DECK DEPARTMENT

Seafaring is a tradition that encompasses a variety of professions and ranks. The

ship hierarchy ensures smooth coordination of on board operations and promotes
proper management strategies. In general, the ranking system on cruise ship is
mainly divided into following categories: Deck Department, Engine Department
and Hotel Department. In this article we will talk about the first Department, the
brain of a cruise ship.

Deck Officers

The Deck Department is led by Deck Officers, who are licensed mariners and they
are commanded overall by the ship’s Master. Seafarers in the Deck Department
work a variety of jobs on a cruise ship, but primarily they will carry out the
navigation of a vessel, from the bridge. However, they are usually also responsible
for safety of guests and crew, environmental compliance and ensuring maintenance
of the deck and upper hull structure, monitoring the stability of the ship including
loading and discharging ballast water, carrying out mooring operations and finally
anchoring a ship.

Bridge Officers

The Master is at the top of cruise ship hierarchy and has the highest rank on board
a vessel. This figure is in charge of all operations and legal matters on board and is
the final authority who is responsible for all matters relating to the vessel and its
crew.

The Staff Captain is the second in command aboard the cruise ship and Head of
the Deck Department. Among the many tasks, oversees all aspects of activities
taking place on the bridge as well as security and training of the ship’s staff and
crew.

The First Officer is the Officer of the Watch and is a designated navigation figure.
On behalf of the Master is responsible for all navigational and watch keeping
issues as well as for the voyage planning. The Second Officer ensure that the
bridge is operated in accordance with all applicable regulations and company
policies, during all prevailing circumstances and conditions. The Third Officer is
an assistant to the OOW on the ship and acts as a co-navigator. Participates in
mooring and anchoring operations as well as monitors tender operations.

The Deck Cadet complete the bridge. This figure is part of Deck Cadet training
programs for young people who wish to pursue a career as a Deck Officer aboard a
cruise ship.

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Other Officers

The Safety Officer is responsible for passenger and crew safety drills, abandon
ship procedures, crew safety training, supervision of ships tenders, instructions on
safety of all shipboard personnel, with particular reference to emergency
procedures.

The Environmental Compliance Officer is non-watch standing officer

responsible for oversight and verification of the cruise line environmental policies,
the training, implementation, and verification of regulatory compliance as it relates
to applicable environmental laws.

The Chief Security Officer is a three-stripe officer who is in charge of

implementing the company security policies and all security operations on board
the cruise ship both at sea and while in port.

Deck Ratings

The Bosun is the highest ranking rating position in the Deck Department. The
Bosun is in charge of all subordinate deck rating positions aboard the cruise ship
and his main duties and responsibilities include supervises and coordinates all non-
officer deck personal and in conjunction with the Staff Captain plans and schedules
all activities in regards to regular maintenance of all areas of the ship.

The Quartermaster is an unlicensed member of the deck crew, an Able Seaman

who performs Watch Keeping duties on the bridge and steers the ship applying the
helm orders given by the Officer of the Watch but also observing the sea for
potential hazards.

The Able Seaman is responsible for routine maintenance of the deck and hull of
the ship, operation of tenders, lifeboats and rescue boats.

The Ordinary Seaman is the entry level non-watch standing position in the
department and acts as an apprentice of the Able Seaman, learning the trade and
gaining experience while working.

The Carpenter is responsible for all carpentry work and various woodwork and
general repairs aboard the cruise ship during the voyage.

The Fireman is responsible for leading and coordinating the onboard Firefighting
Team activities in regards to fire hazards prevention and effective fire-fighting in
case of fire.