Master, C/O, AB, OS, ETO, oiler — to a newcomer these abbreviations look like code. Here is the crew laid out clearly, so you understand who does what and where to grow.
Deck department
- Master — the top authority on the ship, full responsibility for everything.
- Chief Officer / Chief Mate — cargo, stability, deck crew; the captain's deputy.
- 2nd Officer — navigation, charts, ECDIS.
- 3rd Officer — life-saving and fire-fighting appliances, watchkeeping.
- Bosun — the senior over the deck ratings, the deck "foreman".
- AB (Able Seaman) — a qualified rating, helm watch, deck work.
- OS (Ordinary Seaman) — the entry-level deck position.
Engine department
- Chief Engineer — the "captain of the engine", responsible for all machinery.
- 2nd Engineer — the main engine and key systems, the practical head of the engine room.
- 3rd / 4th Engineer — auxiliary machinery, pumps, separators.
- ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) — electrics and automation.
- Motorman / Oiler / Wiper — engine ratings.
- Fitter — the ship's mechanic/welder.
Galley and service
- Chief Cook / Cook — feeds the crew, "half the success of a voyage".
- Messman / Steward — galley help, cleaning, serving.
How to grow
Deck: OS → AB → bosun → (with a CoC) 3rd → 2nd → Chief Officer → Master. Engine: wiper/motorman → 4th → 3rd → 2nd → Chief Engineer. Each step up requires sea time and, for officers, a CoC.
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