Chief Officer or First Mate

Certificates, Endorsements, Training and General Requirements to Obtain Certificate of Competency as Chief Mate

Chief Mate is the second in command following the Captain or Master and head of the deck department on a merchant vessel. Chief Mate is also known as Chief Officer, First Officer (Ship) or First Mate. Chief Mate’s primary duties include managing maintenance and upkeep of the vessel.

A chief mate is also sometimes called chief officer, first mate or first officer in merchant ships and is a licensed member and head of the deck department of a merchant ship. Actual title used will vary by title used will vary by ship type, trade, or national administration.

OThe chief mate is responsible to, and acts under the command of the captain. In port, the chief mate works with the port's ship planners and longshoremen to load the ship to ensure its continuing safety. Other responsibilities to act in full or part include - senior on board operations manager, cargo officer, watchstanding, sea watch, navigation, traffic management, emergencies, and controlling ship operations.

General Requirements to Obtain a Certificate of Competency as Chief Mate

Chief mates on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more (Chief Mate unlimited) must:

Previous Certificate & Seagoing Service: meet requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more and have at least 12 months approved seagoing service in that capacity. Education & Training:have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in STCW section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chief mates on ships of 3,000 gross tonnage or more.

Chief mates on ships of 500 - 3,000 gross tonnage (Chief Mate 3000 GT) must:

Education & Training:have completed a period of approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A- II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chief mates on ships of between 500 and 3,000 gross tonnage.

Additional STCW 2010 Requirements

Chief Mates on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more

Use of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) to maintain the safety ofnavigation.

Knowledge of bridge resource management.

Application of leadership and managerial skills.

Contribute to the safety of personnel and ship.

Maintain safe navigation through the use of information from navigation equipment and systems to assist command decision making.