The Third Officer is employed as an Officer-in-charge of a Watch with additional responsibility for maintenance of assigned lifesaving and firefighting appliances. He is directly responsible to the Master for Navigational and Bridge watchkeeping duties and for any special task assigned to him by the Master. For general Deck Department duties, including cargo operations, the Third Officer is responsible to the Chief Officer. He should be fully familiar with all aspects of the ship’s Safety Management System and ensure that all allocated staff members are similarly aware.