Maritime Chain of Command & Rank Descriptions
Oct 27, 2025



Deck Department

‣Captain (Master) – The highest authority on board. Responsible for the entire ship, crew, cargo, and safe navigation.
‣Chief Officer – Second-in-command. Manages the deck crew, cargo loading and unloading, and ensures the ship’s stability and safety.
‣Second Officer – Navigation officer. Prepares voyage plans, updates charts, and handles safety and navigation equipment.
‣Third Officer – Responsible for life-saving and fire-fighting equipment. Assists in watchkeeping and navigation.
‣Deck Cadet – An apprentice officer. Learn navigation, bridge watchkeeping, and ship operations.
‣Bosun – Leader of the deck ratings. Supervises maintenance work, painting, mooring, and deck operations.
‣Able Seaman (AB) – Skilled deck crew member. Stands watch, assists in mooring, steering, and maintenance.
‣Ordinary Seaman (OS) – Entry-level deck worker. Assists ABs and learns basic seamanship duties.


Engine Department

‣Chief Engineer – Head of the engine department. In charge of all machinery, engine room operations, and technical safety.
‣Second Engineer – Assistant to the Chief Engineer. Oversees day-to-day engine room activities and maintenance schedules.
‣Third Engineer – Maintains main engines, pumps, and fuel systems. Assists in engine watchkeeping.
‣Fourth Engineer – Handles auxiliary engines, purifiers, and daily machinery checks.
‣Engine Cadet – Trainee engineer. Observes and assists in engine room operations and machinery maintenance.
‣Oiler – Lubricates machinery and assists engineers in engine watch and maintenance duties.
‣Fitter – Skilled technician. Performs welding, repairs, and fabrication of metal parts and pipes.
‣Wiper – Entry-level engine crew. Keeps the engine room clean and assists Oilers and Fitters.

‣Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) – Responsible for electrical, electronic, automation, and communication systems on board.
‣Electrical Cadet – Assists the ETO and learns electrical maintenance and troubleshooting.

Catering / Galley Department

Chief Cook – Manages the galley. Prepares meals, plans menus, and ensures food hygiene and storage.
Messman – Assists the cook, serves meals, and maintains cleanliness in the mess hall and crew accommodation.

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PARTS OF A SHIP

Front (Bow) Area Bulbous Bow A rounded projection located below the waterline at the forward part of the hull. It reduces wave resistance and helps improve the ship’s fuel efficiency and stability. Bow The forward-most section of the ship designed to cut through the water as the vessel moves. Stem The vertical front edge of the bow that forms the main support where the two sides of the hull meet. Foredeck The deck area located at the forward part of the ship, often used for anchor handling and mooring operations. Fore Mast A mast positioned near the bow used to mount lights, radar, antennas, and other navigational instruments. Hatch Cover A watertight cover placed over cargo holds to protect the cargo from seawater and weather exposure. Deck The main working platform of the ship where crew activities and operations take place. Hull The main outer structure or body of the ship that provides buoyancy and keeps the vessel afloat. Anchor A heavy device lowered to the seabed to hold the ship in position and prevent drifting. Bridge The command center of the ship where navigation, control, and monitoring of vessel movement and operations are performed. Midship and Superstructure Superstructure The portion of the ship constructed above the main deck, housing key operational and living spaces. Accommodation The area where the crew lives and works. It includes cabins, mess rooms, offices, and other essential living facilities. Flying Bridge / Bridge Wings Side platforms extending from the bridge used for maneuvering and observation, especially during docking and unmooring. Monkey Island An open platform located above the bridge that provides access to radar, communication, and navigation equipment, as well as offering an unobstructed view of the surroundings. Main Mast The primary mast supporting communication systems, navigation lights, and other electronic devices.

WHAT IS ECDIS?

ECDIS stands fo ELECTRONIC CHART DISPLAY AND INFORMATION SYSTEM replaces traditional paper nautical charts with a digital interface that complies with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. It uses data from GPS, radar, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and other sensors to give the ship's crew a detailed and accurate picture of their surroundings and navigation route

JET CHISEL

A jet chisel (also called needle scaler) is a pneumatic tool made up of multiple thin steel rods (“needles”) that rapidly move back and forth when connected to compressed air. The vibration of the needles chips away rust, old paint, scale, and marine growth on metal surfaces. Think of it as “pangbaklas ng kalawang, pero industrial version.” Purpose: • Remove rust, corrosion, and scale from steel surfaces • Prepare metal before painting, welding, or coating • Clean areas where grinders and wire brushes can’t reach (corners, tight spots, edges) • Reduce manual scraping time and physical fatigue How to Use: 1. PPE First • Safety goggles / face shield • Ear protection (maingay ’yan) • Gloves • Mask (dust/rust particles) • Proper coverall 2. Check the Tool • Inspect air hose, connectors, and needles • Ensure air compressor pressure is within recommended range (usually 90 psi ± depending on tool) 3. Connect to Compressed Air • Attach hose firmly • Open the air valve gradually 4. Operate • Hold the tool with both hands • Press the needles gently against the surface — do not push too hard • Let the vibration do the work • Work in steady strokes 5. After Use • Shut off air supply • Clean and oil the needles to prevent rust • Store in dry location

WILLIAMSON TURN

The Williamson Turn is a maneuver used to reverse the course of a vessel and return along its original track. It is primarily applied during Man Overboard (MOB) situations, especially when the exact position of the casualty is uncertain or when visibility is poor, such as at night or in fog. Purpose: • To bring the ship back onto its previous course line, improving the chance of relocating the person who fell overboard. • Ensures the vessel returns to the point of incident efficiently and safely. • Helps maintain visual and navigational reference in low-visibility conditions. Procedure: 1. Apply full rudder toward the side where the person fell overboard. 2. Allow the vessel to deviate 60° from its original course. 3. Shift full rudder to the opposite side. 4. Continue the turn until the vessel is heading about 20° from the reciprocal (opposite) course. 5. Return rudder to midships. 6. Steady the vessel on the reciprocal course and proceed back along the original track to search for and recover the casualty.

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