Shipboard organization refers to the structured arrangement of duties, authority, and responsibilities on board a vessel. It ensures safe and efficient operation through a clear chain of command, defined roles of officers and crew, effective communication, and compliance with safety, operational, and emergency procedures.

1. SHIPBOARD
ORGANIZATI
ON

2. •Explain the working departments of a cargo
ship in terms of their functions relevant to
ensuring safety of operation and life at sea
LESSON OBJECTIVES

3. •Each of the crew functions based on the ranks
outlined in their job description. The
shipboard organization makes it easy for
everyone to identify the degree of
responsibility of every person on board.

4. • Overall command and authority over the ship.
• Navigation and safe operation of the vessel.
• Decision-making in emergencies.
• Ensuring compliance with maritime laws and
regulations.
• Managing the crew, cargo, and passenger safety.
• The final authority on the ship and is the
highest rank one can achieve onboard. The
Captain shoulders immense responsibilities and
oversees all shipboard operations.
MASTER/CAPTAIN:

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• Supervising cargo operations, stowage, and
stability.
• Overseeing deck crew activities and safety
drills.
• Navigational planning and watch keeping. Takes
the dog and morning watch. 0400H – 0800H,
night duty 1600H – 2000H
• Maintaining navigational equipment, and deck
equipment on board.
• Assisting the captain in overall ship
management.
CHIEF OFFICER

6. SECOND OFFICER
• Navigation and watch keeping duties. middle and
afternoon watches, day shift 1200H – 1600H and
in night shift 0000H – 0400H
• Navigating officer in-charge of maintaining
navigational charts and publications.
• Assisting with the operation of navigational
equipment.
• Conducting safety drills and training.
• Managing safety and security equipment.
• He is the medical officer onboard

7. THIRD OFFICER
• Navigation and watch keeping duties from 0800H
– 1200H/ 2000H – 2400H
• Assisting with safety drills and training.
• Maintaining lifesaving and firefighting
equipment.
• Managing safety and security procedures.
• Handling administrative tasks related to deck
operations.

8. Most senior among deck ratings
Supervising the deck crew in maintenance and cleaning
tasks.
Overseeing deck equipment and rigging.
Assigning tasks to ABs and OSs.
Assisting with cargo operations.
Maintaining deck gear and equipment.
He rank as petty officer.
BOSUN/BOATSWAIN

9. Performing various deck tasks as directed by officers.
Operating and maintaining deck equipment.
Standing watch on the bridge.
Participating in safety drills and maintenance.
Assisting in mooring and unmooring operations.
Senior deck ratings. He is also the Helmsman or the
quartermaster responsible for steering the ship
ABLE BODIED SEAMAN (AB)

10. ORDINARY SEAMAN (OS)
• Assisting ABs and other crew members.
• Learning basic deck duties and operations.
• Participating in safety drills and training.
• Performing general maintenance tasks.
• Gaining experience to advance in rank.
• Junior deck hand. Assist the bosun in all deck works.
Usually he is a day- man.

11. DECK CADET
• Assisting officers in navigation and watchkeeping.
• Learning navigational skills and procedures.
• Participating in deck activities and drills.
• Gaining practical experience for future officer roles.
• Undertaking training and tasks as directed by superiors.
• These responsibilities provide a general overview of the
roles of each crew member in ship organization. Keep in
mind that specific duties may vary based on the type of
ship, company policies, and individual circumstances.

12. CHIEF ENGINEER
• He supervises all the work
appertaining to the engine room.
• Head of the engine department.
• Overall responsibility for the ship's
mechanical and electrical systems.
• Managing the engine department crew.
• Ensuring the proper maintenance, operation, and repair of all machinery.
• Coordinating with other departments for smooth ship operations.
• Budgeting, inventory management, and spare parts procurement.

13. SECOND ENGINEER / 1AE
• Directly responsible for the operation and
maintenance of main propulsion systems.
• Supervising engine room watchkeeping.
• Managing junior engineers and crew
members.
• Overseeing routine maintenance and
repairs.
• Monitoring fuel and lubricant
consumption.
• In-charge in the upkeep of the
main engine.

