Chief Mate

The senior deck officer immediately below the master on a merchant vessel.

Also called the chief officer or first mate, this officer normally manages the deck department and has major responsibilities for cargo operations, stability, maintenance, safety equipment, drills and crew organisation. Duties vary with vessel type, flag, company and manning arrangements.

The chief mate may keep a navigational watch and is qualified to assume command when required, but a fixed “4–8 watch” is not universal. Certification and service requirements are set by the relevant maritime administration and international competency framework.