Deck Department

The Deck Department consists of Officers and Crew whose primary goal is navigational safety and the security of the vessel.

Master/Captain +

Description: The Master is the ultimate authority on the vessel. He monitors all operations on the vessel and manages the officer and crew on the vessel. This would include cargo, navigation, maintenance and communication with land based authorities.

Requirements: At least 18 years of age, Medical Certificate, Certificate of Competency Masters Unlimited License, 5-10 years’ experience in previous ranks. Good Communication Skills.

Chief Officer +

Description: The Chief Officer (1st Mate) has the responsibility of overseeing the deck crew. This would include safety and drills of the crew. He also is in charge of the cargo work onboard the vessel. He reports directly to the Master and is second in command of the vessel.

Requirements: At least 18 years of age, Medical Certificate, A chief mate usually holds a Master license (COC) as a contingency plan if he would have to assume authority of the vessel in an emergency. A Chief Officer can be attained after a period of time served as a Second Officer (2nd Mate) usually a year or more in this capacity. Also required classes and examinations completed for Chief Officer Certification (COC).

Second Officer/Second Mate +

Description: The Second Officer (2nd Mate) falls as the third in command onboard the vessel. The main focus for them is navigation however they are usually tasked with a number of duties including medical officer, cargo operations, maintenance of distress signals and passage plans.

Requirements: At least 18 years of age, Medical Certificate, A Second Officer/Mate License (Certificate of Competency). Standard a year or more serving as a 3rd officer/Mate.

Third Officer/Third Mate +

Description: The Third Officer (3rd Mate) is primarily responsible for the safety of the crew. They are tasked with the maintenance of all safety equipment including but not limited to fire-fighting and lifeboats.

Requirements: At least 18 years of age, Medical Certificate, Officer of the Watch Certification (OOW), all additional STCW’95 safety and certification trainings. An official deck cadet/rating program either through specialized maritime institutions or attaining sea-time.

Deck Cadet +

Description: A cadet is an officer in training. They form a part of the deck team and assist with the daily functioning of the vessel. They understudy the officers in their duties. While onboard the vessel a cadet received a structured training as a part of their practical assessment and completes various jobs.

Requirements: At least 18 years of age, Medical certificate Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat, other than Fast Rescue Boat (STCW A-VI/2), Advanced Fire-fighting (STCW A-VI/3), Medical First-Aid (STCW A-VI/4), Basic Training (STCW A-VI/1), and STCW’95 security certification. (3) Months of sea-time.

Boatswain/Bosun +

Description: An unlicensed senior crew member of the deck department. His responsibility is supervision of the deck crew (not officers). His line of command usually reports directly to the chief Officer.

Requirements: At least 18 years of age, Medical certificate, Ratings certificate. STCW’95 safety and certification training. Usually 2-3 years as an Able Bodied Seaman (AB).

Able Bodies Seaman/Able Seaman (AB) +

Description: Also an unlicensed crew an AB performs general maintenance of the vessel. This would include equipment and sanitation. They also serve as the helmsmen and maintain steady course of the vessel via instruction from the officer. An AB line of command reports to the boatswain.

Requirements: At least 18 years of age, Medical Certificate, Ratings Certificate. STCW’95 safety and certification training.