An Intrepid-class crew of about 150 is treated as a more credible starting point for a long-range fictional ship. The comparison adds jobs that a simple bridge-and-engineering watch count overlooks. Cooks and medical staff support the crew, while senior engineers and communications specialists provide continuity beyond any one watch. Command also requires deputies and experienced senior ratings. A plausible complement must provide these roles as well as enough people to keep the ship operating continuously.
Notable Point · 3:37:38-3:39:15
Why a long-range ship needs people outside its watch rotations
Star Trek's Intrepid-class complement prompts a comparison with the cooks, medical staff and senior specialists needed aboard a long-range ship.