After the news about a Thai cargo ship being attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, many people noticed unfamiliar crew titles in the reports — such as 4/E, E/E, or Oiler. What do these actually mean?
On a merchant ship, the crew is organized under international maritime standards known as International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
The ship operates like a small organization at sea, divided into three main departments.
⚓ Deck Department
Responsible for navigation, cargo safety, and overall ship operations.
Positions include Captain (Master), Chief Officer, Second Officer, Third Officer, and deck crew such as Bosun, Able Seaman (AB), and Ordinary Seaman (OS).
⚙️ Engine Department
The technical heart of the ship, responsible for engines, power systems, and maintenance.
Some abbreviations often seen in maritime news include:
• 4/E – Fourth Engineer: responsible for pumps and certain engine systems
• E/E – Electrical Engineer (ETO): responsible for electrical and electronic systems
• Oiler: assists engineers by monitoring and lubricating machinery
🍽 Catering Department
Ensures the crew’s daily living conditions, food, and accommodation.
Key roles include Chief Cook and Steward.
A cargo ship is therefore not just a vessel.
It is a small team working together in the middle of the ocean, where every position plays a crucial role in keeping the ship running and bringing everyone safely back to shore.
And behind short abbreviations like 4/E, E/E, or Oiler are real seafarers — professionals who work in challenging and sometimes dangerous waters around the world.
