Ratings
Ratings are personnel who assist officers in all departments - skilled seafarers who carry out essential tasks in the day-to-day running of the ship.
As a rating you'll be trained in fire prevention and sea survival skills. In an emergency you'll help to deal with hazardous incidents, for example, as a member of a fire-fighting party or fast rescue boat crew.
Seaman Grade 1
Member of the deck crew - may be referred to as Able-bodied Seafarer, Bosun, Deck Chief Petty Officer, Senior Rating, General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer.
Undertakes watches, and duties include steering the vessel, standing lookout and assisting the officer on watch. Carries out deck and accommodation patrols. Moors and unmoors the vessel, secures and unsecures cargo, and carries out deck maintenance and cleaning. The most senior and experienced at this level may have responsibilities tantamount to foreman. Duties would additionally include directly supervising maintenance operations and allocating tasks. Some ratings at Seaman Grade 1 level may be qualified to work on the deck or engineering side, and are classed as "General Purpose Ratings".
Seaman Grade 2
Member of the deck crew - may be referred to as Ordinary Seafarer, Able-bodied Seafarer, General Purpose Rating, General Purpose Seafarer.
Undertakes similar tasks to Seaman Grade 1, whilst gaining experience.
Pumpman
Normally a member of the deck department, but sometimes a member of the engineering department. Works on tankers and operates pumps and discharges liquid cargo, mostly petroleum products. Responsible for maintaining and repairing all cargo handling equipment.
Fitter
Member of the engineering crew, semi-skilled and mechanically trained. Responsible for ensuring the continuous running of machinery and equipment, organising routine maintenance procedures and any necessary repairs. Normally the most senior rating on the engineering side.
Motorman (Mechanic)
Member of the engineering department. Maintains the engine room machinery plant.
General hand (Oiler, Wiper)
Member of the engineering department. Cleans the machinery plant, checks systems and assists with engineering tasks.
Cook (Ship's Cook, Chief Cook)
Food planning, preparation and stock taking/provisions ordering, must hold a Ship's Cook certificate.
Steward
Cleans and maintains accommodation areas.
Trainee Rating (Junior Ordinary Seafarer)
Learns the role of Seaman whilst working towards the Navigational Watch Rating Certificate.