Up on the deck and on the bridge
The mate and officers
 Officer in Radio Room with woman at
typewriter |
The first officer is also known as the mate, a hangover from the
days when ships had just two officers, and he was the assistant to
the master. The first officer will usually run the ship, setting
watches, planning maintenance in discussion with the captain, and
taking his own watch. In port, it is the first officer who has - or
delegates - responsibility for stowing the cargo. The first officer
will usually be qualified to command the ship, having a captain`s
certificate. This is necessary, as he needs to be able to take over
if anything happens to the master. There may also be up to four or five junior deck officers named
second officer, or second mate, and so on. Usually, they will have
a certificate allowing them to do the job of their superior, at
least. They take their turn on watch, and have other managerial
responsibilities around the ship
|
