Important duties of a ship’s Chief Officer includes
1. Chief Officer is responsible for performing vessel navigation watch duties.
2. He is responsible for the entire cargo operation in ports which includes
loading, unloading, and cargo planning.
3. He is the in-charge for maintenance of cargo gears and cargo carried on
board ship.
4. One of the critical tasks performed by chief officer is the accountability of the
stability of the ship.
5. He is responsible for maintenance of ship’s hull and accommodation.
6. All the life saving and fire fighting appliances of the vessel comes under the
responsibility of chief officer.
7. His duties includes administration task of scheduling and distributing work to
deck crew.
8. He has to build up the co-ordination with other departments and take part in
conflict resolution.
9. He is responsible for garbage management for the deck and accommodation part of the ship.
10. He is in charge of the ballast and de-ballasting operation done on board.
11. He has to make sure all the crew members are complying with latest rules of MARPOL, SOLAS and STCW.
12. ISPS code is another responsibility that the chief officer has to look over.
13. Trainings in all the above regulations and conventions are to be carried out by
chief officer as per company policy.
14. To look after supply, overtime, cost control records, purchase order,
requisition, and other paper work on behalf of shore management.
15. He also acts as SSO- ship security officer, responsible for the security of the
ship both in port and at sea.
16. He is the overall safety in charge for the deck crew.
17. He is responsible for the welfare of the crew on board ship.
One cannot think about operating a ship without considering the position of chief
officer. He is a key position on the ship, one who assists master and shore
management and helps in training crew and juniors.
In Short
1. Second in command of the vessel
2. Head of the Deck Department
3. Watch-keeper, at sea and in port
4. Chief Medical Officer
– Responsible for maintenance of ship’s hospital, ensuring all necessary
medications and equipment are on board and will not exceed shelf life during
the scheduled cruise
– Responsible for providing medical care to all crewmembers and other persons
on board
5. HAZMAT Officer
– Responsible for the safe handling, storage and use of hazardous materials on
board the vessel
6. Safety Coordinator – ISM Compliance Officer
7. Training Officer/Coordinator
8. Damage Control Officer and on-scene leader in emergency situations
The Master has ultimate responsibility for the safety of the ship, Crew & Cargo and
for protection of marine environment against pollution by the ship and the chief
mate shall be in a position to assume that responsibility at any time.
Tasks Duties & Responsibilities of Mate as per Table A-II/2
Function: Navigation at the management level
1. Plan a voyage and conduct navigation
2. Determine position and the accuracy of resultant position fix by any means
3. Determine and allow for compass errors
4. Coordinate search and rescue operations
5. Establish Watchkeeping arrangements and procedures
6. Maintain safe navigation through the use of information from navigation
equipment and systems to assist command decision making
7. Maintain the safety of navigation through the use of ECDIS and associated
navigation systems to assist command decision making
8. Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions
9. Respond to navigational emergencies
10. Manoeuvre and handle a ship in all conditions
11. Operate remote controls of propulsion plant and engineering systems and
Services
Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the management level
1. Plan and ensure safe loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and
unloading of cargoes
2. Assess reported defects and damage to cargo spaces, hatch covers and
ballast tanks and take appropriate action
3. Carriage of dangerous goods
Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on
board at the management level
1. Control trim, stability and stress
2. Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements and measures to
ensure safety of life at sea, security and the protection of the marine
environment
3. Maintain safety and security of the ship’s crew and passengers and the
operational condition of life-saving, fire-fighting and other safety systems
4. Develop emergency and damage control plans and handle emergency
situations
5. Use of leadership and managerial skill
6. Organize and manage the provision of medical care on board
Duties of Chief Officer as ISM Code
1. Implementation of company Safety Management System
2. Training the ship staff in effective implementation of SMS
3. Following Company Checklist & Procedures for Carrying out Various jobs.
4. Following maintenance Schedules
5. Reporting of any defects & non-conformities to the company through Master.
6. Emergency preparedness – Carry out appropriate training to ensure the same
