abstract:A Chief Mate (C/M) or Chief Officer, usually also synonymous with the First Mate or First Officer (except on passenger liners, which often carry both), is a licensed member and head of the deck department of a merchant ship. The chief mate is customarily a watchstander and is in charge of the ship's cargo and deck crew.
Vettel, who collected wins in China and Britain, had emerged as Button's chief rival but Webber's maiden victory on his team-mate's home soil has also put the Australian in the frame for the title race.