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A Guide to Merchant Navy Ranks (With Illustrations)

ByRaunek Marine Careers

A Guide to Merchant Navy Ranks

Merchant Navy or Merchant Marine refers to the fleet of Merchant Ships registered in a particular country. The Merchant Navy is responsible for 90% of global trade on ships that carry certain cargo types, such as general, containerised, bulk, liquid, vehicles, etc. The seafarers at the heart of the Merchant Navy control these massive ships loaded with thousands of tonnes of cargo.

Merchant Navy Ranks

The merchant navy has a hierarchy, with seafarers holding different ranks on ships. This ranking system ensures smooth coordination of onboard operations and promotes proper management strategies.

Being a line of work that requires a high degree of professionalism wherein lax performance can result in drastic consequences, the hierarchy is essential to an economically viable model for shipboard operations with a shore-based support framework.

The nomenclature of the merchant navy ranking system is universally accepted by shipping companies and commercial vessels worldwide.

The ranks and responsibilities associated with them are somewhat similar across the industry, with minor changes in names and duties assigned to specific positions varying among shipping companies and the nomenclature they follow.

Merchant Navy Departments

In general, the ranking system on merchant navy ships is mainly divided into the following categories:

  1. Deck Department
  2. Engine Department
  3. Catering Department 

The vessel’s bridge is a hub with critical equipment for the merchant ship’s safe navigation and watchkeeping.

Owing to the advanced and specific nature of the bridge equipment, a requisite skill set is imperative for an individual to control all the equipment and thereby safely navigate the ship.

Seafarers in the ship’s deck department are responsible for managing ship navigation, cargo operations, and berthing instruments.

Related Reading:

Similarly, the ship’s engine room seafarers are part of the engine department. This department mainly includes marine engineers and ratings responsible for operating and maintaining the ship’s machinery.

The engine room houses the part of the ship that fuels/propels the vessel, and engine room personnel need a specific set of skills.

Related Reading:

The third department, or the catering department, is responsible for preparing meals and general housekeeping for crew and passengers.

The number of people employed in this department (under the purview of the Master, as with everything else) varies among ships. A passenger ship will have far more catering staff than a cargo ship owing to the number of people that need to be serviced.

Thus, a vessel requires a definite system of merchant navy ranks to enable the professional and formal distribution of tasks.

Merchant Navy Ranks Explained 

The Captain

The Captain (or Master) is the final authority on the ship and the highest rank one can achieve onboard. He shoulders total responsibility and oversees all shipboard operations.

The Captain is in command of a merchant ship at all times, regulates proper daily transactions, and handles legal affairs regarding maritime issues.

If the Master is not present on board, the Chief Mate is assumed to be interim in charge of shipboard operations.

The Deck Department 

  • Chief Officer/Mate
  • Second Officer/Mate
  • Third Officer/Mate
  • Deck Cadets

Deck Rating (non-officers) 

Chief Officer / First Mate 

The chief officer occupies the second responsible position after the vessel’s captain. He is the executive head of the deck department and executes the Master’s orders at the operational level (although the rank itself is a more managerial position).

He supervises the vessel’s crew and looks after the various deck operations, including but not limited to the daily ongoings of the deck as per the work schedule and the cargo operations to be carried out while in port.

Related Reading:

The Chief Mate prioritises the security and safe functioning of the vessel and is responsible for the welfare of crew and passengers (if on a passenger ship) on board.

Additionally, the chief officer manages hull operations, the accommodation section, the cargo gearing, the security appliances, and the fire prevention equipment.

Chief among all his duties is the safe navigation of the ship, for which he is an OOW for the navigational watches between 0400-0800 hrs and 1600-2000 hrs.

Already burdened with a lot of work in the port, the Chief Mate usually does not keep port watches as he is constantly overseeing the cargo work.

merchant navy
Representation Image – Photograph by Jose Jacob

Second Officer/ Mate 

The second Mate is an OOW responsible for the charts and publications on board and their maintenance. He is also the medical officer on board responsible for the upkeep and administration of all medically related services onboard.

Being an OOW, his navigational watch timings are 1200-1600 hrs and 0000-0400 hrs while at sea. In port, his watches are from 1200-1800 hrs and 0000-0600 hrs.

Third Officer/ Mate 

In the Merchant Navy, the 3rd Mate oversees all the LSA and FFA onboard and is assigned to upkeep and maintain them. He must also handle all the port documents for the Master and the bond store onboard.

