Merchant Navy Ranks
Merchant Navy Rank "Second Engineer" (2/E) or 1st Assistant Engineer belongs to the Engine department of merchant ship and is responsible to the Chief Engineer for:
- The 2nd Engineer / 1st Assistant Engineer is to deputise for the Chief Engineer in the event of his absence, accident or illness. In such a case, a Log Book entry is to be made.
- Preparation of the main propulsion and other engine room plant for sea.
- The day-to-day operation of the main propulsion and other engine room plant.
- The organisation and supervision of the engine room watch keepers / UMS duty engineers / Engine ratings / Engine Cadets.
- The efficient operation of all emergency equipment. The testing of all emergency equipment including equipment out with machinery spaces i.e. Emergency Generator, Emergency Fire Pump, Lifeboat Engines, Fire Flaps, Emergency Stops, Fuel Tank Valve Trips.
- The adoption of safe working practices on board.
- The protection of the environment.
- The maintenance of the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery, cargo handling and deck machinery.
- The maintenance of the machinery spaces, internal steelwork surfaces and general cleanliness.
- Any other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer.
- The Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer Officer is, as the opportunity arises, to understudy the Chief Engineer.
- Familiarising himself with all control piping systems and valves and electrical systems, so that in emergencies essential services can be restored quickly and safely.
- Assisting the Chief Engineer and providing encouragement to junior staff and ratings in their studies and training in respect of both professional qualifications, and the development of skills and experience.
- Ensuring that a competent Engineer tests the water of all boilers and feed systems daily. Indication of contamination is brought to the immediate attention of the Chief Engineer. That all test readings are recorded in the Engine Log Book and the Treatment Report Forms or Computer software provided.
- Advising the Chief Engineer of spare gear requirements and maintenance of the stock levels and reporting system.
Merchant Navy Rank "Electrical Officer" (E/O) belongs to the Engine department of merchant ship and is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
- UMS test schedules, alarm test etc.
- The maintenance of the vessel's electrical and electronic equipment.
- The adoption of safe working practices on board.
- Assistance during maintenance as required over and above electrical equipment maintenance.
- First level maintenance of communications, radio and navigation equipment.
Merchant Navy Rank "Third Engineer" (3/E) or 2nd Assistant Engineer belongs to the Engine department of merchant ship and is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
- The maintenance of an engine room watch/UMS duty engineer as required.
- The maintenance of all plant with particular attention to the main propulsion engines, auxiliary engines and boilers.
- The adoption of safe working practices.
- The other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer and Second Engineer or 1st Assistant Engineer as appropriate.
Merchant Navy Rank "Fourth Engineer" (4/E) or 3rd Assistant Engineer belongs to the Engine department of merchant ship and is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
- The maintaining of an engine room watch/UMS duty engineer as required.
- The maintenance of all plant with particular attention to compressors and pumps.
- The adoption of safe working practices.
- The Fourth Engineer/3rd Assistant Engineer is to, as the opportunity arises; understudy the Third Engineer/2nd Assistant Engineer as appropriate.
- Any other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer or Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer.
Merchant Navy Rank "Trainee Marine Engineer" (TME) or Engine Cadet belongs to the Engine department of merchant ship and is responsible :
- To familiarise himself with regulations and working procedures appropriate to tasks to be executed.
- To execute assigned tasks in conformance with work procedures and/or quality plans as instructed by the Duty Officer or the 2nd Engineer/Electrical Officer.
- To execute assigned tasks safely, to the best of his ability, and to report hazardous conditions without delay to the Duty Officer or the 2nd Engineer/Electrical Officer.
- To ensure that work of a hazardous nature is not undertaken without approval, suitable training and under close supervision of the 2nd Engineer.
- To familiarise himself with all safety equipment and safety procedures on board.
- Diligently follow the structure program of onboard training and complete tasks listed in the cadet training record book or equivalent record book (TAR).
- Diligently complete distance learning program, keep training record book up-to-date and complete academic training assignments as required by the engineering college.
- To complete routine engineering duties required in the normal operation of the vessel and by the Planned Maintenance Systems.
- To assist the Second Engineer in the preparation of spare gear and equipment procurement requirements.
- To act as a member of the Shipboard Emergency Response and Fire Fighting Team.
