Who Works on a Ship? Key Crew Positions Explained ⚓👨‍✈️

My name is Davide Ramponi, I am 20 years old and currently training as a shipping agent in Hamburg. On my blog, I take you with me on my journey into the exciting world of shipping. I share my knowledge, my experiences, and my progress on the way to becoming an expert in the field of Sale and Purchase – the trade with ships.

When people imagine ships at sea, they often picture steel giants cutting through waves, stacked with containers or oil tanks stretching across the horizon. But few stop to ask: Who’s on board making sure it all works?

Every merchant vessel is a finely tuned machine—not just mechanically, but socially and operationally. From the captain’s command on the bridge to the engineer keeping the engines humming below deck, each role is crucial to safe and efficient navigation.

In this post, we’ll explore the crew structure of a modern merchant ship, explain the roles and responsibilities of each position, look at how hierarchy works at sea, and even give you a glimpse into a day in the life of a typical crew member.

The Basics: Who Makes Up a Ship’s Crew? 👨‍✈️🧑‍🍳🧰

The crew on a merchant ship can be divided into three main departments:

1. Deck Department – Navigation, cargo, safety, mooring.

2. Engine Department – Propulsion, power, mechanical systems.

3. Catering/Steward Department – Food, hygiene, housekeeping.

Depending on the size and type of vessel, crews typically range from:

• 15 to 30 people on container ships and bulk carriers.

• 30 to 60+ people on larger passenger or LNG vessels.

• 5 to 10 on smaller coastal or feeder ships.

Now, let’s break down who’s who on board—and what they actually do.

The Bridge: Deck Department Roles 🧭🌊

🧑‍✈️ Captain (Master)

• The highest-ranking officer on board.

• Responsible for navigation, crew management, legal compliance, cargo safety, and representing the ship in port.

• Makes final decisions in emergencies and coordinates with company offices on shore.

“The captain isn’t just a navigator—they’re the CEO of the ship.”

👨‍✈️ Chief Officer (Chief Mate)

• Second-in-command to the captain.

• In charge of deck crew supervision, cargo loading/unloading, and safety drills.

• Manages daily operations on deck and oversees ship stability.

🧭 Second Officer (Second Mate)

• The navigator.

• Prepares and updates all nautical charts and voyage plans.

• Often handles medical supplies and serves as the ship’s first aid officer.

⛴️ Third Officer (Third Mate)

• Junior officer.

• Assists with navigation, watches, and safety equipment maintenance.

⚓ Bosun (Boatswain)

• Senior-most rating among deck crew.

• Coordinates work on deck (painting, mooring, cleaning, rigging).

• Acts as a foreman for the sailors.

🪝 Able Seafarers & Ordinary Seamen

• Perform daily manual tasks like:

  • Handling ropes and anchors.

  • Painting and rust removal.

  • Operating deck machinery and gangways.

• Take turns on watch duty, especially in port.

Below Deck: Engine Room Roles 🔧🔥

⚙️ Chief Engineer

• Head of the engine department.

• Responsible for the entire propulsion system, including:

  • Main engine

  • Generators

  • Boilers

  • Sewage systems

• Works closely with the captain on fuel management and emergency systems.

🔩 Second Engineer

• Right hand to the Chief Engineer.

• Manages daily machinery operations, fuel consumption, and scheduled maintenance.

• Often supervises other engine staff during repairs.

🧰 Third and Fourth Engineers

• Handle specific systems (lubrication, fuel, water treatment).

• Conduct regular equipment checks and engine log keeping.

🔨 Motorman, Oiler, and Wiper

• Non-officer crew.

• Assist engineers with:

  • Monitoring pressures and temperatures.

  • Lubricating moving parts.

  • Cleaning and prepping the engine room.

Galley and Comfort: Catering Department Roles 🍲🧹

👨‍🍳 Chief Cook

• Prepares three daily meals for the entire crew.

• Manages provisions, menu planning, and cleanliness in the galley.

🧽 Steward

• Responsible for:

  • Cleaning cabins and common areas

  • Laundry

  • Assisting the cook

• In passenger vessels, this role expands to include hospitality services.

Even in the toughest conditions, a good meal and clean quarters go a long way. On many ships, the cook is among the most popular people on board!

Onboard Hierarchy: Chain of Command at Sea 📋🎖️

Life at sea is built around a clear chain of command. This isn’t just tradition—it’s safety.

• The Captain has ultimate authority.

• Each department reports up its own chain:

  • Deck → Chief Officer → Captain

  • Engine → Chief Engineer → Captain

  • Catering → Chief Cook → Chief Officer or Captain

Orders are respected, ranks are recognized, and clarity in roles ensures efficient response to emergencies, smooth shift transitions, and fair workload distribution.

Unlike on shore, there’s no time for ambiguity when you’re in the middle of the ocean.

A Day in the Life: Typical Crew Routines 🕐🧑‍✈️

Let’s look at a snapshot of daily life on board a merchant ship.

🌅 08:00 – Morning Routine

• Officers: Begin daily checks, paperwork, and route plotting.

• Deckhands: Cleaning decks, painting, preparing for port operations.

• Engineers: Monitor machinery readings and perform maintenance.

🍽️ 12:00 – Lunch

• Meals are served buffet-style in the mess room.

• Cooks prep for dinner while stewards clean up.

☀️ 13:00 – Afternoon Work

• Cargo ops, fire drills, and inspections.

• Engine team performs scheduled overhauls or diagnostics.

• Deck team may test lifeboats or clean holds.

🌙 00:00–06:00 – Night Watch

• Bridge watch rotates every 4 hours (e.g. 00:00–04:00, 04:00–08:00).

• Engine crew on standby for alerts.

• Minimal activity, but constant vigilance.

⚓ Note: Life at sea isn’t 9-to-5. It’s 24/7, organized in shifts called watches to keep the ship moving safely around the clock.

Big Ships vs. Small Crews: Key Differences 🛳️⚓

Large Vessels:

• Often have a full team of officers and ratings.

• Specialization is higher (e.g. refrigeration engineer, IT officer).

• More amenities: gym, cinema room, larger crew quarters.

Small Vessels:

• Fewer crew = multiple hats.

• A deckhand might help with engine room checks.

• More teamwork—but also more pressure.

Size doesn’t always equal comfort. Smaller crews tend to be closer-knit, but also carry more individual responsibility.

Why Understanding the Crew Matters 🌍🔍

Understanding who works on a ship isn’t just interesting—it’s essential for appreciating the complexity of modern shipping.

• These roles keep global trade moving.

• Each crew member contributes to safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

• With rising automation and digitalisation, new roles are emerging (e.g. electro-technical officers, drone pilots, data analysts).

And for those curious about maritime careers, knowing the ship’s structure is the first step toward charting your course at sea.

Conclusion: One Ship, Many Roles—One Mission ⚓🌐

Merchant ships might look like machines from a distance, but up close, they’re powered by people—each one playing a vital role in a coordinated system that never sleeps.

Let’s recap:

• Crew members are organized into deck, engine, and catering departments.

• Every rank, from captain to cook, plays a key part in keeping the ship safe and efficient.

• Daily routines vary but revolve around watches, duties, and teamwork.

• Hierarchy ensures clarity and safety—essential on any voyage.

• Understanding ship roles opens the door to new opportunities and deep respect for maritime life.

Have you worked at sea or know someone who does? Which shipboard role do you find most fascinating?

💬 Share your stories and questions in the comments—I look forward to the exchange!

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