The Chief Officer , or First Mate as he is often called, is the master”s chief officer and head of the Deck Department.He is assisted by a Second Officer,a Third Officer , and sometimes a Fourth Officer.Several companies employ a First Officer as well as a Chief Officer.The Deck Department also includes a boatswain and a Carpenter , both petty officers , and a number of ratings.These made up of able seaman(AB) , Ordinary Seaman(OS) and a middle grade known as Efficient Deck Hands(EDH).there are other grades of seamen. On some ships Navigation Cadets are carried for training.
