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Marine Knowledge Chapter – 3 : Career graph in Merchant Navy

16 January, 2022

Career graph in merchant navy

Introduction: Career graph in Merchant Navy

  • Career Graph in the Merchant Navy is chiefly in two disciplines: engineering and nautical science.

Engine Department:

This Department has the entire responsibility of maintaining ships. This includes taking care of engine, pumps, hydraulics, fuel system, electricity generation plants and boilers.

Deck Department:

Deck or Navigation officers are in charge of the navigation of ships and safe handling of passengers and cargo.

Saloon Department:

On Merchant Ships, the saloon dept. is very small consisting of one cook and one steward only. However, the number will be more on passenger ships or other specialized ships.

This dept. is responsible for food, cooking, general housekeeping in accommodation and provision-related requirements onboard a ship.

Ranks and their Duties: 

DECK 

Captain:

Captain is the overall in charge of a ship and is responsible for safe navigation. He is the owner’s representative while dealing with port authorities, surveyors, and other professionals.

He is the first point of contact for all personnel onboard. 

Chief Officer:

C/O is responsible for safe and pollution-free cargo operation, assigns work to deck crew, and carries out deck maintenance work.

He manages personnel work rest hours and watches duties. Chief officer watch hours are 0400-0800 & 1600-2000. 

2nd Officer:

2/O is obliged to make passage plans and ensure the proper functioning of all bridge equipment. He is responsible for chart and publication corrections and maintaining stationary inventory.

Daily Noon Report is to be prepared by the 2nd officer. Watch hours- 0000-0400 & 1200-1600. 

3rd Officer:

3/O is responsible for LSA (Life-Saving Appliances) and FFA (Fire Fighting Appliances) equipment maintenance and regular checkups. Watch hours- 0800-1200 & 2000-2400. 

Deck Cadet:

The deck cadet is a trainee and hence he/she is not responsible for any task. As a cadet, his duty is to get properly trained and aim to be a competent officer in his future career. The chief officer is the ship’s training officer (STO) for a cadet, he ensures the cadet’s proper training as an officer of the watch (OOW) and on deck as well.

The Cadet must help the Chief Officer with nearly all of his paperwork, such as maintaining records, logging soundings, and so on. 

Bosun:

The Bosun (Boatswain) is the senior deck rating, responsible for managing the deck crew, overseeing maintenance, and ensuring safe deck operations. They coordinate cargo handling, supervise mooring, and are key in managing shipboard safety, ensuring that all deck tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

Able Bodied Seaman:

The Able Bodied Seaman (AB) is a skilled and experienced crew member responsible for complex deck operations, such as steering, assisting with navigation, cargo handling, and conducting safety drills. They often supervise junior ratings and are vital for the safe operation of the vessel.

Ordinary Seaman:

An Ordinary Seaman (OS) is a junior deck crew member responsible for routine tasks like lookout duties, cargo handling, and assisting with deck maintenance. They may also perform basic navigational support and help with mooring operations, building experience before advancing to Able Seaman.

Tr. Ordinary Seaman:

The Trainee Ordinary Seaman (Tr. OS) is an entry-level position where individuals gain practical experience in shipboard operations. They assist with basic deck tasks, like cleaning, mooring, and maintenance, while learning essential skills under supervision to advance to a full Ordinary Seaman.

ENGINE 

Chief Engineer:

He is overall in charge of the engine and all other machinery on a ship. He is also in charge of referring plants in association with ETO and MARPOL equipment. 

2nd Engineer:

He is maintenance and operational in charge of the engine room. Watch hours- 0400-0800 & 1600-2000. 

3rd Engineer:

He is in charge of boilers, distillation plants, and generators. He ensures that fire-fighting pumps are operational at all times. Watch hours- 0000-0400 & 1200-1600.

4th Engineer:

He is in charge of purifiers, air compressors, and all other pumps. He regularly checks the proper functioning of fire extinguishers. Watch hours- 0800-1200 & 2000-2400. 

Engine Cadet:

The engine cadet is a trainee and hence he/she is not responsible for any task on board. He provides assistance to senior engineers. 2nd engineer is the training engineer officer and the Engine cadet gets trained under him.  

Electro-Technical Officer (ETO):

He is in charge of proper working and maintenance of all electrical equipment. On container ships carrying refer containers, he is in charge of refer unit and works in association with the chief engineer. 

Trainee ETO:

Trainee ETO is a trainee and hence he/she is not responsible for any task. He provides assistance to ETO.  

Fitter:

The Fitter is an advanced engine room rating specializing in machinery repair and maintenance. They handle the installation, repair, and overhaul of mechanical systems, ensuring the ship’s engines and auxiliary equipment remain in optimal condition, preventing malfunctions and maintaining the vessel’s operational efficiency.

Motorman:

The Motorman is a skilled engine room rating responsible for operating and maintaining the ship’s machinery, including the main and auxiliary engines. They monitor performance, perform repairs, and assist engineers with troubleshooting and upkeep, ensuring the vessel’s mechanical systems run smoothly.

Wiper:

A Wiper is a junior engine room crew member responsible for cleaning, maintaining, and lubricating machinery. They assist with routine engine room tasks, monitor oil levels, and help in minor repairs, gaining experience to eventually advance to more skilled positions like Motorman.

Tr. Wiper:

The Trainee Wiper (Tr. Wiper) is an entry-level engine rating responsible for cleaning the engine room and assisting with basic maintenance tasks. They learn essential skills related to machinery and engine room operations under supervision to progress to the Wiper role.

SALON: 

Chief cook:

The chief cook is responsible for provisioning inventory and doing meal planning for all officers and crew onboard. 

General Steward:

He assists the chief cook in galley work and cleaning. 

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