Shipboard Hierarchy, Ranks and Duties

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.

Shipboard Hierarchy 2: The Master, Authority and Responsibility

Who commands the ship, what do they decide and why do they have the final say?

Shipboard Hierarchy 3: Deck Officers, Chief, Second and Third Officer

What are the Chief Officer, Second Officer and Third Officer usually responsible for?

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?

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.

Shipboard Hierarchy 6: The Catering Department and Other Roles

The cook, the steward, cadets, the pilot and the outside specialists who visit the ship.

Shipboard Hierarchy 7: Rank Insignia and Epaulettes

What do the stripes on the shoulders mean? Common practice and what to watch for.

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?

Shipboard Hierarchy 9: Deck and Engine Career Steps, How to Progress

A general map of the path from cadet to Master or Chief Engineer.