Duties by Rank

What each rank actually does on board, day to day — from the Master to the steward, job descriptions and career steps.

All parts in this series

1
What Does a Master Actually Do, Day to Day?
What a Master's day looks like, what decisions they make, and what it takes to reach this rank.
2
What Does a Chief Officer Actually Do, Day to Day?
The busiest schedule on board after the Master — from cargo operations to the maintenance plan.
3
What Do a Second and Third Officer Actually Do, Day to Day?
The first steps of watchkeeping: from passage planning to lifesaving equipment.
4
What Do a Bosun, AB and OS Actually Do, Day to Day?
The team that does the physical work on deck — mooring, maintenance, painting and look-out.
5
What Does a Chief Engineer Actually Do, Day to Day?
The senior-most authority in the engine room — from maintenance planning to breakdown decisions.
6
What Does a Second Engineer Actually Do, Day to Day?
The day-to-day operational lead of the engine room — from the maintenance schedule to work distribution.
7
What Do a Third and Fourth Engineer Actually Do, Day to Day?
The first steps of engine watchkeeping: from generators to the pump room.
8
What Do an ETO and Engine Ratings Actually Do, Day to Day?
From electrical/automation systems to daily maintenance — the engine room's specialist and support crew.
9
What Do a Cook and Steward Actually Do, Day to Day?
The team that shapes quality of life on board — from the menu to cabin cleaning.