Being an OOW, his navigational watch timings are 0800-1200 hrs and 2000-0000 hrs while at sea. His watches are from 0600-1200 hrs and 1800-0000 hrs in port.

Deck Cadet

A Merchant Navy deck cadet is the trainee officer onboard, fresh out of the Institute. His sole job is to learn, comprehend and apply skills for the process of becoming a skilled officer in the future.

As a fresh candidate, a cadet is assigned tasks that gradually give him an understanding of the ship and its operations. This understanding can be used when preparing for the “Certificate of Competency” examinations to assume responsibility as an OOW in the future.

Aside from the deck work he needs to grasp, the major chunk of cadet learning pertains to assisting an OOW in carrying out a safe navigational watch.

Bosun 

Bosun heads the rating division on deck and, in liaison with the chief mate, carries out the scheduled work on deck.

Able seaman

According to modern nautical terminology, an able seaman (AB) possesses a merchant mariner’s document and is eligible to assist the deck department. Know more about the rank of Able Seaman here.

Ordinary seaman

The post of an ordinary seaman, denoted by OS,  serves the vessel’s deck department. An OS is usually busy with tasks such as buffing, scaling, cleaning the deck, and occasionally painting the superstructure above the main deck.

An ordinary seaman can undertake activities like overhauling, splicing ropes, wiring, rigging, etc and conduct repair work on the deck.

The Ordinary seaman’s job is to ensure the secure handling of cargo gears and loading or dismantling cargo as directed by the Bosun/Chief Mate. A trainee OS is like a cadet but for the rating section. Know more about Ordinary Seaman here.  

Engine Department 

  • Chief Engineer
  • Second Engineer/First Assistant Engineer
  • Third Engineer/ Second Assistant Engineer
  • Fourth Engineer/ Third Assistant Engineer
  • Fifth Engineer/ Engine Cadet
  • Electrical Officer

Engine Room Rating 

  • Fitter
  • Motorman
  • Wiper
  • Trainee Fitter / Trainee Wiper

Chief Engineer 

The Chief Engineer is the head of the engineering department on a vessel.  The required qualification for this position is called the “Chief’s Ticket”.

Alternatively, he can also be termed the “The Chief” and usually draws similar pay as the Captain. However, the complete responsibility of a particular vessel falls solely on the Captain’s shoulder. The chief engineer gives orders to operate and maintain the ship’s machinery system and is responsible for the engine room department.

Second Engineer/ First Assistant Engineer

He is associated with the day-to-day activities in the engine room and is accountable to the Chief Engineer. His duties include constantly supervising the proper functioning of all engine room machinery systems and assigning jobs to the other engine officers and crew. The Second Engineer generally keeps watch on the engine room during the daytime.

Also Read: Duties of 2nd Engineer on Ship

Third Engineer/ Second Assistant Engineer

This is the next position after the Second Engineer, and he is assigned jobs to look after machinery ordered by the chief engineer, along with daily watchkeeping. He reports to the second engineer.

Fourth Engineer/ Third Assistant Engineer

This is the most junior rank in the engineering department. The Fourth Engineer is concerned about the correct working of the machinery systems assigned to him and carries our watchkeeping. He reports to the second engineer.

Also Read:  Duties of a 4th Engineer on a Ship

Fifth Engineer/ Engineering Cadet

The fifth engineer is a trainee under the Second Engineer officer. He assists and learns while observing and carrying out activities in the engine room. He would accompany a senior officer (mostly a second engineer) during watch duty.

All the engine room ratings report to the second engineer. The engineering cadet spends his time on board with the chief objective of learning the requisite skills to becoming a competent engineering officer in the future (by clearing the requisite “Certificate Of Competency examinations to obtain the license to be a certified engineer)

The Catering Department of 

  • Chief Cook
  • Trainee Cook
  • Steward

Chief Cook

The chief cook is part of the ship’s catering department. He must prepare meals regularly for the crew and passengers and is responsible for the food stores. The Chief Cook assists the Third Mate/Cadet in preparing the requisition for any/every food item to be forwarded to the company HQ to be procured onboard. The Chief Cook also inspects the equipment to keep the ship clean and uncontaminated in the galley area.

Trainee Cook

The trainee cook assists the chief cook in preparing meals and managing the provision.

Steward

As the name suggests, the steward is assigned tasks that include cooking and serving meals on time, sweeping and maintaining the officers’ living quarters, and stocktaking the stores. A steward also manages the grocery accounts, plans menus, and documents cost control issues.

