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Merchant Marine Ranks: A Complete Guide to Positions and Hierarchy at Sea

Author : Salim Yousaf | Published On : 23 Nov 2025

The Merchant Marine plays a crucial role in global trade, transporting goods, fuel, raw materials, and passengers across the world’s oceans. Behind every successful voyage is a well-structured team of maritime professionals, each with specific roles and responsibilities. To ensure smooth operations, safety, and efficiency on board, the Merchant Marine follows a clear and organized rank hierarchy.

Whether you're considering a career at sea or simply curious about how merchant ships operate, understanding Merchant Marine ranks is essential. This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the ranks in the deck, engine, and catering departments, explaining what each position does and how they contribute to maritime operations.

Why Ranks Matter in the Merchant Marine

Ships function like small floating cities, carrying millions of dollars worth of cargo. Every crew member must know:

  • Who is in command

  • Who is responsible for navigation

  • Who handles machinery

  • Who manages safety

  • Who oversees daily operations

This chain of command ensures discipline, coordination, and compliance with international maritime laws. The ranking system also provides clear career progression—from cadet to captain or chief engineer.

Merchant Marine Departments and Their Ranks

Merchant Marine ranks are typically divided into three main departments:

  1. Deck Department

  2. Engine Department

  3. Catering/Steward Department

Each department has its own hierarchy and responsibilities, but they work together to ensure safe and efficient voyages.

1. Deck Department Ranks

The Deck Department is primarily responsible for navigation, cargo handling, vessel stability, safety, and communication.

a. Captain (Master)

The Captain is the highest-ranking officer on a ship. They hold ultimate authority and responsibility for the vessel, crew, cargo, and voyage. Their duties include:

  • Overseeing all ship operations

  • Making navigational decisions

  • Ensuring compliance with maritime laws

  • Handling emergencies

  • Signing cargo documents

The Captain’s word is final on board.

b. Chief Officer (Chief Mate)

The Chief Officer is second-in-command and the Captain’s right hand. They are the head of the deck department.

Key responsibilities:

  • Managing cargo operations

  • Overseeing safety equipment

  • Supervising deck crew

  • Planning work schedules

  • Monitoring ship stability

The Chief Officer also stands navigational watch when required.

c. Second Officer (Second Mate)

The Second Officer is the ship’s primary navigation officer.

They handle:

  • Passage planning

  • Updating nautical charts

  • Managing navigational equipment

  • Standing navigational watch

Their role is critical to ensuring the ship reaches its destination safely.

d. Third Officer (Third Mate)

The Third Officer is the safety officer on most ships.

They manage:

  • Life-saving and fire-fighting equipment

  • Conducting safety drills

  • Assisting in navigation watches

Although the most junior officer, the Third Officer holds significant responsibilities.

e. Deck Cadet (Trainee)

A Deck Cadet is a trainee officer gaining sea-time and practical experience. Their tasks include:

  • Assisting officers

  • Learning cargo and navigation duties

  • Participating in deck work

  • Completing training projects

A cadet’s performance determines their future as an officer.

f. Deck Ratings

Boatswain (Bosun)

The Bosun is the most senior deck rating and supervises the deck crew. They handle:

  • Maintenance tasks

  • Rigging work

  • Cargo assistance

  • Daily deck schedules

Able Seaman (AB)

An AB performs:

  • Watchkeeping

  • Mooring operations

  • Maintenance work

  • Lookout duties

They must have experience and certifications.

Ordinary Seaman (OS)

The entry-level deck rating, the OS assists ABs and learns essential skills such as:

  • Painting

  • Cleaning

  • Rope handling

2. Engine Department Ranks

The Engine Department ensures the ship’s machinery, engines, and technical systems operate smoothly.

a. Chief Engineer

Equivalent to the Captain in rank, the Chief Engineer is the head of the engine department and oversees all mechanical operations.

Responsibilities include:

  • Managing the engine crew

  • Maintaining machinery

  • Fuel management

  • Overseeing repairs

  • Ensuring engine safety

The Chief Engineer ensures the vessel keeps moving.

b. Second Engineer

The Second Engineer manages day-to-day engine room operations and supervises junior engineers.

Their duties involve:

  • Monitoring engine performance

  • Overseeing maintenance schedules

  • Managing boilers and generators

They are critical to engine department operations.

c. Third Engineer

Responsible for auxiliary engines and associated systems such as:

  • Freshwater generators

  • Air compressors

  • Fuel systems

They assist in general engine maintenance.

d. Fourth Engineer

The most junior engineering officer, handling:

  • Purifiers

  • Pumps

  • Basic maintenance

  • Engine logbooks

This role prepares them for higher responsibilities.

e. Engine Cadet

A trainee engineer gaining hands-on experience.

They assist engineers with:

  • Repairs

  • Watchkeeping

  • Machinery inspections

This is the first step toward becoming a licensed engineer.

f. Engine Ratings

Motorman

Experienced technician assisting engineers in machinery maintenance.

Oiler

Responsible for lubrication and routine checks of machinery.

Wiper

The entry-level rating who performs cleaning and basic tasks in the engine room.

3. Catering/Steward Department Ranks

This department ensures crew comfort and manages food services.

a. Chief Cook

The Chief Cook is in charge of:

  • Meal planning

  • Food preparation

  • Kitchen hygiene

  • Inventory management

They play a vital role in maintaining crew morale.

b. Steward

Assists the cook and handles:

  • Cabins and mess rooms

  • Cleaning and housekeeping

  • Serving meals

Career Progression in the Merchant Marine

The Merchant Marine offers a clear pathway for career growth. For example:

  • Deck Cadet → Third Officer → Second Officer → Chief Officer → Captain

  • Engine Cadet → Fourth Engineer → Third Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer

Promotions depend on:

  • Sea-time

  • Exams

  • Certifications

  • Performance

This structured path makes maritime careers rewarding and stable.

Conclusion

Understanding Merchant Marine ranks is essential for anyone interested in maritime careers or curious about how ships operate. Each rank—from cadet to captain or wiper to chief engineer—plays a vital role in ensuring safe, efficient, and successful voyages. The structured hierarchy creates discipline, teamwork, and accountability, making merchant ships some of the most organized environments in the world.

Whether you're planning to join the deck, engine, or catering department, the Merchant Marine offers excellent opportunities for growth, travel, and a fulfilling professional life at sea.