Shipboard Hierarchy, Ranks and Duties

From Master to ordinary seaman: who is who on a ship, and what do they do?

All parts in this series

1
Shipboard Hierarchy 1: The Chain of Command and Departments
Who reports to whom on a merchant ship? An overview of departments and the officer-rating split.
2
Shipboard Hierarchy 2: The Master, Authority and Responsibility
Who commands the ship, what do they decide and why do they have the final say?
3
Shipboard Hierarchy 3: Deck Officers, Chief, Second and Third Officer
What are the Chief Officer, Second Officer and Third Officer usually responsible for?
4
Shipboard Hierarchy 4: Deck Ratings, Bosun, Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman
The team that does the work on deck: who does what and how do you progress?
5
Shipboard Hierarchy 5: The Engine Department, From Chief Engineer to Wiper
The team that keeps the ship's heart running and how duties are split.
6
Shipboard Hierarchy 6: The Catering Department and Other Roles
The cook, the steward, cadets, the pilot and the outside specialists who visit the ship.
7
Shipboard Hierarchy 7: Rank Insignia and Epaulettes
What do the stripes on the shoulders mean? Common practice and what to watch for.
8
Shipboard Hierarchy 8: Reporting, Standing Orders and Night Orders
How does information flow on board? Who do you report to, and what is the Night Order Book?
9
Shipboard Hierarchy 9: Deck and Engine Career Steps, How to Progress
A general map of the path from cadet to Master or Chief Engineer.