1. Deck Department (Navigation & Operations)

  • Captain (Master) – Overall command of the vessel.

  • Chief Officer (Chief Mate) – Second-in-command, responsible for cargo and safety.

  • Second Officer (Second Mate) – Navigation officer, handles charts and passage planning.

  • Third Officer (Third Mate) – Junior officer responsible for safety equipment and watches.

  • Deck Cadet – Trainee officer working towards certification.

  • Boatswain (Bosun) – Senior deckhand, supervises deck crew.

  • Able Seaman (AB Seaman) – Experienced deckhand performing various tasks.

  • Ordinary Seaman (OS) – Entry-level deck crew member.

  • Pilot – Guides vessels through ports and narrow waters.

  • Helmsman – Steers the vessel.

2. Engineering Department (Propulsion & Maintenance)

  • Chief Engineer – Head of engineering, oversees all machinery operations.

  • Second Engineer – Assists Chief Engineer, responsible for main engine.

  • Third Engineer – Handles auxiliary engines and machinery.

  • Fourth Engineer – Junior engineer, assists in maintenance tasks.

  • Engine Cadet – Trainee engineer gaining experience.

  • Electrician (ETO - Electro-Technical Officer) – Maintains electrical systems.

  • Motorman – Assists engineers in machinery maintenance.

  • Oiler/Wiper – Cleans and maintains engine room.

3. Steward/Hotel Department (Hospitality & Services on Passenger Ships)

  • Chief Steward – Manages hotel and catering services.

  • Chief Cook – Head of galley, responsible for food preparation.

  • Assistant Cook – Supports the Chief Cook.

  • Messman/Steward – Handles housekeeping, serving meals, and cleaning.

  • Bartender – Manages beverage services (cruise/ferries).

  • Housekeeping Staff – Cleans cabins and common areas.

4. Offshore & Oil Industry Roles

  • Rig Captain – Oversees offshore drilling rigs.

  • Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) – Controls vessel positioning systems.

  • Ballast Control Operator – Manages stability of offshore platforms.

  • Roustabout – Entry-level offshore laborer.

  • Roughneck – Handles drilling equipment.

  • Diver (Commercial Diver, Saturation Diver) – Performs underwater work.

  • ROV Operator – Controls remotely operated vehicles underwater.

5. Port & Terminal Operations

  • Harbor Master – Supervises port operations and vessel traffic.

  • Dock Master – Manages docking and mooring operations.

  • Stevedore – Loads and unloads cargo.

  • Port Engineer – Oversees vessel maintenance at port.

  • Customs Officer – Regulates import/export compliance.

  • Freight Forwarder – Coordinates cargo shipments.

6. Logistics & Shore-Based Maritime Roles

  • Shipbroker – Facilitates vessel chartering and sales.

  • Marine Superintendent – Oversees vessel compliance and safety.

  • Naval Architect – Designs and develops ships.

  • Marine Surveyor – Inspects vessels for compliance.

  • Maritime Lawyer – Specializes in maritime legal matters.

  • Maritime Insurance Underwriter – Assesses risks for vessel insurance.

7. Fishing Industry Roles

  • Fishing Captain – Leads a fishing vessel.

  • Deckhand (Fisherman) – Handles fishing equipment.

  • Fish Processor – Prepares and processes catches.

8. Cruise Ship & Passenger Vessel Roles

  • Cruise Director – Manages entertainment and guest experiences.

  • Purser – Handles financial and administrative duties.

  • Entertainment Staff – Includes performers, musicians, and activity coordinators.