Responsibilities of the chief mate on board the ship:
The chief mate performs the duties of the captain in the absence of the captain or if the captain is unable to perform his duties as a result of accident or illness.
Drawing up your own independent written cargo Regulations. They must be reviewed and accepted by the Master, discussed and signed by the junior officers.
Securing the vessel at sea
Maintain navigation clocks as needed.
Perform the duties of the Ship Safety Officer to ensure a safe working environment on board and maintain up to date and maintain records of all life-saving and fire fighting equipment on board the ship.
General responsibility as SSO (Ship Security Officer).
Supervise mooring and anchoring operations as directed by the foreman.
Adopting safe work practices on board the ship.
General maintenance of all safety equipment on board, assistance from other officers and crew members to be used as required.
Preparing all cargo-related plans and documentation and efficiently executing all cargo and ballast loading and unloading operations.
Organization of rank and file, distribution of responsibilities.
Maintaining the condition of ship tanks and general cleanliness.
In consultation with the Chief Engineer, maintain deck equipment in proper and seaworthy condition. Overall responsibility remains with the Chief Mechanic.
Preparation of detailed cargo and ballast plans using the company form prior to arrival at each port. This will be approved and signed by the Master, discussed and signed by all deck officers and ratings under Cargo Control.
Control and operation of all cargo equipment.
Checking the cargo system, including the cargo line, to ensure that the planned plan will be carried out.
Start of all cargo and ballast operations.
Monitoring ship stability and loads throughout cargo and ballast operations to ensure they remain within acceptable limits.
Maintaining cargo records in accordance with the requirements of the Company and international rules.
Daily inspection of empty compartments that are not equipped with a fixed tank metering system (eg: cofferdams, void spaces, chain lockers, bilges, etc.) and recording the sound in the Deck Log.
Ensuring that empty tanks and void spaces surrounding cargo spaces that contain flammable cargo or gases (unless equipped with a fixed gas detection system) are checked daily for the presence of gas and the results recorded in the Deck Log.
Ensuring that all pollution prevention equipment is available for use in emergency situations.
Directly responsible for the training of deck cadets on board
Any other duties assigned by the Master.
The XO must, as soon as the opportunity arises, replace the Captain.
