General cargo ships

Multi-purpose, project-cargo, and break-bulk vessels — the workhorse of regional trades.

Work environment

Smaller crew (15–20), often regional + coastal, high mooring + cargo turnover, broad skill set required from every rank.

Common ranks onboard

• master
• chief officer
• second officer
• chief engineer
• second engineer
• third engineer
• bosun
• able seafarer deck
• ordinary seaman
• motorman
• ship cook

Typical certificates

• BST
• PSCRB
• AFF
• MFA
• Cargo securing per CSS Code

Generate a tailored list with the STCW certificate checker.

Safety risks

• Heavy-lift project cargo rigging
• Mixed cargo segregation (IMDG)
• Tween-deck enclosed-space risk

Last verified 15 days ago