Main articles: Seafarer's professions and ranks
A 'Chief Steward' is the senior unlicensed crewmember working in the
Steward's Department of a ship. Since there is no
purser on most ships in the
United States Merchant Marine, the steward is the senior person in the department, from whence its name. In the
British Merchant Navy, a steward is a junior member of the department (referred to as a
Steward's Assistant in the United States), and so the term "Chief Steward" is always used for the senior member.
The chief steward directs, instructs, and assigns personnel performing such functions as preparing and serving meals. Moreover, the steward overseas cleaning and maintaining officers' quarters and steward department areas; and receiving, issuing, and inventorying stores.
The chief steward also plans menus, compiles supply, overtime, and cost control records. The steward may also requisition or purchase stores and equipment. Other duties may include baking bread, rolls, cakes, pies, and pastries.
A chief steward's duties may overlap with those of the
Steward's Assistant, the
Chief Cook, and other Steward's Department crewmembers.
In the
United States Merchant Marine, in order to be occupied as a chief steward a person has to have a
Merchant Mariner's Document issued by the
United States Coast Guard. Because of international conventions and agreements, all chief cooks who sail internationally are similarly documented by their respective countries.
References
Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations: 47340 CHIEF COOK/STEWARD
Workforce Management Office (WFMO) CHIEF COOK/STEWARD
See also
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Chief Cook
★
Steward's Assistant
★
Galley (kitchen)
External links
United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation web site