Occupational map - Merchant Navy

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Merchant Navy - Roles

Officers (Navigation Deck)
Master (Captain) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Chief Officer (Chief Mate) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
2nd Officer (2nd Mate) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
3rd Officer (3rd Mate) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Cadet (Trainee Officer) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Radio Office (IT officer) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Officers (Engineering)
Chief Engineer Officer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
2nd Engineer Officer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
3rd Engineer Officer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Junior Engineer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Engineer Cadet - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Electrician - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Support Staff/Ratings
Seaman Grade 1 (Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., Bosun, Deck Chief Petty Officer, Senior Rating, General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P. ) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Seaman Grade 2 (Ordinary Seafarer, O.S., Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P.) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Pumpman - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Fitter (Engineering Maintenance Fitter) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Motorman (Mechanic) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
General hand (Oiler, Wiper) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Cook (Ship's Cook, Chief Cook) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Steward - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Trainee Rating (Junior Ordinary Seafarer) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Staff sepcific toTugs
Tug Master (Tug Skipper) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Tug Engineer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Tug Hand ( Tug G.P, Tug Deckhand) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Hospitality Staff Specific to Passenger Vessels
Cruise Director - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Chief Purser ( Hotel Service Officer, HR Officer) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Shore-based Ship Management

Fleet Operations;
Fleet Director (Commerical Director - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Logistics Co-ordination and Training - Fleet Personnel;
Personnel Manager (Human Resources Manager) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Training Manager (Head of Training) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Personnel Officer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Training Officer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

General Operations
Operations Manager (Safety Manager, Quality Manager) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Safety Officer (Quality Officer) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Marine Operations
Marine Superindendent - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Marine Technical Assistant - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Engineering Operations
Engineering Superindendent (Technical Superintendent) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Assistant Engineering Superindendent (Assistant Technical Manager) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Engineering Technical Assistant - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Officers (Navigation Deck)

Master (Captain)

In overall command of the vessel. Full responsibility for the crew, ship handling, the cargo, passengers and the safety of the vessel. The Master manages the ship and all on board administration and normally keeps the ships records. The Master is responsible for dealings with the shore authorities and ports on matters such as health and safety.

Chief Officer (Chief Mate)

Understudy to the Master and holds a II/2 Certificate of Competency. Directly responsible for all deck operations including cargo storage and handling, deck maintenance and deck supplies. The Chief Officer is responsible for the deck officers and allocates tasks to the deck officers. Undertakes bridge watches.

2nd Officer (2nd Mate)

Understudy to the Chief Officer. Specifically responsible for the navigation of the vessel and keeps charts and publications up to date. The 2 nd Officer produces the passage plan for the ship, for approval by the Master. Other duties include monitoring the navigation and radio equipment on the bridge, undertaking the watch when at sea and the cargo watch when in port. If there are cadets on board, the 2 nd Officer may also be the designated training officer. The 2 nd Officer (but sometimes one of the other officers) may also be the designated security, safety, environmental or medical officer.

3rd Officer (3rd Mate)

Responsible for making sure that fire-fighting equipment and Life Saving Appliances are in order and for learning job of the 2 nd Officer. Undertakes bridge watches.

*On some types of vessels such as passenger or large vessels, there may also be 4 th and 5 th officers.

Cadet (Trainee Officer)

On a training programme lasting approximately 3 years. Working to gain sea time. Receives structured training and experience on board. They assist and understudy deck officers.

Radio Office (IT officer)

Normally only on passenger ships. Duties are undertaken by 2 nd or 3 rd Officer where there isn't a dedicated Radio Officer. Oversees the ship's communications regarding weather, traffic etc. Maintains radio log book and radio accounts. Responsible for maintaining all radio equipment, including emergency communication equipment onboard and in the life boats.

Officers (Engineering)

Chief Engineer Officer

In charge of the engineering department and responsible to the Master for its efficient operation. Has overall control and decision making powers for the engineering department. Responsible for ensuring that all planned mechanical and electrical maintenance takes place. Co-ordinates operations with shore-side port engineer.

