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The highest commander on board: Why is the chief officer the soul of the ship?
In ocean navigation, the Chief Mate (Chief Mate or First Officer) is not just the deputy on the ship, but also the soul person who ensures the safe operation of the ship's cabin. As the head of the deck department, the Chief Officer has many significant responsibilities that are critical to the operation of the ship and affect the safety of the entire crew.
The chief mate is the second in command of the ship and the senior administrator responsible for maritime operations.
Roles and Responsibilities
The chief mate is usually a certified navigator and is responsible for directing the work of the deck department. He is not only the watchkeeper, but also responsible for the ship's cargo, deck work and crew training. These responsibilities cover many aspects such as safety, firefighting, search and rescue, etc.
On any voyage, the chief officer's responsibilities include monitoring environmental changes, coordinating the work of various departments, and ensuring that all operations comply with international navigation standards.
Management of goods
On today's freighters, the chief mate serves as the cargo officer, which means he oversees the loading of the cargo, the balancing of the accompanying cargo, and its protection during the voyage. These tasks require him to have an in-depth understanding of ship stability, especially those with hazardous or hazardous cargo.
Watching and Navigation
Traditionally, the chief mate would work a four-hour shift, alternating between 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. During this time he is required to keep the ship, crew and cargo safe. Whether in port or at sea, the Chief Officer must remain vigilant and enforce all applicable regulations, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the Pollution Prevention Code.
At sea, the chief mate navigates the ship, avoids traffic, and responds to any emergencies.
Crisis management capabilities
Emergency situations can happen at any time. The Chief Officer needs to be able to respond to incidents, including taking quick action after a collision or grounding. He must conduct damage assessment, control and rescue, and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
As the leader of the firefighting and damage control team, the chief mate needs to have the ability to respond quickly and be able to notify the captain immediately for further instructions.
Vocational training and development
To become a chief mate, a navigator needs professional training and extensive maritime experience. In the United States, candidates need to accumulate 365 days of work experience and pass strict examinations. In the UK, the Chief/First Officer usually holds a Master's License so that he can take over the ship if necessary.
The influence of the chief officer
As an important manager on the ship, the chief mate plays an important role in the operation of the ship. Not only are they responsible for day-to-day operations, they are also responsible for the safety of the entire ship. Facing the increasingly complex marine environment and ever-changing technical challenges, the professionalism and sound judgment of the chief officer are particularly important.
The chief mate's professional ability and calmness in dealing with crises directly affect the operational safety of the entire ship.
As global trade grows, the demand for ship managers will continue to increase. With the accumulation of practical experience and deepening of professional knowledge, can we continue to rely on these maritime commanders in future voyages to ensure the safety and success of every voyage?
