The Key RolesNavigation (Deck)

 OfficerNavigation officers maintain watches in the bridge at sea and while the ship is in port. They are responsible for passage planning, the safe navigation of the ship, cargo loading and discharge, ship stability, communications and the upkeeping of the hull and deck equipment. The ship’s captain, or master, is in overall command with ultimate responsibility for the safety of the crew, ship, cargo and the environment. Only navigation officers can be elevated to the rank of Master.

Engineering Officer

 Marine engineering officers are responsible for the care and functioning of the ship’s main propulsion machinery and ancillary works, including deck machinery, air conditioning plants, refrigeration plants, and domestic and electrical inspection and repairs.

 Depending on the type of ship and operational circumstances, engineer officers will be required to keep watch in the ship’s engine room.The chief engineer officer is in charge of the department and is responsible to the ship’s captain for its effective functioning. Whilst the law demands that only one person can be in overall command of the ship and by tradition that person is the master, the chief engineer officer’s status and salary is very similar to that enjoyed by the master.

Marine Electro-Technical Officer (METO)

These specialist officers work within the engineering section where they take particular responsibility for the maintenance of on board control engineering and electronic systems, including propulsion control, wireless communications and electronic navigation aids.

 Marine electro-technical officers (METOs) may receive the opportunity to grow their careers along a professional electrical engineering course, possibly leading to the social status of the chief electro-technical officer, chief technical officer or electrical superintendent (company dependent).