The Ship's Company on the Cunard Line

Verandah Café on the RMS Mauretania. Travelling Palaces 1913. GGA Image ID # 1d7def3d5e

Introduction

"The Ship's Company," an article published by the Cunard Line in 1913, provides an in-depth exploration of the roles, responsibilities, and hierarchy within the crew of a passenger steamship during the early 20th century. As ocean liners became the primary means of transatlantic travel, understanding the inner workings of a ship's company—composed of officers, engineers, stewards, and crew members—was essential for both passengers and maritime enthusiasts. The article reveals the complex organization and division of labor required to operate these massive vessels efficiently and safely. It underscores the importance of coordination, discipline, and specialized skills among the various departments that ensure the smooth functioning of the ship, from navigation and engineering to passenger services and safety. Set against the backdrop of an era of rapid maritime advancements and increasing passenger demand, the article offers readers a detailed look at the inner workings of one of the most significant innovations of the time—the ocean liner.

The numerical strength of the crew of a modem first- class steamer is often underestimated by the passengers, who may be amazed to learn that the ship operates round the clock. They forget that much of the work goes on night and day, and that some must work while others take a much needed rest.

In each big Cunarder there are altogether from 800 to 900 employees, all working together as a team. The captain and officers total about a dozen, to which must be added the other members of the sailing department, such as sailors, quartermasters, and so on, bringing the total for this section alone up to seventy.

The engineering department, which includes all the auxiliary engines as well as the main engines, employs close to 400 more men. In all large steamers, these two departments vary in number very little from voyage to voyage.

In the domestic branch, there are about 350 stewards in the big Cunarders and White Star boats, about 250 of whom are engaged in the saloon, while the remainder are divided between the second and third cabins, and about seventy attend to the second cabin.

The proportion varies slightly according to the number of passengers in the different classes on each voyage. In the wintertime, in the transatlantic trade, there is generally a falling off in the third class. However, the other classes of these great steamers are usually full all year round.

Cooking and Baking Staff Working in a Kitchen on the RMS Mauretania. Travelling Palaces 1913. GGA Image ID # 1d7df5b0e6

The cooks number about fifty, including the pantry men and scullery men. And the personal comfort of the ladies is never neglected, for these vessels carry about a score of stewardesses and sometimes more.

The number provided for the steerage varies greatly, depending partly on the time of year and partly on the number of women and children making the voyage.

Each class has a set minimum number of stewardesses, ensuring a high level of service. However, if the passenger lists suggest a need for more, we are quick to engage supernumerary stewardesses or bring on spare ones from another steamer for the voyage, demonstrating our commitment to meeting passenger needs.

Among the latest specialists to be engaged on shipboard are the telephone exchange attendants, the wireless telegraph operators, the lift attendants, and the editorial and printing staff of the daily newspaper published on board.

The ship's band is a diverse group, with some members recruited from the staff and others, as in some vessels, a special band of trained musicians may be carried. Most of the ships' bands are selected by the stewards, and their ordinary duties are lightened somewhat in order that advantage may be taken of their musical skill, providing a variety of musical experiences for the passengers.

Some of them are exceptionally talented musicians. A ship's orchestra, numbering from eight to a score of players, whether playing string or wind instruments or both, consistently earns the praise of the passengers with its high-quality performances, ensuring your entertainment during the voyage.

Key Points

1. Hierarchy and Structure of the Ship's Company:

   • The article outlines the clear hierarchical structure of a ship's company, emphasizing the roles of senior officers like the captain and chief engineer, followed by other officers, engineers, stewards, and crew members. This hierarchy ensures effective command and control aboard the vessel.

2. The Role of the Captain:

   • The captain is the supreme authority on the ship, responsible for its overall safety, navigation, and the welfare of all passengers and crew members. The article details the captain's duties, including decision-making in emergencies, maintaining discipline, and overseeing the ship's operation.

3. Navigational Officers and Their Duties:

   • The article describes the roles of the chief officer, second officer, and other navigational officers who manage the ship's course, maintain logs, conduct safety drills, and handle watchkeeping duties to ensure the vessel's safe passage across the ocean.

4. Engineering Department:

   • The engineering department, led by the chief engineer, is responsible for maintaining the ship's mechanical operations, including the engines, boilers, and other essential machinery. The article highlights the engineers' rigorous schedules, technical expertise, and crucial role in keeping the ship running smoothly.

5. Stewards and Passenger Services:

   • The article discusses the role of the stewards, who are responsible for catering to passengers' needs, ensuring comfort, and maintaining cleanliness in cabins and common areas. It highlights how stewards play a vital role in the passenger experience, from dining services to providing assistance.

6. Crew and Specialized Roles:

   • Beyond the officers and stewards, the article emphasizes the importance of various specialized roles within the crew, such as electricians, carpenters, and plumbers, who are essential for maintaining the ship's infrastructure and handling any technical emergencies.

7. Safety Protocols and Drills:

   • The article outlines the safety protocols followed by the ship's company, including regular drills for both crew and passengers. It underscores the importance of preparedness and coordination among different departments to ensure safety during emergencies.

8. Coordination and Communication:

   • A recurring theme in the article is the importance of coordination and clear communication between different departments of the ship's company. This is critical for handling daily operations and managing any potential crises at sea.

9. The Evolution of Ship Operations:

   • The article reflects on how the organization and operation of a ship's company have evolved with advancements in maritime technology, larger ships, and the growing number of passengers, requiring more specialized skills and systematic management.

Summary

"The Ship's Company," published by the Cunard Line in 1913, provides a detailed exploration of the inner workings of a passenger steamship's crew. The article lays out the hierarchical structure and division of labor on board, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of various departments, including navigation, engineering, and passenger services. At the top of the hierarchy is the captain, who holds ultimate authority over the ship, its passengers, and crew. Under him are the navigational officers, who manage the ship's course and safety, and the engineering department, which ensures the smooth operation of the vessel's machinery. The article also sheds light on the essential roles played by stewards in catering to passenger comfort and safety and the specialized crew members who maintain the ship's infrastructure. It underscores the critical importance of coordination, communication, and preparedness in managing the complex operations of a large ocean liner. Reflecting on the evolution of maritime operations, the article provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the professionalism, discipline, and expertise required to run a passenger steamship effectively.

Conclusion

"The Ship's Company" offers a comprehensive look into the intricate organization and operation of a passenger steamship in the early 20th century. By detailing the hierarchy, roles, and responsibilities of the crew members aboard, the article underscores the complexity and coordination required to ensure a safe and smooth voyage across the ocean. It highlights the professionalism and dedication of those who serve on these vessels, from the captain and officers to the engineers, stewards, and specialized crew. The article also reflects on the evolution of ship operations in response to technological advancements and the growing demands of maritime travel. Overall, "The Ship's Company" serves as an informative piece that provides valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of ocean liners, revealing the collaborative effort needed to navigate the vast and unpredictable seas of the early 20th century.