Role of the Chief Officer

Question 1

Areas of Responsibility

Answer 1

1. Operational aspects of the vessel

2. Seaworthiness of the vessel

Question 2

How Do You Ensure A Vessel is Seaworthy?

Answer 2

1. By making sure it is properly loaded and the cargo secured correctly
2. Ensuring the vessel has adequate stability for the planned voyage
3. Ensuring the vessel can maintain its watertight integrity

Question 3

What Work Activities Do You Do To Achieve This?

Answer 3

1. Follow systems of work e.g. Risk assessment / PTW / Prepare load & lashing plans
2. Calculate ship stability criteria and prepare departure and arrival draught information
3. Ensure vessel meets the requirements of flag state with regard to certification
4. Establish a planned maintenance system
5. Establish regular training for crew

Question 4

Chief officer joining a ship

Answer 4

1. Means of access
   gangway/moorings
   appearance of gangway watch
2. Security awareness
   access control/visitor log
   escort/ISPS level
   control of restricted areas
3. PMS Evidence
   condition of paintwork
    non-slip coat applied to walkways
    evidence of greasing on wires
    general condition of vessel
4. Training and drills
    training and drills matrix
    minutes of safety drills
    action points
5. Cargo Operations
    cargo loading plan
    ballast plan
    latest draughts
    watchkeeping arrangements
    critical milestones
6. Surveys & Certification
    dates of surveys/inspections
    exemptions if any
    survey regime
    previous inspection surveys
    details of any non or major non conformities 
    continuous synopsis record
7. Health and Safety
   safety officer minutes of safety meeting
   status of action points - outstanding work
   cosh - material data sheets
   loler and pewer status
8. Shipboard Operations
   permits to work in force
   stores - purchase order status
   food and water - food and water management plan
   fuel/bunkers - status/range

Question 5

Chief Officer Passage Planning

Answer 5

1. Restricted Visibility 
   Parts of the world where sea fog is prevalent:
   Polar regions in summer 
   Grand Banks off New Foundland 
   NW Pacific Ocean 
   UK –SW approaches to English Channel
2. Ice 
    Ice limits 
    Freezing spray 
    Navigation
3. Meteorological Conditions 
    Weather routeing 
    Prevailing wind / current 
    Storm Warnings 
    Weather forescasts
4. Traffic Separation Schemes
5. Areas of extensive tidal currents
6. Restricted Waters
    Margins of safety
    Maneuvering characteristics
    Limitations
    Shallow water
    Watchkeeping Manning
7.  CargoLoad 
     Line Limits
     Ventilation
8.  Ship Reporting Systems
     Designed to improve the safety of navigation in 
     potentially hazardous areas