Merchant Shipping
The main work of the deck department is proper watchstanding and the maintenance of the ship's hull, cargo gear, and accommodations as well as the ship's life saving and firefighting appliances.
A typical deck department for a merchant ship would include:
- (1) Chief Officer/Chief Mate
- (1) Second Officer/Second Mate
- (1) Third Officer/Third Mate
- (0-1) Boatswain
- (2-6) Able Seamen
- (0-2) Ordinary Seamen
Depending on the size and employment of the ship, a boatswain may be employed. If carried, the boatswain, generally a senior able seaman, will act as a foreman of the ship's deck crew and as the chief mate's representative on deck, effectively as a fourth mate.
The chief mate is the head of the deck department. This involves administrative tasks such as scheduling work, quality control, coordinating with other departments, and conflict resolution. The chief mate also compiles supply, overtime, and cost control records, and requisitions or purchases stores and equipment.
Due to IMO regulations, larger cargo and passenger ships generally carry at least three able seamen and may carry ordinary seamen.
The ship's other deck officers, generally a Second Mate and Third Mate, are also members of the deck department.
Other shipboard departments typically include the engine department and the steward's department.
Read more about this topic: Deck Department
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