Master & Responsibilities

Question 1

What are the Master’s primary responsibilities?

Answer 1

-Preserve safety of crew/passengers
-Safety of ship
-Safeguard the marine environment
-Act on the owner’s best interests
-Execute voyage with minimum delay and expense
-Obey owners layful instructions
-Carry out all that is usual and necessary for the ship’s employment

Question 2

What are the Master’s responsibilities under ISM code?

Answer 2

-Implement the safety and environmental protection policy
-Motivate the crew in observance of that policy
-Issue appropriate instructions in a clear and simply manner
-Very requirments of SMS are observed
-Review the SMS periodically
-Day-to Day responsibility for safe operation of ship + crew

Question 3

Leadership Qualities

Answer 3

1. Instil respect and command authority
2. Lead the team by example
3. Draw upon experience and knowledge
4. Remain calm in a crisis
5. Practise ‘tough empathy’
6. Recognise seafarers limitations
7. Be sensitive to different cultures
8. Motivate a sense of community
9. Communicate clearly
10. Place safety of crew and passengers above everything else

Question 4

Masters discretion
vs
Overriding Authority

Answer 4

SOLAS V - 34-1: Nobody (owner, charterer or company) shall prevent or restrict the master of the ship from taking or executing any decision which in their professional judgement they feel is necessary for safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment

ISM code: Overriding authority allows the master to take steps and give instructions which he considers necessary for the preservartion of life, safety of shop or prevention of pollution

Question 5

Captain’s Handover

Answer 5

-Ship’s certificates
-Deficiencies
-Crew Certificates
-Accounts/DPA/Management
-Passports/Discharge Books
-Safe Keys
-Log Books (ORB, SOPEP, Deck Log, Medical, Garbage, GMDSS)
-Controlled Drugs
-Crew Lists/Crew changes
-Itinerary/Vessel Plans/schedules
-Fuel and Provisions
-OLB signature handing over as Master
+Familiarisation
+Vessel handling characteristics
+HoD Meeting
+Crew Meeting

Question 6

How Master carries out responsibilty (ISM)?

Answer 6

-Creates sense of ownership in the SMS
-Provides feedback, expressing appreciation for crew achieving objectives
-Offers incentives for reporting hazards
-Regular training
-Explains rationale for company’s safety and environmental policy
-Avoids de-motivating issues such as late payment of wages and poor work organisation

Question 7

Crew Certificates

Answer 7

Must be onboard in original form
STCW (PST, FP+FF, FA, PSSR, SA)
ENG1 (or approved equivalent [MCA website]) - sail after expired for 3 months if medical examination is impractible
Discharge Book
Passport
SEA
CoC (or CeC if foreign)
ECDIS generic and type specific for Nav officers
Ships Cook CoC

Vessel cannot leave with crew member if certificates are out of date or expired / not onboard in original form.

Question 8

Complaint Procedure

Answer 8

-Every vessel must have a complaints procedure
-Seek to resolve complaints at the lowest level
-Enable seafarer to complain directly to Master
-Right for seafarer to be accompanied or represented
-Ensure the seafarer does not suffer detriment for making complaint
-Seafarer have right to lodge with master or DPA/MCA

Question 9

Master obligations - Distress

Answer 9

SOLAS V Reg.33
Master is bound to proceed with all speed to assitance of any persons that are in distress

If unable to do so they must record in the OLD the reason for failing to proceed to the assistance of the persons taking into recommendations of the IMO, and inform appropriate SAR authority

Question 10

Master obligations - Navigational Dangers

Answer 10

Solas V Reg. 31
Master of ship which meets dangerous ice, derelict, direct danger to navigation, tropical storm, winds of force 10 or above where no warning has been recieved is bound to communicate the information by all means at his diposal to ships in the vicinity and competant authorities.

Question 11

Vessel Seaworthy?

5 C’s

Answer 11

Obligation under Merchant Shipping Act / Insurance Act 1906 - Vessel is safe, well-found and able to deal the with ordinary perils of the sea

Compliance - With legislations of our flag state (M notices), conventions and codes
Certification - Certificates state we are compliant with the various codes, conventions at the time of survey
Condition - Main and Aux machinery, Steering Gear, Stability, Watertight integrity, LSA/FFE
Crew - Training, Manning, Experience, Induction, Fit for Duty
Conduct - Follow SMS, COSWP, SOPs, Safety Culture, Issues in Safety Meeting solved, Professional and Safe Manner