Deck officers run navigation and deck management under the Master. The split of duties varies by ship and company, but the following reflects common practice.
Chief Officer (Chief Mate)
- Head of the deck department and second in command after the Master.
- Plans and manages cargo operations and is responsible for safety during loading and discharge.
- Manages stability and ballast calculations.
- Plans work for the deck crew and runs the maintenance plan.
- Usually assists the Master in the ship's safety organisation.
Second Officer (Second Mate)
- Usually the navigation officer: passage planning, and updating charts and publications.
- Usually keeps the 12-4 watch.
- Depending on ship practice, may also be responsible for the medical stores and medicine chest.
Third Officer (Third Mate)
- Usually keeps the 8-12 watch.
- Usually responsible for the maintenance and checks of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment.
- The first rung of watchkeeping and an important learning period.
The watch system
In the classic system each watchkeeping officer stands two four-hour bridge watches a day (for example 4-8, 8-12, 12-4). The Master and the Chief Officer typically work in special situations or on tasks outside the watch.
Career note
Moving from Third Officer to Second Officer and Chief Officer requires sea service time and competency exams.
Note: duties vary by ship type and company. Ask about your ship's own procedures.