Chief Officer (First Mate)
Deck/Department: Deck / Navigation
Rank: Senior Officer
Direct Report: Captain / Vessel Master
Supervises: Deck Department (Second Officer, Third Officer, Bosun, Able Seamen, etc.)
Long Job Description:
The Chief Officer, or First Mate, is the head of the Deck Department and the vessel's second-in-command after the Captain. This officer's primary responsibilities are divided between cargo operations, vessel stability, deck maintenance, and crew safety. The Chief Officer is directly responsible for planning and executing all cargo loading, stowage, securing, and discharging operations, ensuring they are done safely and in accordance with the cargo plan and stability requirements. They oversee the vessel's ballasting and de-ballasting and calculate stability and stress conditions. The Chief Officer is also the vessel's Safety Officer, responsible for implementing safety drills, maintaining all lifesaving and firefighting appliances (LSA/FFA), and ensuring compliance with ISPS code duties (as the Ship Security Officer, if designated). They manage the deck maintenance schedule, including hull, decks, and superstructure upkeep.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct and supervise all cargo and ballasting operations.
- Calculate and monitor the vessel's stability, trim, and stress throughout the voyage.
- Act as the Vessel's Safety Officer, conducting drills and maintaining safety equipment.
- Manage the deck crew, assign duties, and oversee deck maintenance and preservation.
- Maintain cargo handling gear, hatch covers, and deck machinery.
- Assume command of the vessel in the Captain's absence.
- Serve as the Ship Security Officer (SSO), implementing the ship security plan.
- Keep the ship's deck logbook and various safety records.
