Merchant mariners or Ratings perform
maintenance duties and assist in the day-to-day running of merchant ships
[private industry ships]. You could work on
container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, tugs, cruise ships and ferries -
sometimes called the Maritime Trade Industry.
You would help deck officers with navigational and watch duties, and with
anchoring the ship when coming into port. While the merchant marine is a
private industry, vessels may be obligated to help the military in times of
war.
You will start off as a Trainee Integrated Rating (TIR) or Merchant
Mariner and report to the Chief Integrated Rating. Officers will also
provide direction to TIRs when involved in certain Engine and Deck duties.
Alternative names:
Merchant Rating, Integrated Rating, Able Seaman/Woman, Merchant
Seafarer,
Water Transportation Worker
Specialisations:
Types of Merchant Mariners - there are several types of merchant
mariners, each with distinct roles and responsibilities aboard
commercial vessels. Here are some of the key types:
Deck Officers: Deck officers,
also known as Navigation Officers,
are responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel.
They include positions such as Captain, Chief Officer (First Mate),
Second Officer, Third Officer, and Deck Cadets. Deck officers are in
charge of overseeing navigation, piloting, cargo handling, and safety
protocols on the deck.
Engineering Officers:
Engineering officers are responsible for the operation and maintenance
of the vessel's engines, machinery, and electrical systems. They include
positions such as Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, and
Engineering Cadets. Engineering officers ensure that the vessel's
propulsion and auxiliary systems function correctly throughout the
voyage.
Able Seamen (ABs): Able
Seamen are skilled and experienced deckhands who assist in various deck
operations, such as mooring, rigging, and cargo handling. They work
closely with deck officers and play a critical role in the overall
seamanship of the vessel.
Ordinary Seamen (OSs): Ordinary Seamen are entry-level deckhands who
assist the ABs and perform general maintenance tasks on deck.
Qualified Members of the Engine Department (QMED): QMEDs are
engineering department personnel who possess specific skills, such as
electrical, mechanical, or refrigeration expertise. They support the
engineering officers in maintaining and operating the vessel's
machinery.
Stewards and Galley Staff:
Stewards and galley staff are responsible for food preparation,
housekeeping, and providing hospitality services to the crew and
passengers.
Pumpman and Boatswain:
Pumpmen handle cargo pumps and related operations, while boatswains
oversee the deck crew and manage equipment and rigging.
Chief Cook and Cooks: The chief cook oversees the galley
and meal preparation, while additional cooks assist in the food
preparation and service.
Medical Personnel: Some larger vessels may have medical
personnel on board, such as ship's doctors or medical officers, to
provide medical care and assistance to the crew.
Radio Officers: Although less common due to advances in
communication technology, some vessels may have radio officers
responsible for maintaining communication equipment and ensuring proper
radio procedures.
What vessels can a merchant mariner work on?
Here are just a few types of ships you can find jobs on as an
offshore deckhand:
Cargo ships: A cargo ship delivers goods
internationally. They typically have only a few employees and may travel
for several months at a time.
Oil exploration and drilling ships: Oil
exploration and drilling vessels look for oil reserves. These offshore
vessels often work with other oil-related vessels, such as offshore
support or production vessels.
Research ships: Research vessels explore
different parts of the world to further public knowledge. For example,
some research ships investigate the ocean's scientific properties.
Cruise ships: Cruise ships offer
passengers a chance to travel internationally. Besides their normal
duties, merchant mariners may help passengers enjoy their vacations,
such as by maintaining the cruise ship's pool.
Tugboats: Tugboats help transport larger
vessels that need assistance docking, navigating narrow water passages
and related tasks. Mariners who work on tugboats typically need
additional experience and training.
follow
instruction and perform safe and proper work practiceswork on deck and
in the engine room
be able to actively participate in all emergency
situations and attend and participate in drills as required
load, unload and secure
cargo
repair and paint the ship's
hull, fixtures and fittings
monitor equipment controls
steer a vessel under the
direction of the officer of the watch
inspect andmaintain deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging,
cranes and winches,
and lifesaving and firefighting appliances
- test firefighting and
lifesaving equipment
assist with standing lookout at sea, and alert deck officers when
other vessels, navigation marks or hazards are sighted
secure cargoes and splice wires and ropes
handle rope and wire mooring lines, gangways and ladders when the
ship is berthing and unberthing
maintain the cleanliness of decks and structures
- clean cabins, corridors and
decks
remove rust from, treat and paint the ship's sides and structures
assist with maintaining a watch in the ship's engine room
assist with maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and
mechanical equipment
participate in safety drills under the direction of the ship's
officers
clean the ship's cargo compartment and the fresh water, ballast and
oil tanks
monitor stock and re-order
supplies.