It is to be noted that a galley on passenger ships would involve several other ranks as well. Read here about galley jobs.

It is important to remember that while the shipboard hierarchy is almost the same across the industry, variations might exist depending on the nomenclature system followed in a specific company and the type of ship in question.

Having said that, the above gives the reader a general overview of the existing norms about the hierarchy in every department of merchant ships.

You might also like to read:

 

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The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.


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About Author

Raunek Kantharia is a marine engineer turned maritime writer and entrepreneur. After a brief stint at the sea, he founded Marine Insight in 2010. Apart from managing Marine Insight, he also writes for a number of maritime magazines and websites.

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65 Comments

  2. Sir,
    I have comleted my Btech. in mechanical engineering and I decided to do 1 year PG course in Marine engg.
    So can you please suggest any good college and I also request you to provide me with salary package for different ranks.
    Thank you:)

  3. Dear Shezin,

    You can opt for those college who provide Sponsorship such as AESM, Univan Maritime etc. Just ensure you get a sponsored sear before getting the admission to get initial training onboard. For salary, please check the following link-https://goo.gl/N5mqpi

  4. Sir,
    Thanking you for helping me out with the above information.I would also like to know whether:
    1.there are management seats in AEMA and fee details
    2.the salaries you mentioned are provided round the year or not
    3.will the shipping industry be able to overcome the current situation you mentioned in the coming two years.
    4.the exams needed to be cleared for promotion is hard or not and how long will it take to climb up to as chief engineer.
    Thanking you once again and waiting for your reply:)

  5. i have passed class 12 can you guide me on what courses i can/should opt for in merchant navy?

  6. Sir,
    I want to choose merchant navy as my carrier. I’m studying in 12 th and im confused. Whether to take engineering or navigating stream. Wt
    I have heard is that engineers have to work at high temperature.
    do u have demand for marine engineers??

  8. hello sir 🙂
    i am a follower of your great blogs
    thank you for guiding us
    my question is that-
    now i am doing diploma in mechanical engneering from a AICTE approved collage and after that i am planing to do DME presea training (2years)
    so, is it good for me?
    and what is the procedure
    as the IMU is not conducting any exam for DME
    how do i go for it?
    thank you 🙂

  9. I am going to start General purpose rating course from renowned institution in mumbai i am very interested in engine department can you please guide me that how can i make to the top with it ?, can i become an officer ?

  10. sir
    I’m about to complete my b.tech in mechanical engineering and now I want to join merchant navy so please suggest me some colleges to complete 1 year course. and how can I get the sponsorship for any good institute.
    please guide me sir

  11. i have worked on cargo ship for 23 months and 21 days as ch.cook on a foreign cdc.I have 3yrs diploma in hotel mangt.Since 2009 i am working as a chef in a 4star hotel in Dehradun. I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR INDIAN CDC FOR COOK .PL.HELP.

  12. sir
    I’m a student of b.tech in mechanical engineering of 8th semester and now I want to join merchant navy so please suggest me some colleges and courses. and how can I get the sponsorship for any good institute.
    please guide me sir

  13. Dear Kamran,

    You can opt for institutes which are run by ship management companies. Some institutes are- Anglo eastern, Univan maritime academy etc.

  14. I have been an ardent follower of Marine Insight two years and running. Keep up the excellent work you have been doing. And thanks for supplying us with immeasurable priceless information.

  15. hi.ser.my.name.Jethwa. lalji.Parstom. ma.g.s.hu.or.mare.pas.indcdc.ha.or.mare.pas.3yers.job.kaya.ha.gs.ma..my.no.9930627977

  16. Sir,
    I have comleted my B.tech. in mechanical engineering with 73%. and I decided to do 1 year PG course in Marine engg.
    So can you please suggest any good college and I also request you to provide me with salary package for different ranks.
    Thank you:)

  17. Hello sir
    This is vinod kumar ,i have completed my masters in mechatronics , i’m interested to work in merchant navy,as per my qualification ,ETO course is the only option to choose ,can i know the future of this course how it i’ll be and career growth in these field ,and after completing this course can i get placement.

  22. I am currently sailing as a chief engineer. Want to go for combined certificate of master and chief engineer. If any possibility to become master mariner. What is the procedure to get Any one of the white listed governments coc of master mariner

  23. Sir Thank u for the information you have provided .
    Sir I want to ask a question about course after BE in Electrical Engineering.
    I m Piyush Yede , currently persuing Electrical Engineering .
    I am in 2nd year right now
    My aim is to become a Marine Electrical Engineer .
    Please guide me for the course after engineering .

