Shipboard-Organization-Kyle-and-Jorald.pdf

Ships

1. SHIPBOARD
ORGANIZATION

2. A shipboard organization is similar to the
government structures we have in our countries.
Vessels are like mini kingdoms with a small
population, with each person holding specific duties.
On average, 20 strong men run a seagoing merchant
vessel, divided into three departments: Deck, Engine,
and Catering. These departments handle various
tasks during drills, emergencies, and security duties.
Understanding a shipboard organizational plan
provides an overview of a vessel's functioning.

3. SHIPBOARD
ORGANIZATIONAL
CHART
The vessel's organizational chart
displays various departments and
their heads, allowing crew members
to function based on their job
descriptions. This system simplifies
identifying the degree of
responsibility for each person on
board, ensuring a smooth chain of
command flow.

4. THE MASTER
On top of every shipboard organization is the Master.
He is the overall commander having absolute authority
on board. The Captain holds absolute authority,
making decisions based on vessel safety, crew, and
cargo. Despite overseeing superintendents,
shipowners, and inspectors, they cannot interfere with
the ship's operation without permission. The Master is
responsible for accidents, incidents, or deficiencies
unless proven otherwise.

5. DECK DEPARTMENT
The Deck department is the unit responsible for
navigation, watchkeeping, maintenance of the ship’s hull,
cargo hold preparation, and loading and unloading of
cargo. Additionally, they are also responsible for keeping
the lifesaving and firefighting equipment in good order.
Mooring, unmooring, anchoring, and ballasting operations
fall under the care of the deck department. Generally,
the deck crew conducts surface maintenance of the
deck, including its fittings and equipment.

6. CHIEF OFFICER
The Chief Officer is the Master’s second in command.
He is the person to take over control of the ship
whenever the Master is incapacitated. Sometimes
called the Chief Mate, First Officer, or First Mate, he is
primarily responsible for everything related to cargo
operations.He is the training manager, garbage manager,
rest hours supervisor, disciplinarian, and job
administrator.Some ships have three Junior Officers,
making the Chief Mate a day worker: 8 a.m. to 12 noon, 1
pm to 5 pm. However, there are still ships with only two
Junior Officers.

7. SECOND OFFICER
The second officer, also known as the navigational
officer, is responsible for fixing voyage plans, chart
corrections, and publication updates. They also ensure
the functioning of navigational instruments and light
signals. The second mate's duties include cargo
operations, ballasting, and the mooring/unmooring of
the ship. They may also be designated as the Ship
Security Officer (SSO) on some ships. The rank falls
below the Chief Mate and just above the Third Officer.

8. A Third Mate is the safety officer on board, responsible for maintaining lifesaving
and firefighting equipment. They also assist on-signers in familiarization and provide
tours of the equipment. Together with the Chief Mate, they update the Muster list
and assign crew duties during emergencies. They also handle cargo operations,
ballasting, and ship mooring/unmooring.
The Bosun is the head of the unlicensed deck department, overseeing the ship's hull
maintenance. He works closely with the Chief Officer, who is also the garbage manager and
disciplinarian. The Bosun manages tasks and responsibilities, while the Chief Officer
oversees the deck crew. The Bosun handles nitty-gritty tasks and ratings on deck, ensuring
the ship's safety and efficiency.
THIRD OFFICER
BOSUN (BOATSWAIN)

9. A Pumpman is a crucial role on tanker ships, with salaries ranging from Bosun to
USD100.00 to USD300.00. They assist the Chief Officer in loading, discharging,
crude oil washing, ballasting, de-ballasting, inerting, purging, gas-freeing, and tank
washing. Their responsibilities include maintaining cargo equipment, PV valves, IG
valves, deck seal, tank gauging equipment, and connecting/disconnecting cargo
hoses.
ABs are watch keepers or day workers who oversee the vessel during
pilotage. They perform maintenance tasks on deck, such as chipping,
buffing, painting, washing, and greasing. They also perform nitty-gritty
tasks like climbing and entering enclosed spaces. During cargo
operations, they serve as the eyes and ears for officers, checking cargo
lines for leaks, tendering mooring lines, and monitoring the gangway.
PUMPMAN
ABLE-BODIES SEAMAN (AB)

10. ORDINARY SEAMAN (OS)
Ordinary Seaman is an entry-level deck department
rank, similar to ABs, but requires supervision and
works with experienced ABs. They cannot steer ships
or perform working aloft and tank entries, but can
assist ABs in learning the job and preparing them for
promotions. They are typically supervised by a
responsible crew or officer.
DECK CADET
Deck Cadets are typically positioned before the Third Officer or
at the bottom of each department, depending on the ship's
culture. They may spend most of their time on deck, performing
maintenance and ratings, or on the bridge. Their main duty is
training, which involves immersion and instruction from their
supervisor. They are also sent to Pumpman and Bosun to gain an
overview of deck jobs.

11. ENGINE DEPARTMENT
The engineering department is the term used
referring to the crew working below deck or inside
the engine room. A ship is equipped with various
machines, electrical equipment, and a propulsion
system. It is the engine crew’s job to keep them
running and in good working order. Their work
includes inspection, maintenance, and repair of all
machinery. These include the main engine which is
the heart of the ship. Additionally, they are also in
charge of power generators, air-conditioning plants,
sewage systems, water distillation units, lighting, and
electrical fixtures, and cooling units.

