Seafaring
Seamanship is the skill, art, competence (human resources), competence, and knowledge of operating a ship, boat or other craft on water. The'' Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford Dictionary'' states that seamanship is "The skill, techniques, o ...
is a tradition that encompasses a variety of professions and ranks. Each of these roles carries unique responsibilities that are integral to the successful operation of a seafaring vessel. A ship's crew can generally be divided into ''four main categories'': the deck department, the engineering department, the steward's department, and other. The reasoning behind this is that a ship's
bridge
A bridge is a structure built to Span (engineering), span a physical obstacle (such as a body of water, valley, road, or railway) without blocking the path underneath. It is constructed for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle, whi ...
, filled with sophisticated navigational equipment, requires skills differing from those used on deck operations – such as berthing, cargo and/or military devices – which in turn requires skills different from those used in a ship's
engine room
On a ship, the engine room (ER) is the Compartment (ship), compartment where the machinery for marine propulsion is located. The engine room is generally the largest physical compartment of the machinery space. It houses the vessel's prime move ...
and propulsion, and so on.
The following is only a ''partial listing'' of professions and ranks. Ship operators have understandably employed a wide variety of positions, given the vast array of technologies, missions, and circumstances that ships have been subjected to over the years.
There are some notable trends in modern or twenty-first century seamanship. Usually, seafarers work on board a ship between three and six years. Afterwards, they are well prepared for working in the European maritime industry ashore.
Generally, there are some differences between naval and civilian seafarers. One example is nationality on merchant vessels, which is usually diverse and not identical like on military craft. As a result, special cross-cultural training is required – especially with regard to a
lingua franca
A lingua franca (; ; for plurals see ), also known as a bridge language, common language, trade language, auxiliary language, link language or language of wider communication (LWC), is a Natural language, language systematically used to make co ...
. Another notable trend is that administrative work has increased considerably on board, partly as an effect of increased focus on safety and security. A study shows that due to this development certain skills are missing and some are desired, so that a new degree of flexibility and job sharing has arisen, as the workload of each crew member also increases.
Modern ship's complement
Captain
The captain or master is the ship's highest responsible officer, acting on behalf of the ship's owner. Whether the captain is a member of the deck department or not is a matter of some controversy, and generally depends on the opinion of an individual captain. When a ship has a third mate, the captain does not
stand watch.
The captain is responsible for the day-to-day affairs of the ship under their command. It is their responsibility to ensure that all the departments perform to the requirements. Therefore, the heads of the various departments answer to them. The captain represents the owner and hence is called "master." The captain is officially not considered to be a crew member, which seems to resolve the controversy mentioned above.
Deck department
Deck officers
Deck officers are
licensed mariners who are responsible for the navigation and safe passage of the ship. Since the first half of the 20th century, the official ranks in the
British Merchant Navy and others have usually been chief officer, second officer and third officer, although first mate, second mate and third mate are often used informally.
=Chief mate
=
The chief mate is the head of the deck department on a merchant's vessel, second-in-command after the ship's master. The chief mate's primary responsibilities are the vessel's cargo operations, its stability, and supervising the deck crew. The mate is responsible for the safety and security of the ship, as well as the welfare of the crew on board. The chief mate typically stands the 4–8 navigation watch as 'officer-in-charge of the navigational watch' (OICNW), directing the bridge team. Some crews have additional Third mates, which allow the chief mate to not stand navigational watch, and focus more on cargo and deck operations. Additional duties include maintenance of the ship's hull, cargo gears, accommodations, life-saving appliances, and firefighting appliances. The chief mate also trains the crew and cadets on various aspects like safety, firefighting, search and rescue, and other contingencies. The chief officer assumes command of the whole ship in the absence or incapacitation of the master.
=Second mate
=
The second mate is a qualified OICNW watch stander, directing the bridge team and navigating the ship. The second mate is the third most-experienced deck department officer after the captain/master and chief mate. The second mate's primary duty is navigational, which includes updating charts and publications, keeping them current, making passage plans, and all aspects of ship navigation. The second mate's other duties may include directing line handlers, cargo watches, directing anchor detail and training and instructing crew members.
