A steward is an unlicensed, entry-level crewmember. This position can also be referred to as steward , galley utilityman, messman, supply, or waiter.
The role of the steward consists mainly of stocking, cleaning and assisting with the preparation and serving of meals.
Closely involved with the storeroom operations, the steward’s assistant will assist in taking inventory.
Depending on the ship, this can include taking orders and delivering the food to the tables in the ship’s messroom and officer’s saloon. The steward’s assistant also customarily sets out the « night lunches » for watchstanders preparing to start late-night watches, as well as setting and clearing tables.
A ship’s galley, pantry, and eating areas are notoriously hard to keep clean and sanitary, and this activity keeps the steward busy for much of his time. The steward’s assistant must clean the ship’s mess and officer’s saloon, and the gear in both. This includes keeping the decks clean by sweeping and scrubbing. The steward disposes of trash and keeps garbage cans clean. Other tasks could include defrosting and cleansing refrigerators, cleaning brightwork and woodwork, and removing grease and finger marks from paintwork. Depending on the ship and crewing, the steward may be responsible for other cleaning duties, such as stairways and passageways, laundry rooms, refrigerated spaces, storerooms, linen lockers, the ship’s office, the radio room and any other areas assigned to the steward’s department.