- To carry out ISPS duties in accordance with the vessel Ship Security plan
- Actively seek to learn the duties as applicable for next rank.
- X
0 Sir,
I wish to pursue career in Merchant navy after B tech through GME course. Currently I am in 8th semester. I searched a lot about the course information and pros and cons of career in Merchant Navy. Even i read your one answer on "Quora" about Why not to join merchant navy. I too found many articles, confessions and blogs revealing the bitter truth of merchant navy which I would like to share:
1. http://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/7-reasons-deck-cadets-and-junior-engineers-are-not-getting-jobs/
2. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/slump-in-shipping-industry-leaves-merchant-navy-officers-rudderless/1/354455.html
3. https://www.facebook.com/MerchantNavyRealConfessions/posts/285043258303347
4. http://cheatinginmerchantnavy.blogspot.in/2013/01/dear-candidates-and-aspirants-who-want.html
I am quite disappointed after reading these all. Also if i would be pursuing this GME course, then that will be on bank loan only. After passing out the course with huge debt on head , will make my life hell. So here are few questions which I want to ask.
Are the students not getting placed in the institutes ? or if a student who has got the sponsorship (for GME course) will suffer the same..? if a student gets a sponsorship, does it mean he has a job surety ? If there are no more jobs then what will happen to those who are currently pursuing the courses like GME, or marine engg. in DG Approved Institutes ?
Actually i had strong desire to join Merchant Navy after btech but after reading these all, i am confused about whether to go for it or not..? - X
1 dont join . no jobs.
- X
0 Sir, I have been selected in Anglo Eastern for the GME course... so should I go for it.?
Merchant Navy Rank "Fitter" belongs to the Engine department of merchant ship and is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
- Assisting the engine room watch keepers/UMS duty engineers as required, in particular with regard to the maintenance of the plant.
- Maintenance of all machinery, technical equipment, plant etc. as instructed and under the supervision of an engineer officer.
- Adoption of safe working practices.
- Any other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer and Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer as appropriate.
Merchant Navy Rank "Oiler" or Motorman (including Wiper) belongs to the Engine department of merchant ship and is responsible to the Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer for:
- Assisting the engine room watch keepers/UMS duty engineers as required, in particular with regard to the operation of the plant (subject to Wiper/Oiler being duly certified)
- Assisting with the maintenance of all machinery, technical equipment, plant etc., as instructed by an Engineer Officer.
- General cleaning, housekeeping duties as instructed by an Engineer Officer.
- The adoption of safe working practices.
- Assisting in mooring operations as required.
- Any other duties assigned to him by the Chief Engineer and Second Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer as appropriate.
Merchant Navy Rank "Ship Cook" belongs to the Galley department of merchant ship and is responsible to the Master for:
- Planning of menus and satisfactory preparation of daily meals and food by correct and hygienic means.
- The ordering of provisions and the maintenance of required food stores levels.
- Receiving and controlling all supplies.
- The provision of healthy diets along with a reasonable degree of variety.
- Ensuring the proper preservation and segregation of foodstuffs in dry, cold and frozen storage.
- The maintenance, cleanliness and hygiene in the galley and storerooms.
- Ensure the proper segregation and disposal of galley waste.
- The preparation of regular consumption reports as required by the Master.
- Adoption of safe working practices.
Merchant Navy Rank "2nd Cook" belongs to the Galley department of merchant ship and is responsible to the Chief Cook for:
- Assisting in the preparation of food and meals
- Keeping the galley, stores and provision rooms clean and hygienic at all times
- Any other matters relating to the storing, handling and preparation of food as required by the Chief Cook.
- Adoption of safe working practices
Merchant Navy Rank "General Service" (GS) or Messman belongs to the Galley department of merchant ship and is responsible to the Chief Cook for:
- Serving meals in the mess rooms
- Washing dishes with due regard to health regulations and hygiene
- House keeping of officers cabin
- Assisting in the preparation of food and meals as necessary
- Cleaning mess rooms and pantries with due regards to health and hygiene
- Any other cleaning duties as required by the Chief Cook.
- Adoption of safe working practices.
CAREER IN MERCHANT NAVY MERCHANT NAVY FORUM

