Second Mate
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The Second Mate of a merchant vessel is usually in charge of navigation. The next licensed position after Third Mate and before Chief Mate. The second mate typically stands the 12-4 navigation watch. That is, he will stand watch from 1200 to 1600 at noon and again from 0000 to 0400 in the nights. Second mates typically are the navigation officer aboard a ship. The Navigation Officer is responsible for maintaining the charts and navigational equipment on the bridge. The duties also usually entail developing the voyage plans under the direction of the ships Master (Captain). In the United States system, it takes 360 days of sea service as a licensed Third Officer before one can become a Second Officer.
The other duties of this position will often depend upon the type of ship worked aboard. On oil tankers, the second officer usually provides the Chief Mate with assistance in tank cleaning. As their second mate has more experience, they are usually tasked with helping more than a junior third mate.
