He is the head of the Catering department, so he also works closely with the Chef and Chief Steward to make sure we have all the right provisions onboard, that cabins are clean and prepared, and that the ship’s paperwork is all in order. The Chief Steward runs the Canteen (dining room), and leads a team of Stewards (experienced) and Utility Stewards (less experienced) who clean the ship, wash linens, and serve meals in the Canteen. Within the kitchen (or Galley), the Chef is in overall charge, planning and making meals and working with the Purser to order the food needed to feed 109 passengers for a multi-week journey. This team makes everyday life aboard the S.A. Agulhas II very pleasant for the entire Endurance22 Expedition team, and we are very grateful for their hard work.
The easiest department to identify on the ship is the officers, or the Bridge team. The Captain is in overall charge of the vessel, and whatever he or she says is like the law. The Captain is supported by a Chief Officer, who is responsible for the ship’s cargo, maintaining vessel stability, overseeing onboard security, and training any cadets (trainees) who may be onboard. The Second Officer is in charge of onboard medical care, many aspects of route planning and navigation, and maintaining equipment on the bridge. Finally, the Third Officer takes charge of maintaining lifesaving equipment, including lifeboats, immersion suits and firefighting equipment. On this expedition, there is an additional officer on the bridge—an ice pilot—to help the S.A. Agulhas II navigate the tricky Weddell Sea conditions.