  24. Dear Sir
    my name is mohammed hamdulla. Sir I was completed my 2 year marine engine fitter course and gp ratting also…can you please guide me

  25. hi my self shyam. i am going for marchent navy job on b tech how engine crew position & how is seaman position on 10th class

  26. i & my friend going for marchent navy job through sea knights destiny marine service institute how is this inistitute. they provide one month cadet course on engine crew job how it is?

  27. Dear sir,
    I am now a 1 st year student in B.Sc 3 year cource .
    Then what are suggestions for me to join in merchant navy??

  28. hiii i completedsaloon rating and i have indian cdc but i want to chage my rank and join deckside plzz let me know whats the procedure to change the rank

  32. Helli sir,
    Please mention the “promotion” and “salary* of an ETO.
    (Electrical trainee officer.)

    Can i be one day promoted to chief engineer one day just having 4 yrs of graduate degree in electrical engineering?

  33. Salary will be in the range of 3500 – 6500 USD depending upon the experience, company, and type of ship you are working.
    You cannot be promoted to Chief engineer. You will be joining as Assistant ETO or trainee ETO and promoted to ETO.

  34. Hii,Sir I have completed my class 12th course but my subject is PCM(Physics,chemistry,Biology)can I have any stream in merchant navy

  35. Sir my question is i am having crohns disease but its totally controlled so am i eligible for the job

  36. @Amit: If it’s severe or recurrent, you will be considered as incompetent. You need to provide documents showing it is fully controlled with an extremely low likelihood of recurrence.

  37. sir,
    i am studing in 12th std and i want to join merchant navy.
    please provide the information regrading eligibility and information about the exam IMU CET .and its date of online application for the exam.

  39. Sir I am complited ETO.but I have one doubt if I completed ETO then go to another officer is possible or not

  41. @Manoharan: You will be joining as Trainee ETO and after gaining experience and getting the COC, you will be promoted as ETO. You cannot switch to any other department with this qualification.

  42. sir i Sagar parashar i studying in class 11 with pcm and my aim to become a marine engineer .. so i rqst u to make a video on btech.marine enginer with details plz sir this is humble rqst to u.
    and sir when i will complete my 12th i want to contact u so if it happn plz give me ur whatsapp no…
    thanku sir .

  43. Hello sir have a good day
    Gp rating courses .
    Sir I am oiler 24month sea service.
    Now how can get coc

  45. I have completed b-tech in mechanical engineering. I got an opportunity to work as engine cadet by reference.
    How much salary can I expect?
    When can I expect promotion?

  47. hello sir.
    i have open indian cdc. basis of stcw course. if i join as a general steward then how can i get promotion for next rank & how many montha are require.

  48. @G.Mahesh: G.S works in a galley department and you don’t have any other position above it.

  49. Hello sir my name ls jaydep.I have completed my Ccmc presea training in Jan 2018 and now i am sailing in reliance. I want to change my rank from TR GS to TR O.S is it possible please help me

  50. Hello sir. I am studying btech 4th year in mechanical engineering. Sir i eant to join in MN in engine side . Can u plzz tell me wahy is process

  52. Hii sir my name is pinky sir one of my friend is deck cadet he said he is a flying officer in Indian navy. Sir deck cadet can be a pilot is it possible. Bt I hv seen his document in which his rank is given deck cadet. Sir please clear my doubt .

  53. @Pinky: This blog is specifically for Merchant navy and not defense navy.

  56. Pls…..am a Cadet, but I haven’t graduated from my Academy ( Merchant Navy Maritime Academy. Nigeria ) but I need vital information on how to go about my IT and to confirm if we would be paid as a Cadet and also to know the price range…… Am an engineering student.

  57. Dear sir,
    I have completed my 10th class with First Class.
    I want to join Catering Department as a Steward.
    So, what is the process to join merchant navy, what should have to do 1st ?
    Is there any exam for that for direct joining?

  58. What about girls
    And subject and stream girls has to choose
    PCB girl student can also apply for merchant navy

  60. Sir
    I am qualified b.sc (PCM) & B.Ed
    I am join merchant navy
    How to join merchant navy

  63. Thanks for the guidance, I really do appreciate.
    Furthermore, I want to have access to free maritime books, especially on ship board operations, security and safety.

    Thanks in anticipation.

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