The Chief Officer is responsible to the Master for the efficient operation of the deck
department. The Chief Officer’s responsibilities include:
- Compliance with the Company’s MS requirements related to the position;
- The role of acting on behalf of the Master in his absence;
- Assumption of command should the Master become incapacitated;
- The discipline of the crew, as delegated by the Master;
- The familiarization and training of new Deck personnel;
- Supervision of shore repairs in the absence of a Superintendent in conjunction with the Chief Engineer, as applicable;
- The keeping of the Bridge Watch at Sea and arranging for Deck Crew watches when required.
- The planning and execution of all cargo operations, including loading, stowage, discharge, COW and loading ballast, under the direction of the Master;
- The safe carriage and maintenance of all cargo onboard, taking full account of cargo characteristics;
- Compliance at all times with stability requirements and hull strength limitations;
- The proper keeping of all appropriate cargo and stability records and
plans;
- The process of inerting of cargo tanks and, in cooperation with the Chief Engineer,
the maintenance and testing of the I.G. System and appropriate record keeping;
- The strict controlled storage/handling of IGS Main line branch valves padlock keys;
- Supervision of all hull and deck maintenance including the life-saving, fire-fighting and anti-pollution equipment, in conjunction with the Chief Engineer;
- Preparation of requisitions for the Deck Department stores and spare parts and submit them to the Master for approval. The Chief Officer must maintain an inventory of materials on hand and on order;
- The assessment of all work-related risks and the issuance of relevant permits to work;
- The overall implementation and monitoring of the waste management procedures onboard the vessel;
- Maintenance of the overtime records for the deck department;
- Assurance that all crew members in the deck department receive adequate rest periods in accordance with STCW and OPA90 guidelines;
- Assurance of proper compilation and posting of emergency lists by the delegated officer;
- The conducting of safety rounds, if watch standing, at the end of each watch by the on-signing (relief) OOW and the logging of such rounds.
- Assurance of the operation, maintenance and testing of the ODME in accordance with the requirements in the Company’s MS.