2nd Engineer Officer

Directly responsible to the Chief Engineer Officer. Responsible for the management of the engine room and the engine room maintenance team. Oversees the training of engineers. Has watch-keeping engineering responsibilities.

3rd Engineer Officer

Responsible for the maintenance of certain engine room equipment e.g. auxiliary generators. May look after the electrics if there isn't an electrician or ETO on board. Has watch-keeping engineering responsibilities.

Junior Engineer

Supports the 3 rd Engineer. Responsible for the fuelling and also the maintenance of certain engine room equipment e.g. purifiers. Has watch-keeping engineering responsibilities.

Engineer Cadet

On a training programme lasting approximately 3 years (less if on fast track scheme for qualified engineers). Receives structured training and experience on board. They assist and understudy the ship's engineer officers in their duties.

Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)

Specialist officer with particular responsibility for the maintenance of on board electronic and electrical systems including radio communications and electronic navigation aids. Usually acts as a replacement for the Electrician or IT Officer.

Electrician

Responsible for all aspects of the electrical systems on the vessel.

Support Staff/Ratings

There are three different types of Ratings: deck/general purpose, engine-room and catering. All ratings need to have undertaken basic safety training.

Seaman Grade 1 (Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., Bosun, Deck Chief Petty Officer, Senior Rating, General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P. )

A member of the deck crew. Undertakes watches, and duties include steering the vessel, standing lookout and assisting the Officer on watch. Carries out deck and accommodation patrols. Moors and unmoors the vessel, secures and unsecures cargo, and carries out deck maintenance and cleaning. The most senior and experienced at this level may have responsibilities tantamount to foreman. Duties would additionally include directly supervising maintenance operations and allocating tasks. Some ratings at Seaman Grade 1 level may be qualified to work on the deck or engineering side, and are classed as "General Purpose Ratings".

Seaman Grade 2 (Ordinary Seafarer, O.S., Able-bodied Seafarer, A.B., General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer, G.P.)

Member of deck crew; undertakes similar tasks to Seaman Grade 1, whilst gaining experience. Normally has less experience and sea-time than Seaman Grade 1. Some ratings at Seaman Grade 2 level may be qualified to work on the deck or engineering side, and are classed as "General Purpose Ratings".

Pumpman

Normally a member of the deck department, but sometimes a member of the engineering department. Works on tankers and operates pumps and discharges liquid cargo, mostly petroleum products. Responsible for maintaining and repairing all cargo handling equipment.

Fitter (Engineering Maintenance Fitter)

A fitter is semi-skilled and mechanically trained. Responsible for ensuring the continuous running of machinery and equipment, organising routine maintenance procedures and any necessary repairs. Normally the most senior rating on the engineering side.

Motorman (Mechanic)

Supports the engineering officers as directed. Maintains the engine room machinery plant.

General hand (Oiler, Wiper)

Supports the engineering team as directed. Cleans the machinery plant, checks systems and assists with engineering tasks.

Cook (Ship's Cook, Chief Cook)

Food planning, preparation and stock taking/provisions ordering. Beyond the basic training all seafarers have to undertake, the only catering requirement is that the cook must hold a Ship's Cook certificate.

Steward

Cleans and maintains cleanliness of accommodation as directed.

Trainee Rating (Junior Ordinary Seafarer)

Learns the role of Seaman whilst working towards the Navigational Watch Rating Certificate.

Staff specific toTugs

Tugs are specialist vessels used for a variety of activities including salvage operations, supporting the offshore industry, and manoeuvering and berthing vessels within the confines of a harbour. Tugs are usually of small size, under 500 gross tones, but of high manoeuverability and power. They are often used in severe weather conditions.

Tug Master (Tug Skipper)

In command of vessel operations. The Tug Master is responsible for safety and operations onboard. The role normally involves working very closely with operational staff ashore who retain responsibility for vessels husbandry and management. Expertise is centred on the precision handling of the craft, towage in coastal areas and salvage and environmental protection.

