The third officer is responsible to the captain for:
- Conducting navigation hours at sea
- Assistance to a second officer with the correction of Maritime publications.
- Supervision of operations from the berth on the instructions of the captain.
The third officer is responsible for the director general for:
- Maintenance of cargo watches in the port, including operation of cargo-related systems, as required.
- Maintenance of rescue and firefighting equipment of the vessel outside the engine room. (If more than a third officer is performed, these responsibilities may be distributed among each officer at the discretion of the captain).
- any other responsibilities assigned to him by the Chief Officer, including responsibilities for improving the safety and security of the ship at sea or in port.
- Check that the load line and valve are installed correctly before starting work.
- Freight operations on behalf of the Master.
- Ensuring that the deck is properly maintained and guarded and that the vessel remains securely moored.
- Provide all LSA / FFA (rescue and fire extinguishers) easily accessible and ready for use in emergencies
- Monitoring compliance with agreed loading / unloading plans during cargo operations with special reference to stability / stress. Any deviation, if any, shall be notified immediately to the Master.
- Keeping records of crewdata all events in sequential order in the port log. (This can be in a regular registry book).
- Keeping records of goods in accordance with the requirements of the company.
The third officer should, if possible, examine the second officer.