The Chief Mate in the emergency organisation
Under the muster list the Chief Mate typically leads or coordinates a key part of the response — often the on-scene command of firefighting or damage control, the mustering of persons, or the preparation of survival craft — and must be able to take command if the Master is incapacitated. This means knowing the emergency organisation, the fire control and damage-control plans, the LSA and FFA, and the drills cold, and being able to lead a team calmly under stress.
The Chief Mate leading an on-scene response
- Take charge of the assigned team and account for its members.
- Assess the situation and direct the team to contain and fight the casualty per the plan.
- Keep the bridge/Master informed and request resources as needed.
- Manage the team's safety and rotation, and stand ready to escalate or withdraw.
WARNING — Be ready to take command The Chief Mate must be able to step up and command the whole response if the Master is incapacitated. Knowing the plans, the equipment and the organisation well enough to do so is a core requirement of the rank.
TIP — Calm, directed leadership steadies the team In an emergency the team takes its cue from its leader. A Chief Mate who is calm, clear and directing turns a frightened group into an effective one; panic and hesitation spread as fast as confidence does.