Imagine the wind in your hair and the taste of salt water on your lips. Imagine cutting through waves in a boat, visiting exotic places or fishing on the big open and rough sea. If this gets you all excited, then maybe a life as Skipper is the career path for you.

A Chief Engineering Officers are in demand! They are in charge of all the engines as well as electrical systems, generators, plumbing, water desalinization, air-conditioning, ventilation, heating and refrigeration.

The Master/Chief Mate is the head of the deck department. The Master/Chief Mate is responsible to the captain for the safety and security of the ship.

A Deck (Navigation) Officer is an important member of the ship’s management team. They are in charge of the very expensive ship, cargo and/or passengers on board. The goal of most Deck (Navigation) Officers is to become Captain.

Depending on the size and employment of the ship, a boatswain may be employed. If carried, the boatswain, generally a senior able seaman will act as a foreman of the ship’s deck crew and as the chief mate’s representative on deck.

The Second Mate is the third in command on a merchant ship and is a watchkeeping officer and the ship’s navigator. Duties vary, but the second mate is often also the medical officer and in charge of maintaining distress signaling equipment.

See under ‘Boat Skipper’ on our website for more details.