Steward's assistant

A steward's assistant (SA) is an unlicensed, entry-level crewmember in the Steward's department of a merchant ship. This position can also be referred to as steward (the usual term on British ships), galley utilityman, messman, supply or waiter.

The role of the SA consists mainly of stocking, cleaning and assisting with the preparation and serving of meals.

The SA often assists the steward by removing stocks such as food, linen, and utensils and making sure they arrive where they're needed. Closely involved with the storeroom operations, the SA will assist in taking inventory. The SA also is typically in charge of the ship's linens, not only sorting, counting, and stocking but also issuing them to the crew.

The SA is a foodhandler, and perhaps most visible while assisting the chief cook with the serving of meals. 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 SA also customarily sets out the "night lunches" for watchstanders preparing to start late night watches, as well as setting and clearing tables.