=Third mate
=
The third officer is a qualified OICNW watch-stander, junior to the second mate. When on navigational watch, the third mate directs the bridge team, maneuvering the vessel, keeping it safe and on track. The third mate's primary duty is matters of safety, inspecting gear lockers, lifeboats, and all equipment on board ensuring that it is safe and operational. Other duties include directing line handlers, cargo watches, directing anchor details and training and instructing crew members. They are normally part of the command team during emergencies and drills. The Third mate typically stands the 0800 to 1200 hrs and 2000 to 0000 hrs navigation watch as 'officer-in-charge of the navigational watch' (OICNW), directing the bridge team.
= Deck cadet
=
A deck cadet or trainee navigational officer or nautical apprentice is an
apprentice
Apprenticeship is a system for training a potential new practitioners of a Tradesman, trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study. Apprenticeships may also enable practitioners to gain a license to practice in ...
who has to learn the basic duties of a deck officer on board a ship. Deck cadets after sufficient sea time and exams attain certificate of competency of OICNW.
Deck ratings
Mariners without a certificate of competence are called ratings. They assist in all other tasks that can arise during a voyage. This includes for example, mooring, cleaning of the ship and its holds and repairing broken lines and ropes. These are physically challenging jobs and have to be done regardless of the weather.
=Boatswain
=
The
boatswain
A boatswain ( , ), bo's'n, bos'n, or bosun, also known as a deck boss, or a qualified member of the deck department, or the third hand on a fishing vessel, is the most senior Naval rating, rate of the deck department and is responsible for the ...
is the highest-ranking unlicensed (rating) in the deck department. The boatswain generally carries out the tasks instructed by the chief mate, directing the able seamen and ordinary seamen. The boatswain generally does not stand a navigational watch.
=Able seaman
=
An able seaman (AB) works under the boatswain, completing tasks such as working mooring lines, operating deck gear, standing anchor details, and working cargo. An able seaman also stands a navigational watch, generally as a lookout or helmsman.
=Ordinary seaman
=
The lowest-ranking personnel in the deck department. An ordinary seaman (OS) generally helps out with work that able seamen do. Other tasks include standing lookout, and generally cleaning duties.
Engine department
Engineering officers
The engineers are also called technical officers. They are responsible for keeping the ship and the machinery running. Today, ships are complex units that combine a lot of technology within a small space. This includes not only the engine and the propulsion system, but also, for example, the electrical power supply, devices for loading and discharging, garbage incineration and fresh water generators. An engineer is commonly considered a high officer in ranking in the ship.
=Chief engineer
=
The chief engineer on a merchant vessel is the official title of someone qualified to oversee the engine department. The qualification for this position is colloquially called a "Chief's Ticket".
The chief engineer, commonly referred to as "The chief", or just "chief", is responsible for all operations and maintenance that have to do with all machinery and equipment throughout the ship. He is paid on par with the captain, and holds the same rank as the captain.
=Second engineer
=
The second engineer or first assistant engineer is the officer responsible for supervising the daily maintenance and operation of the engine department. He or she reports directly to the chief engineer and is the Executive head of the ECR (Engine Control Room)
=Third engineer
=
The third engineer or second assistant engineer is usually in charge of boilers, fuel, auxiliary engines, condensate and feed systems, and is the third most senior marine engineer on board. Depending on usage, "the Second" or "the Third" is also typically in charge of fueling (a.k.a. bunkering), granted the officer holds a valid Person In Charge (PIC) endorsement for fuel transfer operations.
=Fourth engineer
=
The fourth engineer or third assistant engineer is junior to the second assistant engineer/third engineer in the engine department.
=Trainee Marine Engineer
=
Trainee Marine Engineer or Engine cadet is a student or
apprentice
Apprenticeship is a system for training a potential new practitioners of a Tradesman, trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study. Apprenticeships may also enable practitioners to gain a license to practice in ...
in training to become an Engineer Officer, usually as part of a study program with a
maritime college.
Engine ratings / unlicensed
=Motorman
=
The motorman is an unlicensed member of the engine department, same requirement with the oiler both having the Able Seafarer Engine Certificate STCW A-III/5.
=Oiler
=
The oiler is an unlicensed member of the engine department, with more experience than a wiper and having the Able Seafarer Engine Certificate STCW A-III/5.
= Wiper
=
The wiper is an unlicensed member of the engine department, usually with the least experience and having the Engine Room Watch Rating (ERWR) Certificate STCW A-III/4.
Electro-technical department
Electro-technical officer
The electro-technical officer sometimes referred to as the electrical engineer is in charge of all the electrical systems on the ship. The electrical engineer is one of the most vital positions in the technical hierarchy of a ship and engineer is responsible for their assigned work under the chief engineer's instructions.
