Maritime Chain of Command & Rank Descriptions
Oct 27, 2025



Deck Department

‣Captain (Master) – The highest authority on board. Responsible for the entire ship, crew, cargo, and safe navigation.
‣Chief Officer – Second-in-command. Manages the deck crew, cargo loading and unloading, and ensures the ship’s stability and safety.
‣Second Officer – Navigation officer. Prepares voyage plans, updates charts, and handles safety and navigation equipment.
‣Third Officer – Responsible for life-saving and fire-fighting equipment. Assists in watchkeeping and navigation.
‣Deck Cadet – An apprentice officer. Learn navigation, bridge watchkeeping, and ship operations.
‣Bosun – Leader of the deck ratings. Supervises maintenance work, painting, mooring, and deck operations.
‣Able Seaman (AB) – Skilled deck crew member. Stands watch, assists in mooring, steering, and maintenance.
‣Ordinary Seaman (OS) – Entry-level deck worker. Assists ABs and learns basic seamanship duties.


Engine Department

‣Chief Engineer – Head of the engine department. In charge of all machinery, engine room operations, and technical safety.
‣Second Engineer – Assistant to the Chief Engineer. Oversees day-to-day engine room activities and maintenance schedules.
‣Third Engineer – Maintains main engines, pumps, and fuel systems. Assists in engine watchkeeping.
‣Fourth Engineer – Handles auxiliary engines, purifiers, and daily machinery checks.
‣Engine Cadet – Trainee engineer. Observes and assists in engine room operations and machinery maintenance.
‣Oiler – Lubricates machinery and assists engineers in engine watch and maintenance duties.
‣Fitter – Skilled technician. Performs welding, repairs, and fabrication of metal parts and pipes.
‣Wiper – Entry-level engine crew. Keeps the engine room clean and assists Oilers and Fitters.

‣Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) – Responsible for electrical, electronic, automation, and communication systems on board.
‣Electrical Cadet – Assists the ETO and learns electrical maintenance and troubleshooting.

Catering / Galley Department

Chief Cook – Manages the galley. Prepares meals, plans menus, and ensures food hygiene and storage.
Messman – Assists the cook, serves meals, and maintains cleanliness in the mess hall and crew accommodation.

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Deck Officer

Who is a Deck Officer? A Deck Officer is a licensed seafarer responsible for the safe navigation, cargo operations, crew supervision, and overall safety of the ship. They work under the Captain (Master) and are essential for the smooth operation of the vessel at sea and in port. Responsibilities & Duty Schedule Captain ‣Overall command of the ship, crew, and cargo ‣Ensures compliance with maritime laws & safety regulations ‣Decision-maker during navigation, emergencies, and port operations ‣Represents the ship to port authorities & company Chief Officer ‣Manages deck crew & cargo operations ‣Responsible for ship’s stability, loading, and ballasting ‣Supervises safety drills & emergency preparedness ‣Ensure safe navigation and safety at all times. TIME: 04:00 – 08:00 → (Morning Watch) 16:00 – 20:00 → (Evening Watch)

Lathe Machine

LATHE MACHINE; THE MOTHER OF ALL MACHINES A lathe machine is a powerful tool in both industrial and maritime workshops. By rotating a workpiece against a cutting tool, it enables precise shaping, drilling, and finishing of materials. This makes it vital for manufacturing components such as shafts, propeller parts, and other cylindrical items that require high accuracy. How a Lathe Machine Works At its core, a lathe machine consists of a headstock, tailstock, bed, and carriage. The headstock houses the spindle and speed controls, delivering rotational motion to the workpiece. The tailstock provides support and can hold auxiliary tools like drills or reamers. The bed acts as a rigid base, ensuring that all other components remain aligned. Mounted on the bed, the carriage including the saddle, cross-slide, and tool post movably carries the cutting tool, while the lead screw and feed rod drive the tool’s motion for threading and feeding. Operations You Can Do on a Lathe Lathes are extremely versatile. Here are some of the most common operations: Turning: Reducing the diameter of a workpiece to form cylinders or tapered shapes. Facing: Creating flat surfaces on the ends of the piece. Parting: Cutting off a portion of the workpiece. Boring: Enlarging existing holes or providing a precise internal diameter. Thread Cutting: Cutting internal or external screw threads. Knurling: Forming patterned grips on handles or tool surfaces. Drilling: Using a drill held in the tailstock to bore holes with high accuracy.

Understanding Mooring Winch

A winch is a mechanical device with a rotating drum used to pull, lift, or control heavy loads using wire rope, cable, or synthetic line. It provides controlled movement of equipment, lines, and cargo on deck. Purpose of a Winch ‣Heave in or slack out mooring lines safely ‣Lift or move heavy objects with controlled tension ‣Assist in towing, anchoring, and cargo operations I‣mprove safety and efficiency during deck tasks

2-Stroke Marine Diesel Engine

2- STROKE MARINE DIESEL ENGINE A 2-stroke marine diesel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that completes all four stages of operation intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust in two piston strokes (one crankshaft revolution). It is primarily used in large ships such as tankers, container vessels, and bulk carriers because of its high power output, fuel efficiency, and ability to run continuously for long periods. The engine is designed to deliver maximum torque at low revolutions per minute (RPM), making it ideal for direct propulsion of heavy marine vessels. Purpose The main purpose of a 2-stroke marine diesel engine is to generate continuous propulsion power for ships during long-distance voyages. It provides high torque and efficiency at low speed, enabling vessels to move massive loads across oceans while minimizing fuel consumption. Its robust design, long service life, and ability to operate on different fuel types from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to marine diesel oil (MDO) make it the backbone of commercial marine propulsion. Background and History The concept of the 2-stroke engine emerged in the late 19th century, pioneered by Dugald Clerk (1878) and Joseph Day (1891). In the early 20th century, diesel technology replaced steam propulsion as shipping demanded greater efficiency. By the 1930s, manufacturers like Sulzer, MAN B&W, and Mitsubishi developed large-scale crosshead-type 2-stroke engines, setting the standard for ocean-going ships. Since the 1960s, these engines have dominated maritime transport, evolving to meet stricter emission and fuel efficiency standards. Main Components and Functions Cylinder Liner : Forms the combustion chamber’s wall and withstands high pressure and temperature. • Piston & Rings : Convert combustion energy to motion and maintain sealing between piston and liner. • Connecting Rod & Crankshaft : Transfer and convert linear motion into rotary motion for propulsion. • Crosshead Bearing : Separates the piston and connecting rod to prevent side forces. • Scavenge Air System : Supplies fresh air for combustion and removes exhaust gases. • Turbocharger : Utilizes exhaust gas energy to compress intake air for better combustion. • Fuel Injector : Sprays atomized fuel into the combustion chamber for ignition. • Exhaust Valve : Opens to release burnt gases. • Cooling and Lubrication Systems : Control temperature and minimize wear.

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