Master Authority

Question 1

Under ISM MASTER’S RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY

Answer 1

The Company should clearly define and document the Master’s responsibility with regard to:
* Implementing the safety and environmental-protection policy of the Company;
* Motivating the crew in the observation of that policy;
* Issuing appropriate orders and instructions in a clear and simple manner;
* Verifying that specified requirements are observed; and
* periodically reviewing the safety management system and reporting its deficiencies to
the shore-based management.

Question 2

Under Solas Master’s discretion

Answer 2

The owner, the charterer, the company operating the ship or any other person shall not prevent or restrict the Master of the ship from taking or executing any decision which, in the Master’s professional judgement, is necessary for safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment.
SOLAS REGULATION 34-1

Question 3

Danger messages

Answer 3

The Master of every ship which meets with dangerous ice, a dangerous derelict, or any other direct danger to navigation, or a tropical storm, or encounters sub-freezing air temperatures associated with gale force winds causing severe ice accretion on superstructures, or winds of force 10 or above on the Beaufort scale for which no storm warning has been received, is bound to communicate the information by all means at his disposal to ships in the vicinity, and also to the competent authorities. The form in which the information is sent is not obligatory. It may be transmitted either in plain language (preferably English) or by means of the International Code of Signals.
SOLAS REGULATION 31

Question 4

Master Pilot relationship

Answer 4

Despite the duties and obligations of a pilot, his presence on board does not relieve the master or officer in charge of the watch from their duties or obligations for the safety of the ship. The master and pilot shall exchange information regarding the navigation procedures, local conditions and the ship’s characteristics. The master and officer of the watch shall co-operate closely with the pilot and maintain an accurate check of the ship’s position and movement.

Question 5

Under COSWOP

Answer 5

Under COSWOP
The Master has the day-to-day responsibility for the safe operation of the ship and the safety of those on board.
* To ensure the owner provides for the health, safety and welfare of the crew including any medical attention.
* To ensure the vessel complies with any flag and port state legislation.
* To ensure all the vessel’s safety systems, equipment and procedures are both in
working order and are sufficiently practised.