<P> The Chief Officer / First mate ( often called the Chief mate in the United States ) is the head of the deck department on a merchant vessel , second - in - command after the ship 's Master . The Chief mate 's primary responsibilities are the vessel 's cargo operations , its stability , and supervising the deck crew . The mate is responsible for the safety and security of the ship , as well as the welfare of the crew on board . The chief mate typically stands the 4 -- 8 navigation watch as OICNW ( officer in - charge of the navigational watch ) , directing the bridge team . Some crews have additional Third mates , which allow the Chief mate to not stand navigational watch , and focus more on cargo and deck operations . Additional duties include maintenance of the ship 's hull , cargo gears , accommodations , life saving appliances and firefighting appliances . The chief mate also trains the crew and cadets on various aspects like safety , firefighting , search and rescue , and various other contingencies . The chief officer assumes command of the whole ship in the absence or incapacitation of the master . </P>
<P> The Chief Officer / First mate ( often called the Chief mate in the United States ) is the head of the deck department on a merchant vessel , second - in - command after the ship 's Master . The Chief mate 's primary responsibilities are the vessel 's cargo operations , its stability , and supervising the deck crew . The mate is responsible for the safety and security of the ship , as well as the welfare of the crew on board . The chief mate typically stands the 4 -- 8 navigation watch as OICNW ( officer in - charge of the navigational watch ) , directing the bridge team . Some crews have additional Third mates , which allow the Chief mate to not stand navigational watch , and focus more on cargo and deck operations . Additional duties include maintenance of the ship 's hull , cargo gears , accommodations , life saving appliances and firefighting appliances . The chief mate also trains the crew and cadets on various aspects like safety , firefighting , search and rescue , and various other contingencies . The chief officer assumes command of the whole ship in the absence or incapacitation of the master . </P>
who comes after the captain on a ship
who comes after the captain on a ship
Chief Officer / First mate
Chief Officer / First mate