Seafarers are broadly divided into three departments: the Deck Department, which is responsible for keeping watch and navigation; the Engine Department, which operates and maintains vessel engines and other equipment and machinery; and the General Affairs Department, which prepares meals and undertakes other general duties. Let's look at a typical day in each department.
Deck Department
The captain and officers plan a ship's voyage.
The main duties of the Deck Department are as follows:
- Lookout and steering/navigation of the vessel
- Safe cargo transport, loading and discharging operations when docked
- Hull maintenance (Removing rust from decks and other areas, applying paint)
As depicted in the diagram to the right, lookout on the ship's bridge is a 24-hour system, involving 6 shifts of 4 hours. Each shift is staffed by an officer and a helmsman.
The day in the maintenance team starts with a work plan meeting at 7:00 a.m. and continues in principle until 5:00 p.m.
Engine Department
This department is responsible for all electrical, plumbing and machinery repairs and maintenance. It is responsible for keeping engines in the best operational condition at all times. Operating data for every piece of equipment and machinery is logged every day, to aid in the early detection of abnormalities. The day in the engine room starts with a work plan meeting at 7:00 a.m., and continues in principle until 5:00 p.m. A rotating engineer is on call in case of engine trouble during the night, when it is in "M zero" (unattended) operation.
General Affairs Department
The crew enjoy a meal. Special meals are prepared to celebrate the New Year and other occasions.
This department takes responsibility for preparing meals for the seafarers and purchasing and managing foodstuffs, cleaning, and health and sanitation. Their working hours are from early morning to night because they must prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They take their meals and breaks during slow times.
