The Master is the commander of the ship, ultimately responsible for the vessel, the people on board, the cargo and the environment.
Key responsibilities
- Safe navigation: approving the passage plan, decisions on course and speed.
- Safety of persons on board: emergency organisation, drills and urgent decisions.
- Protection of the cargo and safe cargo operations.
- Legal compliance: with conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC and others) and with flag State and port State rules.
- Official documents and records: logbooks, certificates, reports.
- The link between ship and company: communication with the company and incident reporting.
Decision authority
The ISM Code recognises the Master's overriding authority and responsibility to make decisions with respect to safety and pollution prevention and to request the Company's assistance as necessary. In other words, the Master can take the decision they consider necessary for safety.
Tips for working with the Master
- Inform early. Calling the Master when in doubt is expected and correct.
- Report clearly and briefly: what happened, when, what was done.
- Read and sign the Standing Orders and Night Orders.
- Speak openly. A good Master is one their team can talk to without hesitation.
Becoming a Master
It takes years of sea service, competency examinations and leadership experience. The path usually runs from deck officer to Chief Officer, then to Master.
This article is general information. Refer to the relevant conventions and regulations for official obligations.