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GP3 in Pakistan Shipping - Information and Training.

"I have completed my certificate for GP3 training, please tell me how many months will it take to become a Ship's Captain or Chief Engineer ?"

"Should I become a Chief Engineer or would it be better to be a Ship's Captain?"

I looked at the young man as he eagerly waited for my reply. I could not, however, answer him straight away.

The shine in his eyes showed his anticipation as he waited for reply.

The young man had completed a course for joining merchant navy as GP3 (General Purpose Crew) and had paid big amount as fees and other overhead expanses to a private college.

He was told in the college that he may become a Master or a Chief Engineer since his branch was 'general' in nature - so it all depended on him!

He did not know about departments onboard a merchant navy ship, the ranks in merchant shipping or the required qualifications.

He was not told what the nature of job would be, once he joins as a GP3.

He only knew that he was a Ship's Officer with a certificate of GP three and it was his discretion to become a Master or the Head of Engineering department onboard a vessel after some time.


A short description of departments and ranks in merchant navy is listed below for the guidance of young men wishing to join merchant navy.

There are three departments onboard a merchant ship:

  • Deck Department.
  • Engine Department.
  • Catering Department.

Deck Department:

The Deck Department is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship, care of the cargo while at sea and the safe loading and discharging of cargo in port.

The Deck Department is also responsible for cosmetic maintenance of the vessel, seamanship operations, and the bulk of the legal and commercial business on board.

The Deck Officers and Crew handle deck maintenance, cargo operations, deck jobs and navigation of a merchant navy ship.

Deck Officers.

Deck officers hold appropriate Certificate of Competency for their rank onboard.

  • Master (Ship's Captain)

  • The Master is the company's management representative and the ultimate authority on board. The Master is responsible for the lives of all personnel on board, the safety of the vessel, the cargo and the environment.

    The Master is responsible for ensuring that the vessel is navigated and operated safely and efficiently, with regard to international, national and company regulations.
     
  • Chief Officer.
    The Chief Officer is the designated Safety and Training Officer of the vessel, and is in charge of the Deck Department. The Chief Officer is responsible to the Master for all Deck Department-related matters, including the planning and execution of all cargo and ballast operations.
     
  • Second Officer.
    The Second Officer is the Watch keeping Officer responsible for bridge navigational equipment, passage planning, medical supplies and radio equipment.
     
  • Third Officer
    The Third Officer is the Watchkeeping Officer responsible for maintaining the vessel's life-saving and firefighting safety equipment and general administration.
     
  • Deck Cadet.
    Deck Cadet is an officer in training. He assists in bridge watches, works on deck under chief officer's supervision.

Deck Crew.

Deck crew hold appropriate qualifications and experience for the position served onboard.

  • Boson. (Boatswain)
    Reports to the Chief Officer and supervises/leads Able Seamen and Ordinary Seamen.
     
  • Pumpman
    Reports to the Chief Officer, assisting with cargo operations, and performs routine maintenance of deck machinery and equipment.
     
  • Able bodied Seaman (A.B.)
    Supports the Deck Officers in all aspects of bridge, cargo and seamanship operations, under the supervision of the Bosun, and Pumpman as required.
     
  • Ordinary Seaman (O.S.)
    Junior position to the Able Seaman, the O/S supports the Deck Officers in all aspects of bridge, cargo and seamanship operations, under the supervision of the Bosun, and Pumpman as required.
     

Engine Department.

The Engine Department is responsible for the running and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment throughout the vessel including the main engine, boilers, pumps, electrical generators, refrigeration plant and fresh water generators.

The Engineers and Engine Crew maintain the engine room, machinery and 'run' the ship's engines.

Engineer Officers.

Engineer officers hold appropriate Certificate of Competency for their rank onboard.

  • Chief Engineer.
    The Chief Engineer is in charge of the Engine Department, and responsible to the Master for all Department matters. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the technical maintenance of all equipment in the Engine Room, and machinery on deck.
     
  • Ist Engineer.
    The First is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the Engine Department and Engineer Officers and crew.
     
  • 2nd Engineer.
    The Second Engineer is the Watchkeeping Engineer responsible for the condition and maintenance of the generators, cargo pumps, fuel pumps and lube oil pumps.
     
  • 3rd Engineer.
    The Third Assistant Engineer is the Watchkeeping Engineer responsible for the condition and maintenance of the air compressors, purifiers, fresh water generators, boilers, lifeboat engines, and in conjunction with the Third Officer, the firefighting and life-saving equipment in the Engine Room.
     
  • 4th engineer.
    Assists First Engineer.
     
  • Engine Cadet.
    Engine Cadet is an Engineer under training.

Engine Crew.

Engine crew hold appropriate qualifications and experience for the position served onboard.

  • Diesel Mechanics.
    A technical hand maintains mechanical mechiery under supervision of Engineer Officer.
     
  • Motormen.
    Assists Engineer Officers during Engine Room Watches.
     
  • Fitters.
    A technical hand maintains mechanical mechiery under supervision of Engineer Officer.
     
  • Oilers 1
    Reports to the First Assistant Engineer and supervises the Oilers and Wipers, delegating jobs as directed by the First Engineer.
     
  • Oiler
    Supports the Engineer Officers in all aspects of engine watchkeeping duties, maintenance and repairs.
     
  • Wipers.
    Junior position to the Oiler, the Wiper supports the Engineer Officers in all aspects of engine watchkeeping duties, maintenance and repairs.
     

Catering Department.

The Catering Department is responsible for all culinary aspects on board the vessel, laundry and hygiene.

Catering crew hold appropriate qualifications and experience for the position served onboard.

  • Chief Cook.
    The Chief Cook is responsible for the ship's Catering Department, reports to the Master, and supervises the Second Cook and Utility in all aspects including discipline and hygiene. The Chief Cook budgets and controls the food guidelines within the limits set by the Master, devises varied menus, and is responsible for promoting nutritional values and cooking for the Officers.
     
  • Second Cook.
    Reports to the Chief Cook, cooks for the ratings and assists the Utility in aspects of his duties.
     
  • Steward.
    Serves the Officers during meals, assists the Chief and Second Cook and performs cleaning and hygiene duties.
     
  • Mess boy.
    Serves the Officers during meals, assists the Chief and Second Cook and performs cleaning and hygiene duties.
     

But - Where is the rank of GP or GP3?



GP as the abbreviation implies is General Purpose Crew. The contract normally implies that he may be put on duty in any department as required, whether it is Deck, Engine or Catering department.

Merchant navy, a highly specialized profession, is rewarding and highly paying.

A young man joining merchant navy, if he has the ambition can rise to any rank with hard work, dedication and necessary professional qualifications.

It would be much better, however, to know in advance what the nature of job onboard would be and where does a certain rank stand!!

A Google or Yahoo search would fill the page with relevant information.


Related Links

You will find following links useful.


About the Writer - Qaisar Qayyum

Qaisar Qayyum is a master mariner with 23 years at sea mainly onboard oil tankers, presently working for a oil refinery as Tank Farm Coordinator & Marine Coordinator.

He is maintaining a web site, pakistaniMARITIME.Com, offering free services for seafarers and marine business concerns like.


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