Interested in rolling your career as a Seafarers?
Who are Seafarers?
A seafarer is a person who works aboard a watercraft as part of its crew and may work in any one of a number of different fields that are connected to the manoeuvre and maintenance of a ship.
What are the qualities of a good seafarer?
Boldness: Seafaring is not for the timid, frightened and fearful. A seafarer needs to possess courage and leadership as the job requires stepping out of the comfort zone – rather often.
Flexibility: Seafarers work with varying cultures and must be willing and able to adjust to connect and work effectively.
A good seafarer must be capable of managing their own unique hazards and those around them.
What does a career in seafaring include?
The role of a seafarer includes a variety of ranks, with different levels of duties. Each role requires the seafarer to hold a valid Certificate of Proficiency (Ratings) or Certificate of Competence (Officers).
And each of these ranks plays very high roles which carry unique responsibilities and integral to the successful operations.
A vessel’s complement is divided into three main categories:
- The Deck,
- The Engineering and
- The Catering departments.
- The lowest rank is that of the Ordinary Seaman (OS Deck) whose duties are to assist the Able Seafarer
- The Ordinary Seaman (OS Engine, a.k.a. Wiper) performs manual work in the engine department.
- The Messman is an ‘all-rounder’. He may execute any of the following duties: Setting tables, serving food or waiting on tables.
- The Able Seafarer (AB Deck), duties include the ability to splice wire or fibre line, to work upward and over the side of the ship, to operate the deck machinery.
- The Able Seafarer (AB Engine – a.k.a. Oiler) oils the bearings of the key engine and auxiliaries and stands watch in the engine room.
- The Bosun (Boatswain) is an experienced able seaman responsible for anything and everything in the maintenance, care and safety of deck equipment and deck cargo.
- The Cook oversees the maintenance and operation of the kitchen and living and eating requirements of the officers and crew.
- The Third Officer (Mate) is the junior deck officer and is accountable for all life-saving gears, keeps the ship’s log, follows the captain’s orders and assists in the navigation of the vessel.
- The Fourth Engineer is a afresh graduated cadet, who stands engine room watch under 3rd or 2nd Engineer on larger ships.
- The Third Engineer keeps electrical equipment and auxiliaries under the direction of the Chief Engineer.
- The Electro Technical Officer (ETO) oversees the working of computer-controlled machinery, as well as refrigeration and air conditioning.
- The Second Officer (Mate), typically the navigation officer, plots a course and takes celestial and terrestrial fixes and also handles the after deck when tying up.
- The Second Engineer is responsible for fuel, oil, fresh water and care of the boilers.
- The Chief Officer (Mate) is in charge for the maintenance of the ship and proper stowage of cargo.
- The Chief Engineer is in charge of and accountable for all of the machinery aboard ship.
- The Master (Captain) is in charge of everything and everyone aboard ship. He/She must be as thoroughly familiar with the steward’s department and bridge.
What do I do next if I want to work at sea?
1. Gain an understanding of the various roles.
2. Decide on a career path (i.e. Deck, Engine or Catering) and query about the entry necessities and the capacity, (i.e. Rating or Officer).
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