The Chief Officer, also called Chief Mate, is the second-in-command of the deck department, reporting directly to the Master and holding primary responsibility for cargo operations and the ship’s stability.
Scope of Responsibility
- Cargo planning, loading, and discharge operations
- Vessel stability and stress calculations
- Deck maintenance and deck crew supervision
- Safety equipment maintenance oversight
- Acting as Master’s primary deputy, assuming command if the Master is incapacitated
Certification
Reaching Chief Officer requires clearing the Mate FG (Foreign-Going) competency exam, following required sea time as Second Officer. Chief Officer is widely considered one of the most demanding transitions in a deck career, given the jump in cargo and stability responsibility.
Chief Officer vs Chief Mate
“Chief Officer” and “Chief Mate” refer to the identical rank — the terms are used interchangeably depending on company or regional convention, with no difference in responsibility or certification.
Exam Relevance
Chief Officer-level competency (Mate FG) covers advanced cargo work, stability calculations, and ship management topics beyond what’s required for Second Officer.