Glossary — ranks

Onboard hierarchy from cadet through Master and Chief Engineer; ratings and shore-side counterparts.

34 terms in this category.

• Boatswain's Mate
  Senior deck rating, deputy to the Bosun on larger ships; supervises deck crew, assists in cargo and safety operations.
• Cadet
  A trainee officer serving aboard ship as part of an approved maritime academy programme to gain sea service for certification.
• Cargo Control Room Operator (CCR Operator)
  An officer or rating on a tanker or bulk carrier who monitors and controls cargo loading, discharging, and ballasting operations from a centralised control room.
• Chief Engineer (C/E)
  The senior engineer officer responsible for the operation, maintenance, and safety of all machinery and technical systems aboard.
• Chief Mate (C/O)
  The officer second in command to the master, responsible for cargo operations, stability, deck maintenance, and crew safety.
• Company Security Officer (CSO)
  The shore-based person designated by a company to be responsible for developing and implementing its Ship Security Plans under the ISPS Code.
• Deck Cadet
  A trainee deck officer undertaking approved sea service under a maritime academy programme to qualify for an OOW certificate.
• Deck Cadet
  Officer-in-training in the deck department, completing 12-18 months of supervised sea time toward CoC OOW Deck.
• Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
  The ISM Code-required company contact point with direct access to the highest management level, responsible for safety and pollution prevention oversight.
• Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO)
  A certificated officer qualified to operate and monitor a vessel's dynamic positioning system during offshore operations.
• Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
  A certificated officer responsible for the maintenance and repair of electrical, electronic, and automation systems aboard.
• Engine Cadet
  A trainee engineer officer undertaking approved sea service as part of an engineering degree programme to qualify for a watchkeeping certificate.
• Fitter
  A skilled engine room rating who performs mechanical repairs and maintenance on machinery, pipework, and deck equipment.
• Fleet Manager
  A senior shore-side executive responsible for the commercial, operational, and crewing management of a group of vessels.
• Fourth Engineer (4/E)
  The most junior watchkeeping engineer officer, gaining experience under supervision of senior engineers.
• Junior Engineer
  Engine-room officer below 4/E rank, typically holding a partial CoC or completing on-board training; assists the watchkeeping engineer.
• Loading Master
  A terminal representative who supervises the safe conduct of cargo transfer operations between shore installation and vessel.
• Marine Superintendent
  A senior shore-side manager responsible for the nautical operations, safety, and compliance of vessels in a company fleet.
• Master
  The certificated officer in overall command of a vessel, legally responsible for the safety of the ship, crew, cargo, and environment.
• Motorman
  An engine room rating who assists engineers with machinery operation, maintenance, and watchkeeping duties.
• Oiler
  An engine department rating who lubricates machinery, maintains oil records, and stands engine room watches.
• Pilot
  A licensed navigational specialist employed to guide a vessel through a specific port, harbour, or restricted waterway.
• Port Captain
  A company representative ashore, usually a former master, who assists vessels in port with local knowledge, clearances, and operational support.
• Pumpman
  A specialised deck or engine rating on tankers responsible for operating cargo and ballast pumps and maintaining pump rooms.
• Radio Officer (R/O)
  An officer certified to operate GMDSS equipment and manage all radio communications on board; a role increasingly merged with other duties.
• Second Engineer (2/E)
  The engineer officer second in command, directly overseeing day-to-day operation and maintenance of the main propulsion plant.
• Second Mate (2/O)
  A certificated deck officer responsible for navigation equipment, charts, publications, and often designated ship's safety officer.
• Ship Security Officer (SSO)
  The officer on board responsible for implementing and maintaining the Ship Security Plan and liaising with the CSO and port facility security.
• Ship's Cook
  A certificated crew member responsible for preparing all meals and maintaining hygiene standards in the ship's galley.
• Supercargo
  A cargo owner's representative sailing aboard a vessel to oversee the handling and care of the cargo throughout the voyage.
• Technical Superintendent
  A shore-side engineer responsible for overseeing planned maintenance, drydockings, and technical compliance of assigned vessels.
• Third Engineer (3/E)
  A junior engineer officer responsible for a watchkeeping duties and maintenance of assigned machinery and systems.
• Third Mate (3/O)
  The most junior certificated deck officer, typically responsible for maintaining fire-fighting and life-saving appliances.
• Wiper
  The most junior engine room rating who cleans machinery spaces and assists with basic maintenance tasks.