You would also help deck officers with navigational and watch duties, and
with anchoring the ship when coming into port. You could work on container
vessels, bulk carriers, tankers, tugs, cruise ships and ferries.
Did You
Know?
The duties and responsibilities of a merchant mariner can vary depending
on their specific role and position aboard a commercial vessel.
Navigational Operations: Deck officers and other crew
members involved in navigation are responsible for safely piloting the
vessel, adhering to navigational charts, avoiding hazards, and ensuring
the vessel follows the intended route.
Cargo Handling: Merchant mariners involved in cargo
operations oversee the loading and unloading of cargo, ensuring it is
stowed securely and following proper safety protocols.
Engineering Operations: Engineering officers are
responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the vessel's
engines, machinery, and electrical systems to ensure smooth operation
throughout the voyage.
Watchkeeping: Mariners often work in shifts, and
watchkeepers are responsible for maintaining a constant lookout for
potential dangers, monitoring the vessel's systems, and reporting any
issues to the appropriate authorities.
Safety and Emergency Response: Ensuring the safety of
the vessel and its crew is paramount. Mariners must be familiar with
safety procedures, conduct regular safety drills, and respond
effectively to emergencies, including man overboard situations, fires,
and abandon-ship scenarios.
Environmental Compliance: Merchant mariners are
required to follow environmental regulations, preventing pollution and
ensuring the proper disposal of waste.
Communication: Effective communication is crucial on a
ship. Mariners must maintain clear and efficient communication with the
vessel's crew, port authorities, and other vessels in the area.
Adherence to Regulations: Mariners are obligated to
follow international and national maritime laws and regulations, as well
as any specific rules established by the company or vessel they are
serving on.
Documentation and Record Keeping: Accurate
record-keeping is essential for various aspects of maritime operations,
including logbooks, cargo manifests, and crew records.
Vessel Maintenance: Merchant mariners may be involved
in routine maintenance tasks, such as painting, cleaning, and general
upkeep of the vessel.
You would normally work shifts, known as 'watches'. On a large ship, you
would normally work a set number of hours on duty followed by a set number
of hours off.
Merchant mariners / ratings may spend long periods at sea. Your on-shore
leave between voyages would also vary and the crew rarely
has time to see much of the ports they visit.
Conditions on deck could be cold, wet, windy and rough, and below deck it
could be very noisy, hot and cramped.
Integrated ratings carry out maintenance and lookout duties on the decks and
in the engine rooms of merchant ships.
When steering the ship, on lookout duty or on watch, integrated ratings work
under the direction of the Officer of the
Watch.
When in the engine room, they work under the direction of
Engineering Officers.
Today, shipping companies are taking steps to improve the quality of life
for merchant mariners by upgrading living quarters and adding
air-conditioning, entertainment systems with satellite TV, and Internet
connections.
While at sea, they are exposed to all kinds of weather, often cold and damp
conditions. Most mid- and lower-ranking workers must stand watch for four
hours at a time. Also, fire, collision, and sinking are all possible, so
workers must be physically and psychologically prepared for such hazards.
To become a merchant mariner / rating, you
usually have to complete a VET qualification in maritime operations
(integrated rating). Traineeships may also be available with large
shipping companies.
To become an integrated rating you usually have to complete a VOC
qualification in maritime operations (integrated rating). As
subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should
contact your chosen institution for more information.
You can also become an integrated rating through a traineeship in
Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating).
Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year
10.
Additional Information
In addition, you will need to complete nine
months of sea time on board a seagoing ship prior to being awarded a
Certificate of Proficiency in Integrated Rating by the Australian
Maritime Authority (AMSA).
Integrated ratings must be over 18 years of age at the time of
completing their qualifications. In order to serve on board a ship,
you will need to qualify for and obtain an AMSA Certificate of
Medical Fitness.
Once you have passed these requirements, you get
your "ticket"!
Integrated ratings work on coastal and overseas ships. There is a
relatively small number of ships in the Australian merchant fleet, so
positions can be competitive. There is an increasing demand for integrated
ratings in the Australian offshore oil and gas industry.
Employment of merchant mariners/ratings and water transportation workers in
general is expected to show some positive growth over the next 3-5 years
(2024 - 2029 - USA).
Significant changes are occurring in the mix of industries (mining,
petroleum livestock, grain etc.) and countries (China, Asia, Europe, USA
etc.) served by merchant shipping. On balance, global economics and trade
developments, along with continued growth in the cruising sector, will
sustain positive growth.
Progression to Chief Integrated Rating.
What does this ad tell you about the
Chief Integrated Rating position?