Master
Purpose
This section provides the responsibilities and authorities of the Master.
They are Company’s direct representatives. Their decisions are generally binding on the company.
Scope
This job description is valid during the duration that the Master is in command of the vessel.
Responsibilities
Safety, Security and Environmental Protection
The Master is responsible for implementing onboard all policies of the company and the safety and
environmental protection requirements. The Master shall:
Be in command of the ship
Ensure overall safety of crew, vessel, cargo and environment
Issue clear instructions
Motivate crew to follow company procedures
Verify compliance with procedures
Periodically review the procedures and provide suggestions for improvement
Promote crew adherence to safe working and operational practices
Plan and supervise onboard training as per the training matrix
Identify training needs
Ensure vessel is seaworthy
Report to DPA in writing any matter that could affect safe operations or could present a risk of
pollution
Promote the crew awareness and adherence to the Drug and Alcohol Procedure
If required for safety of the crew, ship, cargo or the protection of environment engage Salvors as
per the Lloyds Open Form
Act as the Ship security officer
Comply and enforce the Ship Security Plan requirements
Compliance with Rules, Regulations and Requirements
The Master is responsible for the implementation and compliance of statutory, international, flag or
local rules and regulations and our safety management system. The Master shall ensure:
The ship is safely manned
All trading certificates are valid
Periodical surveys are within their due dates
Compliance with port and terminal specific regulations
Compliance with industry best practices
Authority
The Master has the highest and overriding authority onboard
No one can override the Master’s decisions in the performance of the responsibilities mentioned
above
The Master has the authority to make and implement all decisions required to comply with the
scope of the SMS. The Master may disregard the scope of the SMS when safety and/or security
considerations so require.
The Master has the onboard authority to enforce all statutory rules and regulations applicable to
his vessel and crew.
The Master can disregard advice from the office and any third party in critical situations where
safety, security or environment is at risk
If the owner or operator policy conflicts with the Master’s authority, the Master’s decisions shall
take precedence.
The Master has the authority to engage salvors on the terms of no Cure no Pay as contained in the
Lloyd’s Open Form:
- If the Master feels that it is required to ensure the safety of the crew, ship and cargo, and/or the
protection of the environment
Navigation
The Master is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel. The Master shall:
Issue standing orders
- Supplement them with Daily Bridge Order Book
Conduct navigational assessment
Ensure that the vessel has sufficient bunkers for the voyage
Approve all passage plans
Maintain navigational standards onboard as per company procedures
Engage and supervise the performance of local Pilots
Declare a Go - No Go situation
Shipboard Organization
The Master is responsible to implement and maintain an adequate onboard management. The Master
shall:
Promote proper levels of delegation of authority
Plan and execute maintenance jobs properly
Develop and adopt a work plan to ensure compliance with rest hour regulations
Promote the regular meeting of the Shipboard Safety and Management Committee
Promote a good interdepartmental co-operation
Control and monitor onboard accounting procedure
Operation of the Vessel
The Master is responsible for safe operations onboard the ship. The Master shall:
Represent the company and owners to safeguard their interests
Control and issue relevant commercial and port documents
Comply with charter party’s clauses and voyage instructions
Ensure safe mooring and unmooring operations
Load the vessel in conformity with Load Lines Certificate, flag state and class requirements
Approve and monitor cargo, ballast, COW and tank cleaning operations
Ensure familiarization of shipboard staff with safe cargo handling operations
Ensure to bunker the vessel in accordance with owners and charters requirements
Ensure vessel’s stability, hull stresses, trim and drafts remain within the permitted limits
Health, Hygiene and Welfare
The Master is responsible for keeping a healthy environment onboard. The Master shall:
Enforce the code of conduct and disciplinary policy
Ensure adequate supply of victualling to all personnel onboard
Maintain high housekeeping standards onboard
- Carry out required inspections
Ensure availability of medical and first aid equipment onboard
Maintain a high crew morale
Maintenance and Inspection
The Master is responsible for the maintenance and inspection of the vessel’s structures, systems and
equipment. The Master shall:
Monitor and ensure compliance with the planned maintenance and inspection schedules
Maintain operational reliability and efficiency of all vessel’s systems and equipment
Ensure that any defect affecting the ship’s structure, systems or equipment is:
- Reported to the office
- Investigated
- Repaired
Ensure the adequate management of stores and spare parts
