# Working as Mate OSV **URL:** \ **Category:** Professional Mariner Forum\ **Created:** [December 4, 2008, 8:28am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/working-as-mate-osv/689 "2008-12-04T08:28:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mate\_on\_watch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/858c86/32.png) [@mate\_on\_watch](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mate_on_watch)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2008, 8:28am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/working-as-mate-osv/689/1 "2008-12-04T08:28:27Z")
I’m sailing on a 99 ton survey boat in the oilfield. Wondering what it’s like working on a large OSV. If I get the Mate OSV license, will I be on a 2-section watch? 12 hrs on, 12 hrs off? Questions about manning on those vessels: Typically is there a licensed engineer? How many ABs and Deckhands? Thanks for any insight about what to expect- ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Brian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Capt\_Brian](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Capt_Brian)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2008, 4:17am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/working-as-mate-osv/689/2 "2008-12-08T04:17:08Z")
12 on/12 off depends - some have 2 “deckhands” (1 AB & 1 AB or OS) on watch, others only have 1 (AB) 1 Chief Eng & 1 Lic Eng & Another Lic Eng or Qmed Standing your own watch - depends on the company’s policies & your individual skill level ---
**Author:** ![mate\_on\_watch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/858c86/32.png) [@mate\_on\_watch](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/mate_on_watch)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2008, 6:14am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/working-as-mate-osv/689/3 "2008-12-08T06:14:00Z")
Thanks for the info Capt Brian!