The chief mate, or chief officer, on a bulk carrier carries more operational responsibility in cargo work than many people outside the role realise. The position shapes the vessel’s cargo performance directly.
The Core Responsibilities
Cargo operations are the primary bulk carrier-specific function. Before loading: preparing the cargo plan. Working out which holds receive which cargo quantities to achieve stability, maintain acceptable hull stress and comply with charterer requirements. On a large Capesize loading 150,000 tonnes of iron ore, getting the sequence wrong has structural consequences for the vessel.
During loading: supervising operations, monitoring hold weights, adjusting the sequence if shore equipment rate differs from plan, coordinating with surveyors. Draught surveys are conducted at various points. The chief officer reads the vessel’s draught marks and uses the survey to verify cargo quantity. This is the basis for the bill of lading figure and it needs to be accurate.
Between cargo operations: hold cleaning and preparation. The standard required for the next cargo. Grain cargoes require thorough cleaning and inspection. Surveyors come to check and the chief officer is responsible for presenting holds that pass.
Maintenance
Hatch covers are the priority. Expensive to repair and their failure has significant consequences. Deck machinery, mooring winches, windlass, anchors, emergency equipment: all sit under chief officer oversight.
The ongoing rust prevention programme, coating condition monitoring, damage reporting: bulk carriers deteriorate faster than some other vessel types and the maintenance programme needs to keep pace.
Crew Management
The deck department typically includes the second and third officers, bosun and four to six ABs. The chief officer manages this group. Performance, leave scheduling, duty allocation, interpersonal situations that arise when people live and work together for months. Chief officers who manage their departments well have better working environments and better operational outcomes.
Pay
Monthly contract figures. Leave unpaid.
Handysize and Supramax: $6,500 to $9,000 Panamax and Kamsarmax: $7,000 to $10,500 Capesize: $8,000 to $11,500