Deck officers in the mercantile and fishing industry are responsible for the navigation, radio-communications, safety and security of the ship, care for the cargo and protection of the marine environment.
Deck ratings provide support to the deck officers and are trained in a number of areas such as navigational watchkeeping duties, boat handling, cargo operations, fire fighting, security and general ship maintenance.
Engineer officers in the mercantile and fishing industry are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the main and auxiliary machinery, safety and security of the ship, cargo equipment and protection of the marine environment.
Electro-technical officers are part of the engineering department and are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the electrical power generation and distribution systems on board in addition to maintenance of electrical and navigational equipment.
Engine and electro-technical ratings provide support to the engineer and electro-technical officers and are trained in a number of areas such as engine watchkeeping duties, machinery operation and repair, fire fighting, security and general ship maintenance.
Career opportunities exist on many ships for cooks and stewards and particularly on passenger ships for pursers, bartenders, waiters, entertainment staff etc.