Master’s Responsabilities Flashcards
Master’s primary responsibilities
• Preserve the safety of the crew, passengers, ship and cargo
• Safeguard the marine environment;
• Execute the voyage with the minimum of delay and expense;
• Act in the owners’ best interests;
• Carry out all that is usual and necessary for the ship’s employment;
• Obey the owner’s lawful instructions
The Master’s responsibilities under the ISM Code:
• Implement the safety and environmental policy of the company;
• Motivate the crew in the observation of that policy;
• Issue instructions and orders in a clear and simple manner;
• Verify that requirements (of the SMS) are observed;
• review and report SMS deficiencies to the shore-based management.
Master’s discretion (overriding authority)
Master’s overriding authority allows the Master to take steps and give instructions necessary for the preservation of life, safety of the ship or prevention of pollution
Hence the owner can’t ask you to leave the dock if it’s unsafe! Master’s right to say no and duties in regard to hours of rest!
Master overriding authority
Master has the overriding authority and the responsibility to make decisions with respect to safety and pollution prevention and to request the Company’s assistance as may be necessary
The Company should ensure that the safety management system operating on board the ship contains a clear statement emphasizing the Master’s authority.
Distress situations: obligations and procedures
The Master of a ship at sea which is in a position to be able to provide assistance, on receiving distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance,
if possible informing them or the search and rescue service that the ship is doing so.
Masters of ships who have embarked persons in distress at sea shall treat them with humanity, within the capabilities and limitations of the ship.
Responsibilities with a Pilot on board as Master
Master’s Responsibilities:
• Overall Command: Retains full responsibility for vessel safety. • Override: Can override the pilot if necessary.
Pilot’s Role:
• Local Expertise: Provides knowledge of local waters. • Advisory Role: Offers navigation advice to the master
What is the difference under ISM between the Masters overriding authority and the power of attorney?
Power of Attorney is a legal instrument authorizing the Master to act on behalf of the principle, such as signing documents,
The Masters overriding authority allows the Master to take steps and give instructions or orders which he considers necessary for the preservation of life, safety of the ship or the prevention of pollution.
