Are Modern Commercial Ships Equipped with Warrant Officers Like Lt. Ripley in Alien?

Are modern commercial ships still equipped with warrant officers like Lt. Ellen Ripley from the 1979 film Alien? This article delves into the realities of shipboard ranks and responsibilities, debunking myths and detailing the differences between military and commercial seafaring roles.

Understanding Warrant Officers in the Military Context

In the Navy, as well as in other branches of the military, warrant officers hold a unique position. They are neither officers nor enlisted personnel, but a separate but crucial tier between chief petty officers and ensigns. While some National Guard warrant officers have indeed served at porous southern borders, their roles there are distinct from those typically associated with a naval or coast guard vessel.

The term "warrant officer" is often confused or misconstrued. In the context of the film, Lt. Ripley, a character in the fiction of Alien, played a significant role during the course of the expedition. However, in reality, warrant officers are significant figures in military organizations but do not typically board or patrol commercial ships.

During my more than four decades in the maritime industry, I have visited thousands of deep sea vessels and spent many years at sea. My encounters with commercial ships, particularly those in the Merchant Marine, have not included warrant officers. The Merchant Marine, which is not a naval service but a commercial service, does not use warrant officers as there is no equivalent rank within their structure.

Roles on Commercial Ships

The roles and ranks on a commercial ship are different from those in the military. The various ranks you might encounter on a commercial vessel include officers, deckhands, engineers, and other specialized personnel. These roles are akin to those found in various industries, often including duties such as operating and maintaining equipment, ensuring safety, and managing cargo.

On board, the 'working' ranks, such as deckhands and engineers, spend their shifts in various states of activity, a little boredom, or a teeny bit of anxiety. It is probably not the best idea to discuss aliens or illegal activities, as the crew is working diligently to perform their duties and ensure the smooth operation of the vessel.

The stuff of fiction, Lt. Ripley and her warrant officer colleagues undoubtedly did remarkable work. However, commercial ships are staffed with a crew who all work towards the same goal: a safe voyage and the delivery of goods. Their roles are more focused on seamanship, technical operations, and cargo handling, rather than addressing the fictional scenarios of an alien invasion or patrolling the borders.

As maritime law enforcement has evolved, so too have the methods of preventing illegal activities. While there were once small teams of private contractors stationed on ships to prevent illegal boarding by young individuals using fake weapons, this threat now poses lesser concerns, having shifted to different geographical areas.

Conclusion

In summary, modern commercial ships do not have warrant officers similar to those portrayed in Alien. The ranks and roles on commercial vessels differ significantly from military duties. Commercial ships have a diverse and specialized crew who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and efficiency of the voyage.

For those curious about maritime occupations, understanding the differences between military and commercial roles provides a clearer picture of what life on board a commercial vessel entails.