Duties Of 2nd Officer In Merchant Navy

The 2nd Officer is the ship’s primary Navigator, Watchkeeping Officer and also the Medical Officer. Also known as the 2nd mate, he or she is a licenced member of the ship’s deck department. In this article, we have explained the duties of the 2nd officer in the merchant navy. If you are an aspiring cadet or a professional looking to understand this important role, here is the ground reality of life as a 2nd officer.

What are the duties of a 2nd Officer in the Merchant Navy?

1. Passage Planning

The most defining duty of a 2nd officer in the merchant navy is Navigation. While the Captain holds ultimate responsibility, the 2nd Officer is the one who physically draws the “road map” for the voyage, under the supervision and guidance of the Master/Captain.

Using ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) and paper charts, the 2nd Officer plans the route from port to port. This involves calculating distances, checking weather patterns, and identifying potential hazards.

Navigation is only safe if it’s current. The 2nd Officer must also update charts and nautical publications based on the “Notices to Mariners.”

He or she also assists the Chief Officer in three areas, including Security, Structural Inspection and General maintenance.

2. The Bridge Watchkeeper: 12 to 4

The 2nd Officer traditionally keeps the 12-to-4 watch (both noon to 4 PM and midnight to 4 AM).

While the rest of the ship sleeps, the 2nd Officer oversees the safe transit of a multi-million dollar asset. He or she also monitors the radar (ARPA) and maintains lookout to ensure the vessel adheres to International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

2nd officers are responsible for the “Ship’s Noon Log,” calculating the day’s run, average speed, and slip; data that company stakeholders use to monitor fuel efficiency.

3. Medical Care and Managing Equipment

The 2nd officer must have a valid medical care certificate.

They have to maintain the medical log, and the ship’s hospital so that medical equipment such as oxygen cylinders and defibrillators remain functional.

Another task is to manage the medical locker and ensure that no drugs are expired.

In case of an injury or illness on board, the 2nd Officer is the first point of contact for treatment providing first aid and also medication, after consulting with shore-side doctors via radio.

4. Maintenance of Navigational Aids

The 2nd Officer is the “custodian” of the bridge equipment including-

GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System): The 2nd officer has to ensure that the radio equipment is tested regularly to ensure the ship can call for assistance in case of an emergency.

They also have to prepare monthly radio traffic reports.

He or she has to check the Gyro and Magnetic Compass for errors, so that the ship is actually heading where the screen says it is.

The 2nd officer has to keep an eye on the meteorological Instruments, to record weather data.

5. Cargo Operations and Port Duties

When the ship reaches port, the navigation duties pause, and the cargo duties begin.

The 2nd Officer assists the Chief Officer in monitoring the loading or discharging of cargo (oil, containers, or bulk).

He or she also assists in the intake or discharge of ballast water to keep the ship stable. Second Officer also maintains port watches.

Additionally, the 2nd Officer is usually at the Aft (rear) of the ship during arrival and departure to manage the mooring lines to ensure the vessel is safely tied to the pier.

On Gas Carriers, 2nd Officers have to help and understudy the Gas engineer for cargo plant operations and maintenance work.

6. Maintain Records And Update Them

One of the most important duties of 2nd officers is to maintain, take inventory and prepare requisitions of the general library, onboard stationary, catering supplies, gas detection equipment, flag state circulars file, SMS manuals, safety data sheets for chemicals, paints and other products used in the deck and catering departments.

7. Training the Next Generation

A 2nd Officer is the direct mentor to Deck Cadets as he or she was in their shoes just a few years ago. 2nd officer is the ideal person to teach cadets, the practicalities of seamanship, from knot-tying to advanced electronic navigation.

Salary of a 2nd Officer In Merchant Navy

2nd officers are paid well for their hard work and expertise. However, their salary varies depending on their experience and the type of vessel they sail on. The salary of a 2nd officer sailing on a tanker would be different from the one sailing on a bulk carrier or a container ship.

Salaries also depend on the company. Most 2nd officers on dry bulk ships (Bulk Carriers/Container Ships) receive 4000$ – 4800$. Those sailing on tankers (oil/product/chemical/LPG/LNG) are paid between 4500$ – 6500$.

Conclusion

The role of a 2nd officer in the merchant navy is often described as the most enjoyable rank. You have shed the “trainee” tag of a cadet, you have significant responsibilities, but you don’t yet have the heavy administrative burden of the Chief Officer or the ultimate legal liability of the Captain.

However, it is a role that demands meticulous attention to detail. A single missed update on a chart or a miscalculation can have catastrophic consequences. It is a rank where you truly learn the art of the sea.

You might also like to read-

• Duties of The 2nd Engineer In The Merchant Navy
• 4 Ways To Become A Deck Officer in Merchant Navy
• What Is GP Rating In Merchant Navy?
• How Females Can Join Merchant Navy ?

About Author

Zahra is an SEO-Strategist & a Technical Writer with over 5 years of experience crafting top-tier content for the shipping world. From news, articles, ebooks, blogs and marketing pieces to industry white papers, she has written it all and now brings that experience to her role as Senior Editor. She makes complex maritime stories clear, sharp, and engaging.

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