Duties of a Third Officer in the Merchant Navy Merchant Navy
Content Writer
{March 26, 2025}
Most of you might have seen pictures of Third Officers in the Merchant Navy dressed sharply in their crisp white uniforms and shining golden epaulettes. They often appear on social media standing on the navigation bridge, looking every bit like the professionals they are. Some of you might even know Third Officers personally—family members or acquaintances who seem to enjoy a well-paid and glamorous lifestyle at a young age. But the truth is, this visible part of their life is just the tip of the iceberg.
The reality onboard is much more intense and demanding. Third Officers don’t just spend their time looking smart on the bridge. Often, they are out on the deck in greasy boiler suits, working under the scorching sun, performing maintenance, or supervising safety checks. The position requires discipline, technical knowledge, and strong situational awareness. It’s a serious role that goes far beyond the image.
Becoming a Third Officer
To even reach the rank of a Third Officer, cadets must first complete 12–18 months of mandatory sea time, during which they’re trained in navigation, cargo handling, safety protocols, and deck operations. After completing their training, they must pass the Second Mate’s exams. By the time they’re promoted, most Third Officers are between 23 and 25 years old, yet they carry responsibilities worth millions of dollars—managing aspects of a vessel that could stretch over 300 meters and carry thousands of tons of cargo.
General Duties of a Third Officer
The Third Officer is the junior-most deck officer onboard but plays a pivotal role. Their job is not just to assist senior officers but to be actively involved in all major operations. They:
– Observe and learn cargo operations from the Chief Officer
– Gain navigation expertise under the guidance of the Second Officer
– Maintain the readiness of emergency equipment like lifeboats and fire extinguishers
– Report any issues in their responsibilities directly to the Captain
Bridge Watch keeping: Their Most Vital Task
A key responsibility of the Third Officer is keeping the 8–12 watch—both in the morning and evening—on the ship’s bridge. This includes:
– Navigating the vessel using radar, GPS, and ECDIS systems
– Monitoring vessel traffic and weather patterns
– Maintaining communication with other ships and port authorities via VHF
– Keeping detailed logbooks and reporting any issues to senior officers
Navigational and Technical Support
The Third Officer also supports the Second Officer in maintaining and updating:
– Nautical charts and navigational publications
– Meteorological instruments and weather records
– Signaling equipment like flags, day shapes, and signalling lights
They also assist with voyage planning, conduct safety drills, and ensure navigational readiness before entering or leaving port.
Safety and Maintenance Duties
On most vessels, the Third Officer acts as the Safety Officer, responsible for ensuring all Life Saving Appliances (LSA) and Fire Fighting Appliances (FFA) are fully functional and compliant with international regulations (like SOLAS). Their duties include:
– Weekly and monthly inspection of lifeboats, life rafts, life jackets, EEBDs (Emergency Escape Breathing Devices), and SCBAs
– Maintenance and placement of muster lists, training manuals, and emergency signage
– Inventory checks and requisitions for spare parts
– Preparing the equipment for shore inspections or surveys
Key Safety Items Maintained by Third Officers
1.SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) – Essential for entering smoke-filled environments.
- Fireman’s Outfit – Includes protective clothing, helmet, gloves, lamp, axe, and breathing apparatus.
- Pyrotechnics – Flares, smoke signals, and parachute rockets for emergency signalling.
- EEBD (Emergency Escape Breathing Device) – Used during evacuation in smoke or toxic gas environments
- Fire Control Plans and Extinguishers – Checked for placement, accessibility, and serviceability.
Cargo and Deck Support
While the Chief Officer handles the bulk of cargo operations, the Third Officer assists during loading/unloading and monitors deck conditions. They often:
– Help with ballasting and de-ballasting
– Monitor hold and tank conditions
– Ensure cargo operations follow safety protocols
Emergency Roles and Drill Coordination
Every crew member has designated emergency duties. The Third Officer may be:
– Assigned as lifeboat commander
– Responsible for activating distress signals or coordinating abandon-ship procedures
– Leading fire or safety drills and ensuring crew preparedness
Documentation and Reporting
Like any professional role, documentation plays a major part in the 3/O’s duties. They must:
– Maintain accurate safety inspection records
– File requisitions and defect reports
– Update certificates and calibration documents
– Track the service history of all LSA and FFA equipment
Conclusion: A Foundation for Maritime Leadership
The life of a Third Officer is far more than what meets the eye. While it begins as the first step into officer-level responsibilities, it lays the foundation for becoming a Chief Officer or Captain in the years ahead. It’s a role that blends learning with leadership, theory with practice, and routine with responsibility.
For those aspiring to join the Merchant Navy, understanding the role of a 3/O is vital. It demands alertness, integrity, discipline, and a never-ending willingness to learn. But for those who rise to the challenge, it opens the door to one of the most rewarding careers at sea.
