A mate or chief officer on a passenger or merchant ship has various responsibilities related to safety, security, communication, ship maintenance, navigation, and cargo management. They oversee safety, structure, navigation, and cargo handling, act as a lookout, and navigate the ship using various techniques. Good communication skills, mathematical aptitude, and training are required.
A mate, also called a chief, first mate, or first officer, has a wide range of responsibilities. Their position, which is often on a passenger ship or merchant ship, involves work related to safety, security and communications. It can also help with ship maintenance, navigation, and cargo management.
His role in safety management varies according to the type of vessel he operates on. On an ocean liner, he may be tasked with instructing passengers on the use of safety equipment such as life jackets, life rafts and basic lifesaving equipment such as flares and alarms. He is usually trained in basic first aid and CPR techniques.
On merchant or cargo ships, their duties may include ensuring the safety of the ship’s structure and the readiness of navigation devices. Often these types of ships also require the person in this position to be competent in firefighting and search and rescue operations. The safety of the captain and crew is usually their primary concern.
The main mate of a cargo ship may also oversee the handling of freight. He directs the loading and unloading of materials and ensures that cargo is safely stored. If special precautions are required, such as refrigeration or handling or storage of hazardous materials, he usually ensures that the measures are applied correctly.
Whether at sea or in port, the main chief usually acts as a lookout. This means he literally watches over the crew and ship, typically in two four-hour shifts. During these periods, he is responsible for monitoring all ship operations. If infractions occur, he needs to correct them or, if necessary, notify outside sources for help.
Once the vessel is at sea, normally the main mate must focus on three basic tasks: successfully navigating the vessel, safely avoiding other vessels, and efficiently responding to any emergency that arises. While the latter is not a common occurrence, it is often expected that he will be ready to adequately face all crises with confidence, knowledge and composure.
In order to properly navigate the ship, a master chief often needs to be instructed in the use of the ship’s instruments and tools. Depending on weather conditions and other extenuating circumstances, he may have to rely on various techniques to establish the vessel’s position on a navigational chart. These techniques include coastal, terrestrial, celestial and electronic applications.
The education and training required to be a Master Mate varies from country to country and whether the desired position is in the passenger or cargo ship industry. Regardless of the country or type of vessel, he must have exemplary oral and written communication skills. Good mathematical aptitude is also required to successfully operate the navigation equipment. Work experience may be sufficient to obtain the crew chief position, but nautical schools such as the Maritime Institute of the Pacific in the United States offer classes and education specific to these careers. Certificates and training from such an institute can help you find work as a primary companion faster.
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