Merchant Marine Ranks: A Complete Guide to Roles and Responsibilities

The merchant marine, often referred to as the merchant navy in many countries, is the backbone of global trade and transportation. These civilian-crewed ships carry goods, passengers, and essential supplies across the world’s oceans, ensuring that commerce flows smoothly between nations.
But the smooth operation of a merchant vessel depends on a well-organized structure of ranks, with each role carrying specific responsibilities. Understanding the merchant marine ranks is essential for anyone considering a career at sea or simply interested in how ships operate.

In this article, we will explore the hierarchy of the merchant marine, breaking down the different departments, ranks, and duties on board.

1. Structure of Merchant Marine Ranks

The merchant marine’s chain of command is generally divided into three main departments:

Deck Department – Responsible for navigation, cargo handling, and overall ship operation.
Engine Department – Handles the ship’s propulsion, power generation, and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical systems.
Steward Department – Manages hospitality, cooking, and living conditions on board.

Each department has a clear rank structure, with senior officers supervising junior officers and crew members. Let’s go through each department in detail.

2. Deck Department Ranks

The Deck Department is led by the ship’s captain and is in charge of safe navigation, cargo operations, and compliance with maritime regulations.

a) Master (Captain)

The highest-ranking officer on board.
Has overall command of the ship and crew.
Responsible for the safety of the vessel, navigation, and decision-making.
Acts as the ship’s legal representative.

The captain’s authority is absolute when at sea, but it is exercised with strict adherence to maritime law and company policy.

b) Chief Officer (First Mate)

Second in command after the captain.
Oversees cargo loading/unloading operations.
Manages the ship’s stability, ballast, and deck maintenance.
Supervises deck officers and crew.

The chief officer also plays a key role in safety drills, security, and training.

c) Second Officer (Second Mate)

Primarily responsible for navigation and voyage planning.
Maintains charts, navigational equipment, and publications.
Often stands the 12:00–04:00 and 12:00–16:00 watch.

d) Third Officer (Third Mate)

In charge of life-saving and firefighting equipment.
Assists with navigation and safety inspections.
Usually stands the 08:00–12:00 and 20:00–00:00 watch.

e) Deck Cadet

A trainee officer gaining hands-on experience.
Works under senior officers to learn navigation, cargo work, and seamanship.

f) Able Seaman (AB)

Experienced deck crew member who assists with watchkeeping, mooring, and maintenance.

g) Ordinary Seaman (OS)

Entry-level deck crew position.
Performs basic maintenance, cleaning, and assisting tasks.

3. Engine Department Ranks

The Engine Department ensures the ship’s machinery runs smoothly, from the main engine to generators and auxiliary systems.

a) Chief Engineer

Head of the Engine Department.
Responsible for all engineering operations and maintenance.
Oversees fuel consumption, engine performance, and technical safety.

b) Second Engineer

Assists the chief engineer in daily operations.
Supervises the engine room during watches.
Manages maintenance schedules.

c) Third Engineer

Often responsible for auxiliary machinery like pumps, boilers, and refrigeration.
Keeps records of machinery performance.

d) Fourth Engineer

Entry-level engineering officer.
Handles smaller machinery, lubricating systems, and assists seniors.

e) Engine Cadet

Trainee engineer gaining practical experience.
Works alongside senior engineers in the engine room.

f) Motorman

Skilled rating in the engine department.
Performs repairs, lubrication, and maintenance tasks.

g) Oiler/Wiper

Oiler maintains lubrication for machinery.
Wiper is the entry-level role, handling cleaning and assisting duties.

4. Steward Department Ranks

The Steward Department takes care of living conditions, meals, and cleanliness on board.

a) Chief Steward

Manages the galley (kitchen) and catering services.
Plans menus and supervises kitchen staff.

b) Chief Cook

Prepares meals for the crew and passengers.
Ensures food hygiene and storage standards are met.

c) Steward/Utility Hand

Assists in serving food, cleaning, and maintaining crew quarters.

5. How the Chain of Command Works at Sea

On a merchant vessel, the chain of command is strictly followed. Orders flow from the captain down to junior officers and crew, ensuring coordinated operations. Each department works independently but collaborates during critical operations such as:

Port arrival and departure
Emergency drills
Cargo loading and unloading
Safety inspections

This structured hierarchy ensures efficiency, safety, and accountability at sea.

6. Career Progression in the Merchant Marine

One of the attractive aspects of a merchant marine career is the potential for career advancement. A typical progression might look like this:

Deck Department: OS → AB → Deck Cadet → Third Officer → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain
Engine Department: Wiper → Oiler/Motorman → Engine Cadet → Fourth Engineer → Third Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer
Steward Department: Utility Hand → Steward → Chief Cook → Chief Steward

Promotion usually depends on:

Sea service experience (measured in months/years)
Completion of mandatory training and certifications
Performance evaluations

7. Importance of Merchant Marine Ranks

The rank structure isn’t just for tradition — it’s essential for:

Safety – Clear responsibilities prevent confusion in emergencies.
Efficiency – Defined duties ensure smooth ship operations.
Training – Junior crew learn from experienced officers.
Discipline – A chain of command maintains order.

Without this hierarchy, the complex environment of a ship could quickly descend into chaos.

Final Thoughts

The merchant marine ranks form the backbone of maritime operations. From the captain navigating vast oceans to the cook preparing meals for the crew, every role is vital. For those considering a career at sea, understanding these ranks is the first step toward choosing a career path — whether on deck, in the engine room, or in hospitality.

The sea offers both challenges and rewards. With dedication, training, and hard work, a deckhand can rise to captain, or a wiper can become a chief engineer. The hierarchy isn’t just a ladder — it’s a journey of growth, responsibility, and adventure.

Merchant Marine Ranks: A Complete Guide to Roles and Responsibilities

1. Structure of Merchant Marine Ranks