GENERAL DUTIES OF THE CHIEF OFFICER

AT SEA OR AT ANCHOR :

Keeping bridge watch from 0400hours to 0800hours and 1600hours to 2000hours under the supervision of the master.

WHEN BERTHING OR UNBERTHING :

On the bridge,as the second in command.

DURING FIRE STATIONS :

In charge of the attack party at the seat of the fire.

DURING BOAT STATIONS :

In charge of a boat.

AT ALL TIMES :

* The chief officer is the person next in line of command of the ship.He is the head of the deck department.

* In charge of all cargo operations : This includes planning,hold/tank preparation,loading,segregating,discharging,ballasting and de-ballasting,signing of mates receipt and all correspondence relating to cargo.
On general cargo ships, additional cargo related duties include supervision of work being done by stevedores,lashing/securing of cargo,trimming of bulk cargo,segregation of incompatible goods and special precautions for hazardous cargoes.

* In charge of stress calculations of the ship at all times during loading/discharging,deballasting/ballasting,still water conditions as well as rough sea wave conditions.

* In charge of the stability of the ship and all related calculations.

* In charge of the maintanance and repairs of all deck appliances,FFA and LSA,Gas measuring instruments,hull,deck,superstructure,accomdation,cargo spaces,fresh water tanks,ballast tanks,store rooms,etc. Supervision of maintanence/repair work being done,for the deck department,by shore labour.

* In charge of all stores in deck department including paints,cargo spares,ropes,wires,dunnage,lashing gear,etc.

* In charge of the safety and security of all personnel abroad including maintanence of anti-pilferage and anti-piracy watches whenever necessary.

* In charge of the making of contingency plans to deal with emergencies including the making of muster lists for boat and fire stations.

* Allocation of daily work to the deck crew and the supervision thereof.

* Allocation of daily work to deck cadets and supervision of their training.

* The chief officer is normally designated as 'shipboard training officer' for the training of cadets,subordinate officer and crew.

* In charge of enforcement of drug and alcohol policy on board.

* Social responsibilities includes ensuring that rights of the crew are not violated with regard to food,apparel,equipement,etc.

* Any other duties assigned by master.