⚓ Maritime Crew Positions Guide

Complete overview of ship crew roles, responsibilities, and qualifications

Captain

Key Responsibilities

Choose safe routes for the ship

Ensure crew follows safety rules

Train crew in safety drills

Keep voyage logs up to date

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma with strong math, physics, geography, and English foundations
• Bachelor's degree in Marine Transportation, Nautical Science, or equivalent maritime studies
• Sea service progressing through deck officer ranks and watchkeeping duties
• Merchant Mariner Credential (USCG) or national Master's license with Master's endorsement
• STCW certification such as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW)

Chief Engineer

Key Responsibilities

Inspect the engine room every day

Follow engine safety procedures

Monitor fuel and oil levels daily

Report any engine faults to the Captain

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Chief Engineer's license) issued by a recognized maritime authority
• Approved STCW training and endorsements (Sections A-III/2 and A-III/3)
• 24–36 months of sea service as Second Engineer with engine room management experience

Second Engineer

Key Responsibilities

Help maintain the engine regularly

Assist with engine checks in emergencies

Prepare engine maintenance reports

Help manage spare parts inventory

Required Qualifications

• STCW Certificate for Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (Section A-III/2 or A-III/3)
• Minimum 12 months approved seagoing service as Assistant Engineer or Engineer Officer
• Completion of approved marine engineering courses under STCW
• National endorsement permitting duties as Second Engineer on merchant vessels

Deck Officer

Key Responsibilities

Plan daily deck operations

Check deck tools and safety

Oversee loading and unloading cargo

Inspect life-jackets and safety gear

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science, Marine Transportation, or equivalent sea-time pathway
• Officer of the Watch (OOW) license or Deck Officer certificate from USCG, MCA, or equivalent
• STCW certification for deck officers and bridge watchkeeping
• Bridge watch sea service with hands-on navigation and passage planning training

Bosun

Key Responsibilities

Supervise deck crew activities

Keep deck equipment ready

Assign daily deck tasks to crew

Check ropes and anchors for wear

Required Qualifications

• Merchant Mariner Credential (USCG) or national equivalent with Able Seaman rating
• Completion of Basic Safety Training (STCW A-VI/1)
• Typically 2–3 years of sea service as Able Seaman or deckhand
• Demonstrated seamanship skills, supervisory ability, and maintenance experience on deck

Able Seaman

Key Responsibilities

Perform daily deck tasks

Clean and repair deck equipment

Stand night watch on deck

Assist with emergency deck repairs

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Merchant Mariner Credential with Able Seaman endorsement
• Training covering navigation basics, safety procedures, emergency response, and ship maintenance under STCW
• Documented sea service and watchstanding experience per national regulations

Cook

Key Responsibilities

Cook meals for the crew

Maintain kitchen cleanliness

Plan the weekly meal menu

Order and store food supplies properly

Required Qualifications

• Certificate of Proficiency as Marine Cook issued by national maritime authority (e.g., AMSA)
• Valid seafarer medical fitness certificate (ENG1) or equivalent
• STCW Basic Safety Training: personal survival, firefighting, first aid
• Approved marine cook course covering food hygiene, menu planning, and stock control, plus requisite sea service