Deck

Captain

The Captain is in charge of the entire ship and is responsible for making all of the executive decisions pertaining to the navigational, operational and environmental activities of the ship. He is responsible and accountable for every single person onboard – be they passengers or crew and is required to make disciplinary and human resources orientated decisions as well. Ship Captains are also required to be well versed in Maritime Law. In summary, his is the last word onboard but with the power comes all of the responsibility.

Staff Captain

On Cruise ships, this person is considered the Captain’s second in command and the head of the deck department. His responsibilities include the day to day management and running of the entire ship as stipulated by the Captain. The welfare of the crew and the passengers also falls under the jurisdiction of the Staff Captain.

Safety Officer

This bridge officer is responsible for the safety procedures and implementation thereof for the entire ship. He must oversee all emergency drills for crew and passengers. This includes but is not limited to: Fire drills, abandon ship procedures, and maintaining safety equipment and the ships tenders. The Safety Officer must also oversee all the training of the crew with regard to safety.

Chief Officer (Navigation)/ First Officer

Functions as the Assistant to the Staff Captain. This officer is responsible for running the bridge and supervising his subordinates in the deck department on a day to day basis, this includes the officers and the sailors. In some cases the area of responsibility of the Chief Officer includes supervising maintenance with the Hotel Manager and the maintenance and external cleanliness of the ship.

Second Officer

Responsible for the watch keeping and overseeing subordinate deck personnel whilst on duty. This officer is sometimes the senior officer on duty and can be responsible for the steering and navigation of the ship on his watch.

Third Officer

Entry level officer position for the deck. Considered a designated navigation officer in training.

Security Officer

Responsible for the implantation of the ISPS code onboard the ship. Must be versed in the measures to counter piracy and maritime terrorism as well as other crimes at sea such as the smuggling of contraband.

Bosun (Boatswain)

Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the ships safety and firefighting equipment as well as the ship’s tenders. The Bosun’s duties also include maintaining and supervising the mooring stations and anchors for the ship and overseeing the safe storage of chemicals (paint)

Able Seaman / Sailor A.B

Responsible for the maintenance, cleaning and painting of the ship

Engine

Chief Engineer

In some cruise lines, the chief Engineer is considered second in seniority after the Captain. He is responsible for the entire technical operation of the ship which includes the electronic, mechanical and engineering departments.

Assistant Chief Engineer / 1st Engineer

This is the Chief Engineer’s second in command, he is responsible for the day to day supervision and maintenance of the technical aspects of the ship as put forth by the Chief Engineer.

2nd Engineer

Responsible for the daily maintenance and operations of the engineering and technical aspects of the vessel as directed by the chief engineer

3rd Engineer

Responsible for the daily maintenance and operations of the engineering and technical aspects of the vessel as directed by the chief engineer

Chief Electrician

This person is responsible for overseeing and ensuring that all electrical aspects of the ships are functioning and maintained.

Electrician

an electrician is responsible for the maintenance of high and low voltage electrical facilities onboard the ship.

Chief Air-conditioning Technician

This Technician is responsible for the maintenance, repairs and supervision of all air conditioning and refrigeration systems onboard the ship as directed by the Chief Engineer

Air-conditioning Technician

The same responsibilities as the Chief Air-conditioning Technician (maintenance, repairs and supervision of all air conditioning and refrigeration systems onboard the ship) but subordinate to the Chief Air-conditioning Technician

Oiler

The Oiler supervises all the gauges and temperature gauges onboard the ship. In addition to this, the Oiler assists with general maintenance of ship including painting and repairs and he also functions as an assistant to the engineers if needed.

Plumber

Responsible for the maintenance and repair of all the plumbing facilities onboard the ship.

Upholsterer

Responsible for re-upholstering of the entire furniture onboard if required

Motorman

The Motorman is in charge of the cleaning and upkeep of all engines on board

Wiper

The wiper is responsible for the trash pickup in engine room, the tool pick up and the general cleaning and painting of the engine room

Fireman

Responsible for safety and firefighting on board the ship