Duties of the Executive Officer

The following is an excerpt from the Standing Orders of Toronto Brigantine Incorporated:

The Executive Officer shall be responsible to the Master for the maintenance and operation of the ship and for the safety and wellbeing of the crew. He or she shall at all times be familiar with the expressed wishes of the Master with respect to Officer’s duties, appearance of the ship, disciplinary matters, sports and recreation, and signals and movement of the ship. He or she shall observe the work of the Watch Officers in carrying out their duties except where such Officers are directly responsible to the Master for special duties. He or she shall see to the daily routine, to the cleanliness of the ship and discipline of the crew. He or she shall be responsible for the condition and proper lead of all blocks and tackles, proper condition and use of all sails, proper condition of all standing rigging. He or she shall be responsible with all details concerning matters of daily work and weekly routine, cleaning and behaviour of crew, uniforms, and shore leave. He or she shall prepare and post a Watch and Station bill for each new crew joining the ship. He or she shall, during the Master’s absence, be considered temporarily in command.

It is the duty of the Executive Officer to ensure that all stores and equipment are properly stowed so that they cannot go adrift in any kind of knockdown. It is especially important that heavy gear, and particularly any loose ballast in the bilge, is wedged in place or secured so that it cannot possibly shift position during the most severe heeling. Care should be taken to ensure that gear cannot fall against pipes, electric wires, or the handles of seacocks.

Training Officer

The Executive Officer will usually assume the duties of the Training Officer in addition to his or her other responsibilities. While the general training of the crew in the performance of their duties in working the ship falls directly to the Executive Officer and the Watch Officers under him or her, certain times will be set aside for formal training and training of a more advanced nature. It is the responsibility of the Training Officer to organize this time and to develop a formal training program for all members of the crew, including Petty Officers and Watch Officers, who spend much of their time teaching others.