible to witness many more variable professions on board.
