Staff structure
Officers and crew
There has long been a distinction at sea between officers and
members of the crew. This distinction survives, although the
smaller numbers needed on today`s ships mean some of the barriers
between officers and crew have gone. The officers manage the ship and are responsible for the
discipline of the crew. The deck officers navigate the ship from
port to port, and supervise its loading and discharging. The
engineering officers ensure its main engine and other machinery and
equipment are well maintained. 
 Canadian Pacific Officers are photographed on
deck |
Officers usually undergo a cadetship or apprenticeship that led
to them getting certificates of competency. The exceptions are
coasters and harbour craft. Here, experienced seamen can first
become first a mate (or first officer) and then a master without
having to study for a certificate. Traditionally, those who started as cadets or apprentices stayed
with one company throughout their seagoing career. They expected
promotion as they gained experience and vacancies arose. Members of
the crew, however, were usually engaged for just one voyage. Today,
they will usually `sign on` to a ship for a set period. The members of the crew do much of the routine work. This can be
mundane, such as chipping the rust that always accumulates on
steel, and repainting the hull. However, seamen`s work can also be
highly skilled. For instance, an experienced seaman would steer the
ship. He would take orders from the officer on watch, but his skill
would ensure the ship was kept on the course.
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