Genealogy Chat

Can only assume he has reversed the intitials - Officer Chief rather than chief officer as you can see from those ranks listed that would be the next step up from the ranks you have noted. I dont think he was lying.

Thank you for your replies. Got the documents out again and it's listed under grade of certificate gicing a date at side of each of what I thought was the rank. 2nd mate - date 1st mate - date O.C - date. He referred to himself as Captain later on in life and I was wanting some proof of this - didn't know whether he was just fantasising!!!

National Archives has a section that explains abreviations but I don't see OC. Sometimes they abbreviate the Theatre of war the service men attended and you can find this on the NAA site as well Hope it helps. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=328 if the above url goes all squiggly.... as we all suggest google National Archives. Babz

Definitely O.C.? (Assuming it isnt Olde Crone, LOL), I had a google (always google for everything) and this site seems to list ranks but no O.C. there? You sure its not C.O - Chief Officer? which does seem to the next step above those ranks you list. Those in Red are usually 'company men' who remain with one company and. in return, receive pay – other than leave entitlement – whilst ashore for whatever reason and pension entitlement. Rank: Usually Known As: Qualifications & Remarks: Watch Kept (local times): Master Captain Master's (F.G.) or Extra Master's Ticket 1st Mate Chief Officer/1st Mate Master's (F.G.) or Extra Master's Ticket 0400/0800 & 1600/2000 2nd Mate Second Officer/2nd Mate 1st Mate's or Master's Ticket 0000/0400 & 1200/1600 3rd Mate Third Officer/3rd Mate 2nd Mate's Ticket 0800/1200 & 2000/2400 Deck Apprentice Bound to the Company for a period of usually 4 years before taking the first available Ticket - 2nd Mate's Assigned to various Cadet Similar to Deck Apprentice but not bound to the company and, theoretically, may change companies during his 4 years to gain a more varied experience. Assigned to various Radio Officer Sparks - the radio officer is actually the only 'officer' onboard a merchant ship. Appropriate Government licence. The radio officer is usually provided by a radio company such as Marconi or Seimans. Some companies however do employ their own. Usually 2 hours on 2 hours off between 0800 & 2200 Boatswain Bo'sun Able Seaman certificate together with lengthy sea-time. Day work Carpenter Chippie Usually time served apprentice Day work Storekeeper (Deck) Stores Able Seaman certificate together with lengthy sea-time. Day work Able Seaman Able Seaman certificate Watches as assigned Ordinary Seaman None Watches as assigned Deck Boy None (usually under the age of 18) Day Work Chief Engineer Chief Chief Engineer's Ticket either Steam or Diesel - occasionally holding both. 2nd Engineer Second Chief Engineer's Ticket either Steam or Diesel - occasionally holding both. 0400/0800 & 1600/2000 3rd Engineer Third 2nd Engineer's Ticket 0000/0400 & 1200/1600 4th Engineer Fourth 0800/1200 & 2000/2400 5th Engineer Fifth Usually little sea time. Having served engineering trade ashore are assigned to various watches before gaining sufficient experience to be promoted to 4th Engineer Watches as assigned 6th Engineer Fifth As above Watches as assigned 7th Engineer Fifth As above Watches as assigned Pumpman Pumps Engine-room experience and ample sea-time Day work except in port when works all time during loading/unloading Storekeeper (Engine) Stores Engine-room experience and ample sea-time Day Work Greaser Watches as assigned Chief Steward Ample sea-time Day Work Chief Cook 'Doc' Ample sea-time Day Work 2nd Steward Ample sea-time Day Work Second Cook Ample sea-time Day Work Assistant Steward Day Work Steward Day Work Cabin Boy Day Work Galley Boy Day Work Ship's Cat 'Cat' As little as possible Crew's 'sign on' for a maximum period of 2 years but may 'sign-off' the vessel if she returns to the U.K within that period Watches: 2000/2400 First Watch 0000/0400 Middle Watch 0400/0800 Morning Watch 0800/1200 Forenoon Watch 1200/1600 Afternoon Watch 1600/1800 1st Dog Watch Although this and the following are two 'watches' they are not split up with a change of crew. 1800/2000 2nd or Last Dog Watch Rank: Watch Keeping plus: Chief Mate Genral running of deck department & cargo. 2nd Mate All navigational equipment. 3rd Mate Flags & lifeboats 2nd Engineer General running of engine-room & deck engineering. 3rd Engineer Electrical. 4th Engineer Deck engineering, emergency fire pump & lifeboat engines.

I have some Merchant Navy records and it lists the person as 2nd Mate, 1st Mate then OC. Can anyone tell me what this stands for? Many Thanks Tina