Unlike engineers, the ETO does not carry out an assigned engine room watch. Instead, he is normally on call 24 hours a day and generally works a daily shift carrying out electrical and electronic maintenance, repairs, installations, and testing.
Some shipping companies do not carry electrical officers on their ship to cut down the manning cost, and the electrical duties are carried by an engineer. This is usually the third engineer. However, many companies realized that electrical and electronic system requires some extra attention and therefore require an expert to attend them. This is especially true on diesel electric ships or vessels equipped with systems such as dynamic positioning.
On larger vessels such as cruise ships, electro-technical officers can have ranks within their profession, such position names include, lead ETO, 1st electrician, chief electrical officer or chief electrical engineer. In this situation, the highest ranked electro-technical officer will report directly to the chief engineer. On special class ships such as
FPSOs, the electro-technical officer can sometimes earn nearly the same wage as a chief engineer due to the complexity of the electrical systems on the ship.
As the technology advances, more automation and electronic circuits are replacing conventional and electrical systems. The
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) amended
STCW 95 (also known as the Manila Amendment) on June 25, 2010, to introduce the certified position of electro-technical officer in place of electrical officer.
With advancements in satellite communications leading to the widespread adoption of the
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a worldwide system for automated emergency signal communication for ships at sea developed by the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) as part of the SOLAS Convention ...
the old position of radio officer is far less common, although a U.S. Coast Guard license is still issued for it. Ship officers may be licensed by the
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, internet, wi-fi, satellite, and cable across the United States. The FCC maintains j ...
as GMDSS operators and electrical officers as GMDSS maintainers.
Morse code
Morse code is a telecommunications method which Character encoding, encodes Written language, text characters as standardized sequences of two different signal durations, called ''dots'' and ''dashes'', or ''dits'' and ''dahs''. Morse code i ...
has not been used on French ships since 1997 and on U.S. ones since 1999 However, an FCC certificate for
radiotelegraphy
Wireless telegraphy or radiotelegraphy is the transmission of text messages by radio waves, analogous to electrical telegraphy using cables. Before about 1910, the term ''wireless telegraphy'' was also used for other experimental technologies f ...
may still be obtained.
Steward's department
Chief steward
The chief steward directs, instructs, and assigns personnel performing such functions as preparing and serving meals; cleaning and maintaining officers' quarters and steward department areas; and receiving, issuing, and inventorying stores. The chief steward also plans menus; compiles supply, overtime, and cost control records. The steward may requisition or purchase stores and equipment. Additional duties may include baking bread, rolls, cakes, pies and pastries.
Chief cook
The
chief cook
A chief cook (often shortened to cook) is a seniormost unlicensed crewmember working in the steward's department of a merchant ship. The chief cook's principal role is to ensure the preparation and serving of meals that are both delicious and nu ...
is the senior unlicensed crew member working in the steward's department of a ship. The position corresponds to that of the boatswain in the deck department, the pump man in an oil tanker, and the electrician (but not ETO) in the engine department of a container ship or general cargo ship. It is the equivalent to a chief petty officer in the Navy, and equal to a captain rank in the kitchen.
The chief cook directs and participates in the preparation and serving of meals; determines timing and sequence of operations required to meet serving times; inspects galley and equipment for cleanliness and proper storage and preparation of food.
Royal Navy historical ship's complement

The
Captain
Captain is a title, an appellative for the commanding officer of a military unit; the supreme leader or highest rank officer of a navy ship, merchant ship, aeroplane, spacecraft, or other vessel; or the commander of a port, fire or police depa ...
was a
commissioned officer
An officer is a person who holds a position of authority as a member of an armed force or uniformed service.
Broadly speaking, "officer" means a commissioned officer, a non-commissioned officer (NCO), or a warrant officer. However, absent ...
naval officer in command of a ship and was addressed by naval custom as "captain" while aboard in command, regardless of the officer's actual rank.
Wardroom officers
The
Lieutenant
A lieutenant ( , ; abbreviated Lt., Lt, LT, Lieut and similar) is a Junior officer, junior commissioned officer rank in the armed forces of many nations, as well as fire services, emergency medical services, Security agency, security services ...
s were commissioned officers immediately subordinate to the captain. Lieutenants were numbered by their seniority within the ship, so that a
frigate
A frigate () is a type of warship. In different eras, the roles and capabilities of ships classified as frigates have varied.
