How Does a Merchant Marine Spend a Workday?

Work Environment

The Merchant Marine fleet is not to be confused with the United States Marine Corps, although in times of war the Merchant Marine fleet does respond to duty hauling soldiers and supplies to the battlefield. They are not fighting vessels, but they do carry guns because at times they come under attack by pirates. In peace time, the Merchant Marine fleet goes about business as usual hauling merchandise and supplies for business operations.

Responsibilities on the Job

There are three distinct areas on a vessel that a merchant marine might be employed in, one of which is the deck department. This is the area on top of the ship and the deck workers, or deckies, are responsible for the maintenance and care of this area of the ship. They also load the cargo and remove it from the ship upon delivery. They tie up and cast off and must make sure that the ship stays on its course. Most people think that the captain steers the ship, but it is the deckie's responsibility for manning the bridge and steering the ship.

Engine and Steward Departments

Two other departments of the ship are the engine department and the steward department. The members of the engine department are engineers who make sure that everything is in proper working order with the ship's engine. They perform scheduled tests and calibrations to ensure continued steaming of the ship's engines. The operation of lighting, sewage, air conditioning and basically anything electrical falls within their job description. The stewards work inside of the ship carrying out housekeeping duties. They make sure that everything is clean on the inside. They order the food, prepare meals and keep the kitchen clean. Most of their day is consumed with meal preparation and service because they are serving three meals daily and cleaning up after each.

Time Frame

The day of a merchant marine is divided into six four-hour periods. A worker will be on duty for four hours, have an eight-hour break and then be on duty for four more hours. The exception to this is the steward department because in most cases their duties must be performed during the daylight hours. There is a definite routine to the duties performed on a merchant marine vessel, as well as when and how they are performed.

Resources

• The Merchant Marines