DNS 20 APLHA

The chief officer has to be a good judge to utilise human resources available for jobs at his disposal by means of communication, team spirit and maintain high levels of safety while executing them. At the same time being too authoritative or domineering while doing so places him on the negative side thereby creating a tense work atmosphere onboard. Chief Officer is responsible for performing vessel navigation watch duties. He is responsible for the entire cargo operation in ports which includes loading, unloading, and cargo planning. He is the in-charge for maintenance of cargo gears and cargo carried on board ship.

One of the critical tasks performed by chief officer is the accountability of the stability of the ship. He is responsible for maintenance of ship’s hull and accommodation. All the lifesaving and firefighting appliances of the vessel comes under the responsibility of chief officer.

His duties include administration task of scheduling and distributing work to deck crew. He has to build up the co-ordination with other departments and take part in conflict resolution. He is responsible for garbage management for the deck and accommodation part of the ship. He is in charge of the ballast and de-ballasting operation done on board.

He has to make sure all the crew members are complying with latest rules of MARPOL, SOLAS and STCW. ISPS code is another responsibility that the chief officer has to look over. Trainings in all the above regulations and conventions are to be carried out by chief officer as per company policy. To look after supply, overtime, cost control records, purchase order, requisition, and other paper work on behalf of shore management.

For me, chief officer is a hero onboard where he keeps control the safety and also the peace of the ship. If the captains play role as the king, than the chief officer is our prime minister. My chief officer is the best. His name is mr.Zulhisham. I meet him onboard Seri Cempaka.