Sea Transport Worker Career Description
Sea transport workers, in this case the persons working on board the ship itself, are people who help work the vessel from one destination to another. These workers form a close-knit community on board and perform a variety of tasks depending on their rank and the department in which they work, but all work together to the goal of transporting cargo across the high seas quickly and efficiently.
Work aboard a ship is divided into the deck, engine, and catering departments. The deck department is responsible for navigation, maintenance of the hull and deck equipment and the loading, unloading and stowage of cargo. The engine department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the machinery that propels the vessel. The catering department is responsible for feeding the crew and maintaining the living and recreation areas.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Master
In command of all ocean-going vessels are the
captains or masters who are the shipowners' representatives. They are responsible to the owners for the safe, efficient and economic operation of the ships, as well as the safety of all persons and cargo on board.
Chief Officer
They are responsible for the safe navigation of the vessels. They are also responsible for the maintenance of all safety equipment, cargo handling equipment and the overall structure of the ships. As the masters' key assistants, crew welfare, training and discipline also fall within their sphere of responsibility.
Second Officer
They are also responsible for the safe navigation of the vessels during their shifts. Whilst in port they are responsible for the planning, distribution and safe stowage of cargo on board and keep a cargo watch on deck whilst the ships are loading or unloading. They are also the medical officers on board and open the sick bay daily to deal with the crew's medical problems.
Third Officer
They are responsible for the safe navigation of ships during their shifts. They supply the masters with all the sailing information they require, for example, course and speed made good each day, expected time of arrival at a port, etc. They layoff all courses on the charts and calculate the distances to be sailed. They also keep all charts and publications up to date by applying the necessary corrections from the Notices to Mariners to them.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
All officers on board a ship bear a heavy responsibility, whether it be for the ship itself, the crew members under their control or the cargo that is carried. It is important that such persons be mature and willing to shoulder their responsibilities. As such people are also placed in positions of authority over others, they should be good at handling people, while at the same time command respect through competence, fairness and hard work.
Officers also perform an important link between the shipping company and its customers and should therefore at all times be able to conduct themselves in such a manner so as to be a credit to their company.
Such persons should be independent by nature with a love for the sea and the outdoors and not be afraid to work hard and perform a wide range of tasks. Because of the navigational and organizational duties assigned to deck officers, such officers should be mentally alert.
Where can I work?
With experience and ability one could reach the senior position of ship's master at sea or
technical manager of a shipping company ashore. A Masters Certificate is a first requirement for a whole range of other positions in occupations associated with the shipping industry, for example harbor master, pilot, coastguard officer and technical manager. There is always a demand for competent officers in all fields connected with the shipping industry.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
No.
|
