Who's Who on a Cargo Ship: Captain, Officers & Crew RolesCargo Ship Travel & Freighter Cruises

Last updated: 22 October 2026

A modern container ship runs with a crew of only about 20 to 30 people, even on the very largest ships. As a passenger you will eat with the officers, meet the crew in the corridors and on deck, and quickly learn who does what. Here is a guide to the people who run a cargo ship.

Typical cargo ship crew

Department	Roles	What they do
Command	Captain (Master)	Overall responsibility for ship, crew, cargo and passengers
Deck	Chief Officer, Second Officer, Third Officer	Navigation watches, cargo, safety equipment, medical care
Deck ratings	Bosun, able seamen, ordinary seamen	Mooring, maintenance, deck work, lookout
Engine	Chief Engineer, Second, Third and Fourth Engineers	Main engine, generators and all machinery
Engine ratings	Fitters, oilers, wipers	Maintenance and repairs in the engine room
Catering	Cook, steward or messman	Meals, provisions and accommodation cleaning

Container ship close-up showing the accommodation block and bridge — The bridge and accommodation block sit at the stern of most container ships.

The captain

The captain, formally called the Master, is in command of the ship and responsible for everyone on board, including passengers. On many ships the captain is very welcoming to passengers and may invite you to visit the bridge or join them for dinner.

The deck officers

Chief Officer (Chief Mate): second in command, responsible for cargo, stability and the deck crew
Second Officer: usually the navigation officer who plans the route
Third Officer: often responsible for safety equipment

The officers keep navigation watches on the bridge around the clock. Officers also share responsibility for medical care, as there is no doctor on board.

The engineers

The Chief Engineer runs the engine department, keeping the main engine, generators, fuel and water systems working day and night. If you ask politely, some chief engineers arrange an escorted engine-room visit, which is loud, hot and fascinating.

Container cargo ship alongside in port — In port, the deck crew and officers work around the clock on cargo operations.

The ratings

The bosun leads the deck ratings, who handle mooring lines, painting, maintenance and lookout duties. You will see them at work every day on deck.

The cook and steward

The cook feeds the whole ship, three meals a day, often with dishes from the crew’s home countries. The steward or messman serves meals and looks after the accommodation, including passenger cabins.

Living alongside the crew

Respect working hours: officers on watch may be resting at odd times
Ask before visiting the bridge or engine room
Join in when invited: crew barbecues, birthdays or a game of table tennis
Remember it is their workplace and home for months at a time

Many passengers say getting to know the crew is the most rewarding part of the voyage.

Frequently asked questions

How many crew are on a cargo ship?

Usually about 20–30, even on the largest container ships.

Who is in charge of a cargo ship?

The captain, also called the Master, has overall command and responsibility.

What does the chief officer do?

The chief officer is second in command and responsible for cargo, stability and the deck crew.

Is there a doctor among the crew?

No. Officers are trained in first aid and medical care instead.

Can passengers talk to the crew?

Yes. Passengers eat with the officers and often get to know the crew well, while respecting their working hours.

Want to sail alongside a real ship’s crew?

Book a passenger cabin and experience life on a working cargo ship.

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Steve Joury

Conseiller en voyages Cargo chez Cargoholidays

Passionné par le voyage lent et la mer. Steve connaît la plupart des routes maritimes et des procédures pour découvrir notre beau monde depuis la mer sur un porte-conteneurs. Il a participé à la plupart des voyages, de 7 jours en cargo à 140 jours à bord.

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