The Skipper
While onboard the skipper is in overall charge of the safe operation of the vessell. He is head of the vessel and the mate directly reports to him. His duties and responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the safety and welfare of the ship’s company.
• In overall charge of the safe operation and navigation of the vessel and ensuring adequate safety briefings are given to all crew.
• In overall charge of the vessel’s programme.
• Provides clear direction to the Mate.
• Encourages a good level of discipline on board and ashore.
• Ensures that any necessary maintenance work is carried out and that the vessel has a high level of cleanliness and food hygiene.
• Encourages the ideals of the Project together with a high level of seamanship.

The Mate
The Mate is second in charge of the vessell, if for any reason the skipper is unable to take charge of the boat the duty then falls to the mate.
Standard duties and responsibilities of the mate include:

• Is second in charge to the skipper and would take command if the need ever arose.
• Runs the routine of the vessel in line with the skipper’s directions.
• Under the guidance of the Skipper oversees the Watch Officers in their duties, in particular ensuring the safe operation and navigation of the vessel.
• Keeps watch opposite the skipper as necessary.
• Keeps the skipper informed of actions taken.

The Watch Officers

• In charge of the safe operation and navigation of the vessel when the watch is on duty.
  (If the W/O is in any doubt as to the above then they must obtain direction from the Skipper or Mate).
• Ensures the safety and welfare of the Watch.
• Ensures the seamanlike performance of duties allocated to the Watch during specific evolutions.
• Carries out the appropriate training of the Watch.
• Ensures that the ship’s log is completed at least every hour and a regular position plot is kept on the chart.
• Oversees the Watch Leader and provides clear direction and support in their duties.
• Ensures that a good lookout is kept at all times when the vessel is underway keeping the Skipper or Mate informed of other vessels, navigation marks and changing weather conditions.
• Arranges harbour/anchor watches.
• Supports the Watch Leader with organising galley duties ensuring that meals are on time and adequate and that food hygiene is observed and that the galley is left clean.

The Watch Leaders

• Ensures the motivation of the Watch by setting a good example and providing clear instructions.
• Ensures the prompt execution of orders, in particular the stationing of trainees for specific duties during evolutions.
• Ensures the observance of safety rules.
• Supervises the preparation and serving of meals.
• Maintains the cleanliness and tidiness of the vessel below decks.
• Ensures the correct mooring of launches and dinghies.
• Leads from the front, both above and below decks.
• Maintains discipline amongst the Trainees in the Watch.
• *Watch Leaders should be aware that they are the automatic role model for the Trainees because of their age and that they will have a great influence on them.