Difference?

[Paul Steel]

Can someone please elaborate on what the difference is/was between a Chief Officer and 1st Officer in Bibbys?

TIA.

[Captain Kong]

I have never sailed in Bibbys but on other ships usually with four Mates, the Chief Officer is the Senior one and is on Day work, and the 1st Officer would be on 4 - 8 watch, 2nd on 12 - 4 watch and 3rd on 8- 12.
But different ships different longsplices.

[Captain Gordon Whittaker]

In Safmarine the Chief Officer assisted the Master, and was his deputy, and normally in line for a command. He was always a non watchkeeper and understudied the Master. They frequently took over as Master when the existing Master went on leave, to do a round trip with "L" plates on! The 1st Mate would then elevate to Chief Officer. Strictly speaking, the only Officer signed on was The Radio Officer.

[Paul Steel]

Cheers for the replies.

I started off calling the Chief Officer, 1st Mate, for the purposes of the database, then came upon both a Chief Officer and 1st Officer, so I had to change the rank designations.