MANNING

The Organization of a Ship’s Crew

The man in charge of a ship is the Master. He is responsible for the ship, her cargo and the safety of the crew. He must be well qualified and an experienced navigator. Although his correct title is the Master, he is addresses as “Captain”.

The organization of the crew of a cargo ship is changing, but it is still customary to find Deck, Engine, Catering and Radio Departments in ships of a reasonable size. Each department is made up of a varied number of officers, petty officers and ratings.

The Chief Officer, or First Mate as he is often called, is the Master’s chief officer and head of the Deck Department. He is assisted by a Second Officer (Mate), a Third Officer (Mate), and sometimes a Fourth Officer (Mate). Several companies employ a First Officer as well as a Chief Officer. The Deck Department also includes a Boatswain (Bosun) and a Carpenter, both petty officers, and a number of ratings. These are made up of Able Seamen (AB), Ordinary Seamen (OS) and a middle grade known as Efficient Deck Hands (EDH). There are other grades of seamen. On some ships Navigating Cadets are carried for training purposes.

The Chief Engineer is head of the Engine Department. He is assisted by a Second, Third, Fourth and sometimes a Fifth Engineer. An Electrical Officer may also be carried. The engine room petty officers are the Storekeeper and Donkeyman. On tankers there is also a Pumpman.  He is also a petty officer. The engine room ratings are Firemen and Greasers. There may also be Engineer Cadets.

The Catering Department is under the Chief Steward. It is divided into a saloon and galley section. The former is headed by the Second Steward, the latter by the Ship’s Cook. They are both usually petty officers. They are assisted by several stewards and cooks, and by a number of junior ratings.

The Radio department often consists of only one man: the Radio Officer. On ships where continuous radio watches are kept there may be three radio officers: a Chief, Second and Third.