Tug Engineer

In charge of the engine-room, power plant and auxiliary machinery onboard a harbour or coastal tug. The Tug Engineer would usually be the sole engineer onboard, although for routine operations there may not be an Engineer on board. The Tug Engineer works closely with shore-based staff who are responsible for the long term planning and management of engineering activities. The power of the vessel is significant in comparison to its size but is usually limited to 6000kW.

Tug Hand (Tug G.P, Tug Deckhand)

An uncertificated general purpose rating works as part of a tug's small team. This is a wide ranging role with input to all aspects of a tug's operation include working on deck, in the engine room, communications and catering / hotel services.

Hospitality Staff specific to Passenger Vessels

The hospitality roles listed here are those that are specific to the maritime sector and are not found in other sectors. Other staff on passenger vessels may include restaurant and bar staff, housekeepers, entertainers, photographers, hairdressers etc.

Cruise Director

The Cruise Director is in charge of passenger facing services (but not food and beverages, housekeeping or purser staff) and is responsible for all on-board entertainment and activities. Much of the role is administrative and managerial, requiring good IT, organisational, and marketing skills. Must have excellent communication and public speaking skills, as is normally the "voice of the ship". Usually need a good understanding of how entertainment works and experience of dealing with children. Liaises closely with other departments, such as concessions and shore excursions, and needs good understanding of the ship. The cruise director is the most visible crew member to the passengers.

Chief Purser (Hotel Service Officer, HR Officer)

The Chief Purser is a senior officer responsible for accounting and finances on board. The Chief Purser supervises the Purser staff (such as Crew Purser) and oversees payroll. In addition, they are usually in charge of crew passports and visas, passenger's safety boxes, currency exchange, immigration and customs, and passenger credit accounts. They must have an understanding of international regulations and laws in relation to immigration and customs.

Shore-based Ship Management

Fleet Operations;

Fleet Director (Commerical Director)

Overall responsibility for ensuring that vessels comply with relevant regulations, quality assurance, safety and environmental management, and maintenance and repair programmes.

Logistics Co-ordination and Training - Fleet Personnel;

Personnel Manager (Human Resources Manager)

Overall responsibility for the sourcing, employing and deploying of marine personnel for ship operations. Establishes succession planning policies to meet future organisational needs for seafarers. Ensures compliance of seafarers with safety and environmental regulations. Also deals with employment law, industrial relations and employee terms and conditions.

Training Manager (Head of Training)

Overall responsibility for the design and implementation of training programmes. Responsible for the training of shore-based employees. May also be responsible for providing for the training needs of new and existing seafarers. Ensures that statutory training requirements are met.

Personnel Officer

Supports the Personnel Manager. Responsible for ensuring that documentation and certification compliance is maintained at all times. Other duties include assisting with the recruitment of staff and maintaining employee personnel files, vessel files and records to document employee locations.

Training Officer

Supports the Training Manager. Responsible for the administration and implementation of the training function, including monitoring of training compliance levels and arrangements for in-house training courses. Specific responsibilities include the scheduling of training courses, monitoring of training attendance, and liaison with training centres.

General Operations

Operations Manager (Safety Manager, Quality Manager)

Oversees the operation of vessel quality assurance and control systems. Also responsible for vessel safety and environmental management systems.

Safety Officer (Quality Officer)

Assists in the operation of vessel quality assurance and control systems. May also have specific responsibilities in relation to environmental testing.

Marine Operations

Marine Superindendent

Oversees the provision of marine support. Provides marine expertise and solutions to ensure there are effective and efficient commercial shipping operations that meet health and safety expectations. Normally a qualified Master or Chief Engineer Officer.

Marine Technical Assistant

Responsible for providing marine support. Normally has seagoing experience and qualifications.

Engineering Operations

Engineering Superindendent (Technical Superintendent)

Leads the company's technical team. Oversees the maintenance of vessels, and the organisation and planning of vessel dockings. Normally a qualified and experienced Chief Engineer Officer.

Assistant Engineering Superindendent (Assistant Technical Manager)

Supervises the maintenance and docking of vessels.

Engineering Technical Assistant

Undertake routine and regular engineering maintenance work on machinery to ensure that it is in good working order.