14. THIRD ENGINEER / 2AE
• Assisting second engineer in
watchkeeping and maintenance tasks.
• Operating auxiliary machinery and
equipment.
• Performing routine maintenance and
repairs.
• Monitoring fuel and oil levels.
• Assisting with engine room safety
protocols.

15. FOURTH ENGINEER / 3AE
• Assisting senior engineers in their
duties.
• Performing maintenance tasks as
directed.
• Operating and maintaining auxiliary
equipment.
• Assisting with engine room operations
during drills.
• Gaining practical experience to
advance in rank.

16. FITTER
• Repairing and maintaining engine
machinery and equipment.
• Assisting engineers in major
repairs and overhauls.
• Performing welding and fabrication tasks.
• Inspecting and troubleshooting equipment issues.
• Ensuring machinery alignment and proper function.

17. PUMPMAN
• Engaged only on tankers for operating the
discharging, loading, ballasting
and attending to cargo pumps.
• Operating and maintaining various pumps
onboard.
• Handling the transfer of liquids and fluids.
• Monitoring pump systems for efficiency and
issues.
• Assisting in ballast and cargo operations.
• Performing routine checks and maintenance.

18. OILER
• Senior engine ratings.
• Lubricating and maintaining
machinery.
• Assisting engineers in routine
maintenance tasks.
• Operating and maintaining
auxiliary equipment.
• Keeping engine room areas clean
and organized.
• Supporting general engine room
operations.

19. WIPER • Junior engine hand. Usually day
– man
• Cleaning and maintaining engine
room areas.
• Assisting engineers in various
tasks.
• Participating in routine
maintenance activities.
• Learning basic engine room
operations.
• Gaining experience for potential
advancement.

20. ELECTRICIAN
• Upkeep, repair and maintenance
of all electrical equipment and
machineries.
• Regularly check and maintain
batteries used for emergency
lighting, backup systems, and
other critical operations.
• Inspect, test, and maintain fire
detection, alarm systems, and
other emergency communication
systems

21. ENGINE CADET
• Assisting engineers in their
duties and tasks.
• Learning about engine systems
and operations.
• Participating in maintenance
and repairs.
• Gaining practical experience
for future roles.

22. CHIEF COOK
• Overall responsibility for meal
preparation and galley
operations.
• Planning and preparing menus
in consultation with superiors.
• Managing kitchen staff and
delegating tasks.
• Ensuring food quality, hygiene,
and safety standards are met.
• Managing inventory, ordering
supplies, and maintaining
kitchen equipment.

23. SECOND COOK • Assisting the chief cook in meal
preparation.
• Cooking and preparing meals
according to recipes and
guidelines.
• Handling kitchen tasks as
directed by superiors.
• Assisting in maintaining
cleanliness and organization in
the galley.
• Ensuring food safety and
hygiene practices are followed.

24. STEWARD
• Cleaning and maintaining crew
and officer cabins.
• Managing laundry services for
crew uniforms and linens.
• Assisting in maintaining public
spaces and common areas.
• Serving meals to officers and
guests.
• Ensuring cabins and public
areas are well-stocked and
orderly.

25. MESSMAN
• Assisting in food preparation
and serving.
• Cleaning and maintaining the
mess hall.
• Setting up and clearing dining
areas.
• Assisting in dishwashing and
kitchen cleaning.

28. At Sea Watch Keeping
2nd Officer 0000-0400 AB 1 0000-0400
1200-1600 1200-1600
Chief Officer 0400-0800 AB 2 0400-0800
1600-2000 1600-2000
3rd Officer 0800-1200 AB 3 / Cadet 0800-1200
2000-2400 2000-2400
Bosun and OS 0800 -1200 1300- 1700 1800-2000
DUTIES ON BOARD

29. At Port Watch Keeping
Chief Officer 0800-1200 1300- 1700 Call anytime if Needed
2nd Officer and AB1 0000-0600 1200-1800
3rd officer and AB2 0600-1200 1800-2400
Gangway watchmen
Deck cadet 0600-1200
OS 1200-1800
Bosun, 0800-1200 1300-1700 call anytime if needed
DUTIES ON BOARD

31. THE END
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