12. The Chief Engineer (C/E) oversees shipboard engineering, engine room safety,
machinery operation, maintenance, bunkering, and technical administration.
They manage paperwork, checklists, and managerial tasks, and answer directly
to the Captain. They also monitor fuel and lube oil consumption, ensuring safe
machinery performance and economical consumption.
Sometimes called First Assistant Engineer (1AE), the Second Engineer is the
rank below Chief Engineer. He is the Executive Officer of the ship’s Engine
Department. Since the Chief Engineer is buried with paper works, the Second
Engineer does the planning, scheduling, delegating, and directing of the
maintenance plan inside the engine room. Of course, those jobs must be in
consultation with the Chief Engineer.
CHIEF ENGINEER
SECOND ENGINEER

13. THIRD ENGINEER
The 3rd Engineer is responsible to the Second Engineer for normal maintenance and
watchkeeping duties. On other ships, he is also called Second Assistant Engineer (2AE).
He is responsible for the general maintenance of the machinery and equipment. Under the
supervision of the 2nd Engineer, he ensures that there are sufficient bunkers in the day
tanks.
Additionally, his work includes the upkeep of the main proportion, engines, boilers, and
diesel generators as per the Planned Maintenance System (PMS)
FOURTH ENGINEER
A 4th Engineer’s job includes studying and practicing the 3rd Engr.’s duties. His day starts with
a toolbox meeting with the other engineers and crew. The Second Engineer normally gives him
the job for the day. As the lowest engineer ranking on board, some of his duties include the
maintenance of purifiers, air compressors, sewage treatment, and general maintenance.
His responsibilities may overlap or interchange with the other engineers due to different
company regulations.In some ships without an electrician, he is also in charge of electrical
fixtures, water systems, and the sounding of bilges and tanks.

14. ELECTRICIAN OR ELECTRO-TECHNICAL
OFFICER (ETO)
An ETO is a crucial technical rank on ships, responsible for
maintaining automation and ensuring the vessel's operation. They
report directly to the Chief Engineer and work in the deck department,
working on various tasks such as UMS tests, alarms, battery checks,
and refrigeration and air-conditioning units. They also handle various
electronics and electrical issues, even those found inside the bridge.
FITTER
A Fitter is a skilled worker in the engine workshop, specializing in
various tools like riveting, grinding, welding, drilling, and lathe
machines. They are responsible for assembling, disassembling,
reassembling, and building new parts of machines. Under the
supervision of the Second Engineer, they perform repairs, plumbing,
fitting, and hot works, as well as help maintain machinery.

15. MOTORMAN/ OILER
A Motorman or Oiler’s job includes inspection and maintenance of pumps,
motors, turbines, and condensers on board. His care for this equipment
involves greasing, lubricating, de-rusting, and painting if necessary. He
keeps a record of his tasks and is directly responsible for the Second
Engineer. Like the rest of the deck ratings, he also helps keep the engine
room clean and in good order. On some ships, his responsibility includes
sounding bilges and bunker tanks. Both the Oiler and Motorman take part in
bunkering operations.
WIPER
The Wiper is the Ordinary Seaman's counterpart in the engine room,
assisting engineers in maintaining cleanliness and assisting with tasks
like cleaning purifiers, dismantling motors, and routine maintenance.
They must study and learn the roles of Oilers, Motormen, and Fitters to
advance to higher levels.

16. ENGINE CADET
Like the Deck Cadet, an Engine Cadet’s duty is mainly to learn
the different jobs in the Engine department. The Second
Engineer normally supervise his training scheme. Because of
the various jobs in the engine room, he is normally paired with
the Engineers, electricians, and even the ratings. A cadet must
absorb the learning he encounters in his work. He is a trainee
to become an engineer even though his rank is below the
engine department’s organizational diagram.

17. STEWARD DEPARTMENT
In most merchant vessels, the Steward department comprises the
smallest number of crew in the shipboard organization. But that
doesn’t mean they’re less important. In fact, the Steward
Department is the “backbone” of the organizational structure.
Sometimes, they are also called the Galley Catering Department.
Their main job is to prepare meals for the crew. Not just ordinary
meals but delicious and healthy ones. The Messroom is the only
place where all the crew is usually gathered. A tasty meal after a
hard day’s job often gets the crew inspired for the next day.

18. CHIEF STEWARD
A chief steward is the highest-ranking member of the galley
department. He directs and supervises the planning and
preparation of meals. Moreover, he is responsible for cost control
and requisition of provisions.
CHIEF COOK
Some ships employ only a chief steward or chief cook but the same
person performs both the job of the cook and steward. This scheme is
usually part of a cost-cutting strategy, especially on merchant ships
where the crew is only small. A Chief Cook’s job is to prepare and cook
the meals for the crew. He maintains the cleanliness and orderliness
inside the galley and the provision room. His duty also overlaps with
the Chief Steward. He also bakes bread and cakes for the crew.

19. MESSMAN
While the Officers and Engineers are busy with their work, the
Messman is the guy in charge of cleaning their cabins. His area
of expertise is inside the Mess hall where he keeps it clean
and orderly. Before meals, he sets the table and prepares the
plates, utensils, and chairs and ensures that the ketchup is not
empty. He is also in charge of washing the dishes and filling
the fridge with milk, juice, yogurt, bread, and other beverages
that the crew needs.