The name frigate in the 17th to early 18th centuries was given to any full-rigged ship built for speed and maneuvera ...
(which was entitled to three lieutenants) would have a first lieutenant, a second lieutenant, and a third lieutenant. A
first-rate
In the rating system of the Royal Navy used to categorise sailing warships, a first rate was the designation for the largest ships of the line. Originating in the Jacobean era with the designation of Ships Royal capable of carrying at least ...
was entitled to six lieutenants, and they were numbered accordingly.
The "Sailing
Master" was a naval officer trained in and responsible for the
navigation
Navigation is a field of study that focuses on the process of monitoring and controlling the motion, movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another.Bowditch, 2003:799. The field of navigation includes four general categories: land navig ...
of a sailing vessel. The rank can be equated to a professional seaman and specialist in navigation, rather than as a military commander and was originally a
warrant officer
Warrant officer (WO) is a Military rank, rank or category of ranks in the armed forces of many countries. Depending on the country, service, or historical context, warrant officers are sometimes classified as the most junior of the commissioned ...
who ranked with, but after, the
lieutenant
A lieutenant ( , ; abbreviated Lt., Lt, LT, Lieut and similar) is a Junior officer, junior commissioned officer rank in the armed forces of many nations, as well as fire services, emergency medical services, Security agency, security services ...
s and was eventually renamed to "navigating lieutenant" in 1867.
The Captain of Marines was the commissioned officer in command of the
Royal Marines
The Royal Marines provide the United Kingdom's amphibious warfare, amphibious special operations capable commando force, one of the :Fighting Arms of the Royal Navy, five fighting arms of the Royal Navy, a Company (military unit), company str ...
on the ship.
The
Purser
A purser is the person on a ship principally responsible for the handling of money on board. On modern merchant ships, the purser is the officer responsible for all administration (including the ship's cargo and passenger manifests) and supply. ...
was the officer responsible for all administrative duties and ship's supplies, such as food and drink, clothing, bedding, candles. The purser was originally known as "the clerk of burser". Pursers received no pay but were entitled to profits made through their business activities. In the 18th century a purser would buy his warrant for £65 and was required to post sureties totalling £2,100 with the Admiralty.
[Royal Navy Customs and Traditions](_blank)
/ref> They maintained and sailed the ships and were the standing officers of the navy, staying with the ships in port between voyages as caretakers supervising repairs and refitting.
The Surgeon
In medicine, a surgeon is a medical doctor who performs surgery. Even though there are different traditions in different times and places, a modern surgeon is a licensed physician and received the same medical training as physicians before spec ...
was the medical officer of the ship. Surgeons were ranked by the Navy Board based on their training and social status. Surgeons were wardroom warrant officers with a high status, billeted along with the other officers in the wardroom. Surgeons were assisted by surgeon's mates, who after 1805 were called "assistant surgeons".[>] The surgeon and his mates were assisted by boys, who were called "loblolly boys", named after the gruel commonly served in the sick bay. A small number of doctors with a prestigious medical education were ranked as physicians; they would supervise surgeons on ships or run hospitals on shore.
The Chaplain
A chaplain is, traditionally, a cleric (such as a minister, priest, pastor, rabbi, purohit, or imam), or a lay representative of a religious tradition, attached to a secular institution (such as a hospital, prison, military unit, intellige ...
led the ship's religious services. As an ordained minister, his social status meant he was made an officer.
Standing officers
The Gunner was the warrant officer
Warrant officer (WO) is a Military rank, rank or category of ranks in the armed forces of many countries. Depending on the country, service, or historical context, warrant officers are sometimes classified as the most junior of the commissioned ...
in charge of the ship's naval artillery
Naval artillery is artillery mounted on a warship, originally used only for naval warfare and then subsequently used for more specialized roles in surface warfare such as naval gunfire support (NGFS) and anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) engagements. ...
and other weapons. He supervised the Armourer, the Gunner's mate and the Yeoman of the Powder room.
The Boatswain
A boatswain ( , ), bo's'n, bos'n, or bosun, also known as a deck boss, or a qualified member of the deck department, or the third hand on a fishing vessel, is the most senior Naval rating, rate of the deck department and is responsible for the ...
(/ˈboʊsən/), bo's'n, bos'n, or bosun, was the warrant officer of the deck department. As deck crew foreman, the boatswain planned the day's work and assigned tasks to the deck crew. As work was completed, the boatswain checked the completed work was done correctly. He supervised the Ropemaker, the Boatswain's mate and the Sailmaker.
