Reference notes(Seamen &their duties)

Merchant Navy Ranks 

The Captain

The Captain (or Master) of the ship is the final authority of the ship
and is the highest rank that one can achieve onboard. He shoulders
total responsibility and oversees all shipboard operations. The Captain
is in command of a merchant ship at all times and regulates the proper
daily transactions and handles the legal affairs on maritime issues. In
the unlikely event that the Master is not present on board, the Chief
Mate is assumed to be interim in charge for shipboard operations.
 The Deck Department
• Chief Officer/Mate
• Second Officer/Mate
• Third Officer/Mate
• Deck Cadets
• Deck Rating (non-officers)
• Bosun (head of the rating staff)
• Welder/Fitter (this rank onboard renders his services to both the deck
as well as the engine department)
• Able Bodied Seaman (AB)
• Ordinary Seaman (OS)
• Trainee OS
• Chief Engineer:

• Chief Engineer is the head of the engineering department on a

vessel. The required qualification for this position is loosely
referred to as the “Chief’s Ticket”.
• Alternatively, he can also be alternatively termed as the “The
Chief” and usually draws similar pay as compared to the Captain,
although the complete responsibility of a particular vessel falls
solely on the Captain’s shoulder.
• Chief engineer gives orders for operation and maintenance of
ship’s machinery system and is responsible for the engine room
department.
• The Engine Department

• Chief Engineer
• Second Engineer/First Assistant Engineer
• Third Engineer/ Second Assistant Engineer
• Fourth Engineer/ Third Assistant Engineer
• Fifth Engineer/ Engine Cadet
• Electrical Officer
• Engine Room Rating
• Fitter
• Motorman
• Wiper
• Trainee Fitter / Trainee Wiper
• The Catering Department
• Chief Cook
• Trainee Cook
• Steward