Ship captains and mates direct and navigate all kinds of ships.
In 2003, the movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" was released. The movie is based on a book in the series by writer Patrick O'Brien. In the film, Captain Jack Aubrey (played by Russell Crowe) must lead his crew as they chase a French ship during the Napoleonic wars. Their ship, the Surprise, is badly damaged and many of Aubrey's crew suspect it is past its prime. However, Captain Aubrey replies, "She has a bluff bow, lovely lines. She's a fine seabird: weatherly, stiff, and fast." Even though this is a fictional setting, it's clear that captains are bonded to their ships. After all, for many ship captains and mates, the ship or boat becomes a second home.
Captains or masters are in command of ships. They set the course and speed and steer vessels to avoid hazards and other ships. They use equipment such as depth finders and radar to watch for hazards. They also gather information from lighthouses, buoys, and lights. Captains determine the ship's position using navigational aids, charts, and observations. They direct the crew who steer the ship, operate the engines, and signal to other vessels. Often they tow and maneuver barges, or signal tugboats to tow them to a specific destination. They also direct those who perform maintenance or operate towing or dredging gear. Captains check that proper procedures and safety practices are followed. They make sure that machinery and equipment are in working order. They oversee the loading and unloading of passengers or cargo.
On large ships, captains have deck officers or mates as assistants. Merchant marine ships have a chief or first mate, a second mate, and a third mate. Mates "stand watch." This means they oversee the operation of the vessel for part of the day. They also take over for captains who are sick or on leave. On smaller vessels, there may be only one mate who alternates watches with the captain. On these ships, deck officers' duties may be very similar to those of captains. On larger vessels, mates may split the duties with other workers.
Captains are also responsible for taking care of the business of the ship. They keep logs and records of the ship's movements and cargo. While ships are docked, captains may purchase supplies. If they operate fishing vessels, captains find buyers for the fish they caught. They may talk to agents about how to meet customs regulations. They also interview, hire, and instruct new staff. In addition, they assign new staff to watches and living quarters.
The size of the crew varies by the type of ship and the location. A typical deep-sea merchant ship has a captain, three mates, a chief engineer, three assistant engineers, plus six or more deckhands. Ships that operate in rivers or harbors may only have a captain and one deckhand, or they may have up to ten people on the crew. Large vessels also have a full-time cook. On smaller ships, a seaman does the cooking. Merchant ships also have an electrician, machinery mechanics, and a radio officer.
Ship captains and mates work on every type of waterway. They work on oceans, lakes, harbors, rivers, and canals.