The carpenter
Carpentry is a skilled trade and a craft in which the primary work performed is the cutting, shaping and installation of building materials during the construction of buildings, ships, timber bridges, concrete formwork, etc. Carpenter ...
was the warrant officer who was responsible for the maintenance and repair of the wooden components of the ship. He supervised the Caulker, the Carpenter's mate and the Master-at-arms.
Cockpit mates
Originally, a master's mate
Master's mate is an obsolete rating which was used by the British Royal Navy, Royal Navy, United States Navy and merchant services in both countries for a senior petty officer who assisted the sailing master, master. Master's mates evolved into th ...
was an experienced petty officer, who assisted the master, but was not in line for promotion to lieutenant. By the mid-eighteenth century, he was far more likely to be a superior midshipman, still waiting to pass his examination for lieutenant or to receive his commission, but taking rather more responsibility aboard ship. Six master's mates were allowed on a first rate, three on a third rate
In the rating system of the Royal Navy, a third rate was a ship of the line which from the 1720s mounted between 64 and 80 guns, typically built with two gun decks (thus the related term two-decker).
Rating
When the rating system was f ...
, and two on most frigate
A frigate () is a type of warship. In different eras, the roles and capabilities of ships classified as frigates have varied.
The name frigate in the 17th to early 18th centuries was given to any full-rigged ship built for speed and maneuvera ...
s.
Senior
petty officer
A petty officer (PO) is a non-commissioned officer in many navies. Often they may be superior to a seaman, and subordinate to more senior non-commissioned officers, such as chief petty officers.
Petty officers are usually sailors that have ...
s
A Midshipman
A midshipman is an officer of the lowest Military rank#Subordinate/student officer, rank in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Royal Cana ...
was an apprentice officer who had previously served at least three years as a volunteer, officer's servant or able seaman
An able seaman (AB) is a seaman and member of the deck department of a merchant ship with more than two years' experience at sea and considered "well acquainted with his duty". An AB may work as a watchstander, a day worker, or a combination ...
, and was roughly equivalent to a present-day petty officer
A petty officer (PO) is a non-commissioned officer in many navies. Often they may be superior to a seaman, and subordinate to more senior non-commissioned officers, such as chief petty officers.
Petty officers are usually sailors that have ...
in rank and responsibilities. After serving at least three years as a midshipman or master's mate, he was eligible to take the examination for lieutenant. Promotion to lieutenant was not automatic, and many midshipmen took positions as master's mates for an increase in pay and responsibility aboard ship.
The Clerk
A clerk is a white-collar worker who conducts record keeping as well as general office tasks, or a worker who performs similar sales-related tasks in a retail environment. The responsibilities of clerical workers commonly include Records managem ...
was a literate worker who did administrative work on the ship.
The Armourer
Historically, an armourer is a person who makes personal armour, especially plate armour. Historically armourers were often men, but women could also undertake the occupation: for example Alice la Haubergere worked as an armourer in Cheapside i ...
maintained and repaired the smaller weapons on the ship.
The Caulk
Caulk (also known as caulking and calking) is a material used to Seal (mechanical), seal Joint (building), joints or seams against leakage in various structures and piping.
The oldest form of caulk consisted of fibrous materials driven into ...
er maintained and repaired the caulking of the ship's hull.
The Ropemaker made, maintained and repaired rope
A rope is a group of yarns, Plying, plies, fibres, or strands that are plying, twisted or braided together into a larger and stronger form. Ropes have high tensile strength and can be used for dragging and lifting. Rope is thicker and stronger ...
s on board.
The " Master-at-arms" was a naval rating, responsible for discipline aboard ship, assisted by Corporals.
Petty officers
The Yeoman of the Sheets was in charge of the rope store. Given that the ship was rarely dry inside and the ropes rotted when wet, preserving the rope was a major problem.[The Wooden World: Anatomy of the Georgian Navy by N.A.M. Rodger, ]
See also
*Ship transport
Maritime transport (or ocean transport) or more generally waterborne transport, is the transport of people (passengers or goods (cargo) via waterways. Freight transport by watercraft has been widely used throughout recorded history, as it provi ...
References
External links
United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation web site
{{DEFAULTSORT:Seafarer's Professions And Ranks
*
Nautical terminology
Sailing