GENERAL DUTIES OF SECOND OFFICER

AT SEA OR AT ANCHOR :

Keeping bridge watch from 0000hours to 0400hours and 1200hours to 1600hours under the supervision of the master.

IN PORT :

Keeping cargo / deck watch twelve hours a day(normally in 6 hours shifts) under the direction of the chief officer.

DURING FIRE DRILL :

In charge of boat deck party.

DURING BOAT DRILL :

In charge of a boat.

WHEN BERTHING OR UNBERTHING :

In charge of the station aft.

AT ALL TIMES :

* In charge of charts and publications and all bridge equipement under the direction of the master.

* In charge of all medical treatment and medical stores under the direction of the master.
In port,first aid will be rendered by the officer on cargo/deck watch but follow up treatment, for ship's staff,including co-ordination of medical help from ashore,whenever necessary,is the responsibility of the second officer,under the guidance of the master.

* Any other duties assigned by the master or chief officer.

The foregoing general list of duties is that followed by many shipping companies in the world.
Company specific duties may be listed in the quality system documents of the company.
However the master has the right to interchange any of the duties listed above with those of the third officer or of the chief officer.