The Chief Officer Duties And Responsibilities

The chief officer is a member of the ship management. He reports to the master and assists him in matters

relating to navigation, loading/unloading and ballasting/de-ballasting operations, and treatment of cargo

during the voyage, as well as in matters relating to fire fighting and life saving equipment. He is responsible

for the maintenance of the ship’s hull, deck equipment and fittings.

He is the master’s deputy and will function as master in his absence or if he is unable to carry out his duties.

The chief officer is the ship’s health & safety officer and the designated senior officer responsible for the implementation of cargo and ballast procedures. He is also appointed as environmental control officer responsible for the compliance with garbage handling regulations onboard. He is the ship’s security officer (SSO) responsible for the implementation of the ISPS code. (Optional to other officers or engineers) . His responsibilities include:

•  To navigate the ship safely when on duty.

•  To implement the ISPS code and maintain all security issues as these are described in company’s ship security plan (SSP).

• Keep ISPS records as per SSP.

• Train the crew as per the SSP.

• To ensure the stability, trim and seaworthiness of the ship as prescribed in company instructions and in international rules and regulations.

• To prepare the ship’s cargo system ready for cargo operations.

• To load and unload the vessel and handle cargo during the voyage.

• To ensure the maintenance of the ship’s hull, deck, mooring and anchor equipment, doors, fittings, stores and provisions areas

• To maintain the ship’s medicine chest. (Optional to other officers)

• To maintain all bunkering equipment certified and in good order.

• To instruct the officers and ratings of the ship in the maintenance and use of safety, fire fighting and life-saving equipment and appliances.

• To coordinate the supplies of deck stores, tools and spare parts and order such articles to supplement supplies.

• To ensure the quality control of deck stores, tools and spare parts received.

• To ensure that all areas of the ship under his responsibility are kept clean and tidy.

• To implement measures to protect the ship and its equipment and to prevent unauthorized access.

• To ensure, in cooperation with the chief engineer, that all work is carried out in the most efficient and effective manner.

• To initiate modifications in safe working procedures if those are deemed insufficient or faulty.

• To carry out risk assessments as required.

• To issue relevant work permits.

• To carry out any other duties assigned to him by the master.

• To read through all rules, regulations, codes and guidelines received from the company

• To ensure, in cooperation with the master, that junior officers are actively involved in planning, cargo line setting,  and execution of the cargo and ballast operations.