Who is a ship’s officer and what do they do? A ship’s officer’s duty involves a wide range of activities on board sea-going ships. There are first, second and third ship’s officers.
What are the activities of the ship’s officer job? -The first ship’s officer: control of the operation of the deck area of the ship – drawing up schedules of activity on the ship and co-ordination of these activities – control of goods being loaded and unloaded – reception and release of stock – control of the distribution of the cargo on the ship in terms of the safety and stability of the ship and the protection of the cargo.
The second ship’s officer: operation of navigational equipment – update of the system of prescribed signs and signals, and other matters to do with navigation.
The third ship’s officer: ensures the readiness of the lifeboats and other rescue equipment.
All the ship’s officers are also on continuous duty on the ship on a rota. If necessary, their duty is also to control the lifeboats, and on ships without a radio-officer they may also provide radio communications.