International Partnerships

FACULTY OF NAUTICAL & STEM - INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

Deck Department

You would be responsible for the safety of crew, passengers and cargo. Once you have berthed the ship in port you would

oversee the cargo operations, while maintaining the safety and security of the ship. You would be central to the navigation

of the vessel at sea, by using the latest technology and computer based systems.

Captain

Chief Officer

Cadet/Boatswain/Deck Ratings

The Captain (Master) holds the highest position on the vessel

and has command of the ship and the crew with responsibility

for the maintenance of the vessel and the safety of the crew on

board. The captain has overall responsibility for the ship, her

cargo, passengers and all crew, and is responsible for the ships

compliance with any customs and immigration regulations. To

reach the rank of Master, a seafarer must first have several

years of experience as a Deck Officer and as a Chief Officer.

Chief Officer (Chief Mate) is the next in rank after the Master

responsible for vessel navigation, cargo operations, deck

machinery, maintenance of deck equipment and safety of the

vessel. The Chief Officeralso manages other officers on deck,

and assigns duties according to the Captain's orders.

A Cadet on board a merchant vessel receives structured

training and practical experience as he/she learns how to

become a deck officer. Apart from the officers, the deck

department crew also consists of ratings, such as AB (Able

Body Seaman), OS (Ordinary Seaman) and Boatswain.

Second Officer

Third Officer

Second Officer is the next in rank after the Chief Mate and

is the ship's navigator. Their main duties are to prepare the

passage plan, and upkeep both the chart folio and navigational

publications. The Second Officer may also be designated

to train the cadets on board or to fulfil the rank of a security,

safety, environmental or medical officer as required.

The Third Officer is usually the Ship's Safety Officer

undertaking watch keeping duties and also ensuring the

functionality of lifesaving appliances.