Duty Posts
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This article outlines the main responsibilities generally associated with each of the major ship positions. Please note that this is a general guide only and that each Commanding Officer has the right to distribute duties as they see fit.
Command Staff
The Commanding Officer (addressed by the crew as the Captain regardless of his or her actual rank) is ultimately responsible for the ship and the safety of all on board. The Commanding Officer is also accountable for the actions of the ship, including the actions of all crew under the captain's command, and is responsible for any and all results that occur because of these actions. The Commanding Officer must ensure that the ship and its crew adhere to Starfleet regulations at all times. The Commanding Officer has ultimate command of the ship and all crew on board are answerable to him/her. Notes: The Commanding Officer can override any orders entered into the computer by any officer on the bridge, using the command computer terminal on the command chair. When any other officer is in command of the bridge this function is unavailable.
Aboard a starship the first officer was the second-in-command, just below the captain. On a Federation starship, the first officer had the following functions:
In Starfleet, the position was usually held by an officer with the rank of commander or lieutenant commander. The position was also referred to as executive officer (or XO). Duty Officer
Notes: The Duty Officer is trained in basic Helm/Comm/Ops work, and can also do some basic engineering. He/she also has focused training in Tactical/Security. Usually the Duty Officer is also specialised in one field. Second Officer: The Second Officer is third in command of the vessel. He/she may also be required to authorise some commands. e.g. Self-destruct requires the consent of the Captain, First Officer and Second Officer. Helm, Communications and Operations Officer
The HCO Officer is responsible for all flight control operations of the ship. He/she is also responsible for co-ordinating ship activities in such a manner so as not to overload or oversubscribe any particular system/resource. The HCO Officer also monitors the away team(s) status when not onboard the ship. The HCO Officer also handles all communications both to and from the ship. Even though most of the functions in flight are automated, a human officer is needed to oversee these operations and sometimes, make changes. During impulse powered flight, the HCO Officer is responsible for monitoring inertial dampening systems and relativistic effects. In the event of overload in a specific flight operation, the computer will request a change in the manoeuvre. The HCO Officer must then bring the plans into the inertial dampening perimeters for safety. During alert situations the HCO Officer is permitted to specify manoeuvres that are possibly dangerous to the crew of spacecraft. Tactical Officer
The Tactical Officer manipulates the external sensors (on all ranges) to evaluate any potential external threats to the ship and must keep the Commanding Officer (CO) appraised of any or all dangers found. He/she is responsible for making sure that all tactical systems are ready for use at any time, should they be required. The Tactical Officer is also responsible for operating any or all defensive or offensive systems (shields, phasers, torpedoes etc) as ordered by the CO. The Tactical Officer provides the CO with data on the surrounding area including vessels, anomalies etc. This data is gathered from the sensor arrays. Security Officer
The Security Officer is responsible for the security of the ship and all persons aboard. At least one Security Officer should accompany all away teams. The Security Officer monitors the internal status of the ship using internal sensors, and is ready to deal with any emergencies as they arise. The Security Officer must also keep the CO apprised of any such events. Chief of Security: The Chief of Security must carry out all of the above duties, but has further duties to perform. He/she must also co-ordinate the security teams on the vessel to deal with crises with maximum efficiency and to give the vessel maximum security coverage. The Chief of Security is also responsible for providing the First Officer with regular departmental reports and updates, as well as ensuring that duty rosters are conformed to. Notes: The Security station has two separate modes of security. The first, is the lower tier of the panel, watching over the basic, low-level security of the crew, the next, is the upper tier of the panel, which is activated during diplomatic and cultural missions. This tier is automatically activated to provide security for ambassadorial personnel or other important visitors but can be altered by the CSO to provide more or different security measures. An even higher level security can be activated when sabotage or terrorist actions are predicted. Engineering Officer
Engineering Officers are basically responsible for the physical welfare of the ship. They ensure that all systems are working within carefully defined parameters and that any systems that are not operating within tolerances are repaired. They also carry out standard maintenance, and innovation of the ship's systems The Engineering Officer must be particularly versatile in times of crisis when emergency repairs/upgrades/alterations could be the difference between life and death for the entire crew. Chief Engineer: The Chief Engineer co-ordinates the efficient running of the Engineering department and is responsible for the activities of the personnel therein. It is the CE's job to ensure that the engineering personnel are organised to ensure maximum productivity. Transporter control and personnel fall under the authority of the Engineering department. Science Officer
The Science Officer gives the crew background knowledge on any missions that they are about to begin. This knowledge is essential especially when dealing with races, which normally have little contact with the Federation. One tragic example was first contact with the Klingon Empire, where some background knowledge could have prevented decades of war and the loss of millions of lives. This example proves that this background knowledge must be accurate and contain all relevant information. The Science Officer is responsible for searching Starfleet archives for information pertinent to current events. He/she provides the crew with relevant information on any encountered anomalies, unknown vessels or races etc. Away teams always contain at least one Science Officer as standard. Medical Officer
Chief Medical Officer: The CMO co-ordinates the efficient running of the Medical department and is responsible for the activities of the personnel therein. It is the CMO's job to ensure that the medical personnel are organised to ensure maximum productivity and also provide maximum medical and emergency response cover for the ship. Counselor
The Counselor is responsible for the mental health of the crew. He/she will provide counseling to all persons aboard the ship, and will also give special guidance and insight to the Captain, by providing the Captain with psychological profiles and opinions. Intelligence Officer
Notes: The Operator should be sure to utilize the BLACKNET forums for official report filings and exchange of information. Marine Officer
A Starfleet Marine is sworn by an pledge with withhold the values of Starfleet and the Federation. They are bound by duty to protect and to serve the Federation, sometimes by any means necessary. It is interesting to note that the Marines' oath is to the United Federation of Planets and not to Starfleet, although they bear the name. Should the unlikely situation occur in which Starfleet as a military arm opposes the Federation, the Marines would be obliged to defend the UFoP against Starfleet. In their contingent, the Marines are part of a selective group including fighters, heavy armoured units and land vehicles. All are maintained by the Engineering Department on the StarBase. |
Commanding Officer
| Mission Specialist | Helm/Com/Ops | Engineer | Science Officer | Medical Officer | Nurse |
| Intelligence Officer | Security Officer | Tactical Officer | Marine | Counselor | Civilian |
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