Nautical Term: Chief

Definition of Chief

The term ‘Chief’ in a nautical context specifically refers to the chief engineer on board a ship. This is the individual responsible for overseeing the engineering department and ensuring the smooth operation of the ship’s engines and mechanical systems.

For instance, during a routine inspection of the ship’s engines, the chief engineer might detect a potential issue that requires immediate attention. In such a scenario, the chief engineer would swiftly assemble a team of engineers to assess the situation and devise a solution to mitigate any potential risks to the ship or its crew.

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