Further memorandum from Department for
Transport (DMNB 14A)
We spoke about the need for a guide to "who's
who" aboard ship. This note concerns the officers responsible
for the navigation and safety of the ship.
The Master has overall command of the ship and
is the officer who is responsible, at all times, for the safe
navigation of the ship. The Captain (Master) always has command
of the ship and thus has ultimate responsibility for the ship,
its cargo and crew.
The First Mate (this rank is used in the Pilotage
Act 1987 but is no longer recognised—see Maritime and Coastguard
Agency: Marine Guidance Note 92—by UK Merchant Shipping
(Training and Certification) Regulations 1997)) is the second
in command of the ship, and will deputise for the Master in the
event that the master is incapacitated. However, the position
of Chief Mate is recognised.
The Officer of the Watch (OOW) has navigational
responsibility for the ship, and is nominally "in command"
during the period of time he/she is on watch. A watchkeeping period
is generally a period of between 4 and 6 hours. During this period
the OOW has the conduct of the vessel. In an emergency the OOW
would generally call the Chief Mate and/or Master to the bridge.
Certificates of Competency are issued to Masters,
Mates and OOW by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The UK Regulations
provide for certification of masters and deck department personnel
involved in bridge watchkeeping and navigational duties.
Candidates for UK Certificates of Competency
have to meet certain medical standards (including eyesight); satisfactorily
complete the minimum period of seagoing service; reach the required
vocational and academic standard; undertake ancillary technical
training, and in the case of officer candidates, on completion
of programmes of education and training approved by the Maritime
and Coastguard Agency, pass an oral examination conducted by an
MCA examiner.
June 2008
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