Licensed mariner facts for kids
A licensed mariner is a special kind of sailor. They have a license that lets them work in important jobs on ships and boats. Think of it like a driver's license, but for the sea! This license shows they have the right training and skills.
These licenses are given out by special groups in different countries. But the rules for getting them are mostly the same around the world. This is thanks to a big agreement called the STCW Convention. This agreement helps make sure all licensed mariners meet high standards. Sailors who don't have these special licenses are called unlicensed mariners or ratings.
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Getting a License
Different countries have their own groups that give out mariner licenses. These groups make sure sailors are ready for their jobs.
Licenses in the United States
In the United States, the United States Coast Guard gives out licenses. These licenses are for sailors in the United States Merchant Marine. They cover five main types of jobs:
- Deck officers
- Engineers
- Staff officers
- Radio officers
- Pilots
Today, the US Coast Guard uses a special book called a Merchant Mariners Credential. It's like a passport and holds all of a mariner's important information. Some states also have their own licenses for smaller boats on local waters.
Licenses in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency gives out licenses. They call these licenses Certificates of Competency. They follow the same international rules as the United States.
Types of Licensed Mariners
There are many different types of licensed mariners. Each license allows a sailor to do specific jobs on a ship.
Deck Officers
Deck officers are in charge of steering the ship and making sure it gets where it needs to go safely. They also manage the crew on deck. There are different levels of deck officer licenses:
- Master: This is the highest license. A master is the captain of the ship. They are fully in charge of everything on board.
- Chief Mate: The chief mate is the second-in-command. They help the captain and are often in charge of the ship's cargo and stability.
- Second Mate: The second mate helps with navigation and keeping watch on the ship's bridge.
- Third Mate: The third mate is usually the most junior officer. They also help with navigation and watchkeeping.
Some licenses are for specific types of ships or areas. For example, a charter boat license is for smaller passenger boats.
Engineers
Engineers are the experts who keep the ship's engines and other machinery running. They make sure the ship has power and everything works correctly. Engineer licenses include:
- Chief Engineer: The chief engineer is in charge of all the ship's machinery. They lead the engineering team.
- First Assistant Engineer: This person is second-in-command in the engine room. They help the chief engineer.
- Second Assistant Engineer: They often manage specific parts of the engine room, like the main engines.
- Third Assistant Engineer: This is usually the entry-level engineer officer. They learn from the more experienced engineers.
Staff Officers
Staff officers handle important jobs that are not directly about sailing or engineering the ship. They help with the ship's operations and the well-being of people on board. These can include:
- Purser: A purser handles money, paperwork, and passenger services on a ship.
- Medical Doctor or Nurse: These officers take care of the health of everyone on the ship.
Radio Officers
A radio officer is in charge of all communications on the ship. They use radios and other equipment to send and receive messages. This is very important for safety and navigation.
Pilots
A maritime pilot is a special kind of licensed mariner. They guide ships through difficult or busy waters, like harbors or rivers. They know the local waterways very well. Pilot licenses can be for different types of routes:
- General routes (open seas)
- River routes
- Canal and small lake routes
See also
- Seafarer's professions and ranks
- United States Coast Guard Charter Boat Captain's license
