MASTER’S RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY

Presence on bridge

The Master must be on the bridge at the following times:

- Whenever called by the OOBW.
- In periods of restricted visibility.
- When there is a heavy traffic in the vicinity of the ship.
- While navigating in restricted waters.
- When entering or leaving port, docking, undocking or shifting the ship.
- When navigating with pilot.
- When the track of the ship passes in the vicinity of shoals, outlying rocks or
other hazards to navigation.
- During heavy weather conditions and at any other times when conditions
are judged to be a threat to the safety of the ship, personnel or cargo, and
- When making landfall.

Economical operation

He is responsible for and must give close attention to the economical operation
of the ship. He should ensure that stores, equipment and provisions are not
used wastefully and that excessive inventories are not maintained on board.

Discipline

The Master has overriding authority over all persons on board the ship and he
is responsible for ensuring discipline. He must require that his orders are
carried out and any neglect or refusal to do so must be met with the
appropriate disciplinary action, properly administered and documented.
The Master and Officers may rely on the Company for support in the lawful
and proper execution of their duties and the maintenance of discipline. The
Master has the authority to dismiss any Officer or rating from the ship. This
power must be used judiciously, only for proper cause and in accordance with
the general industry disciplinary procedures. Final dismissal from a ship is
subject to review by the Company. Causes for dismissal can vary from
infringement of regulations to consistently substandard performance.

Correspondence, records and reports

The Master is responsible for the accuracy and timely submission of

correspondence, records, reports and documents required by the Company or
by government agencies in the conduct of the ship's affairs.

Maintenance / Technical

Regarding technical matters, the Master’s responsibility includes but is not

limited to the following:
- To carry out regular inspections on board and prepare condition reports,
with the full co-operation of the C/O and the C/E.
- To supervise the yard activities during dry-docking and ensure the vessel's
safety during repairs, always assisted by the C/O and C/E.
- To verify and sign together with the C/E and the Company's Superintendent
the work done list, on completion of dry-docking repairs.

Inspections

The Master is responsible for organizing and processing all necessary

inspections in time. At defined intervals he must make an inspection of the
ship accompanied by the department heads. Furthermore, he conducts
random checks and audits on bridge daily operation and navigation
procedures. Should specific job orders arise from such inspections, immediate
corrective/preventive actions have to be taken. Inspection results necessitating
further actions must be properly addressed.

Labour organisations

He must not interfere with the employees in their right to organise or refrain
from organising for the purpose of lawful collective bargaining. He must not
make any statements either written or verbal which would by promise or threat,
seek to influence or coerce individuals in respect of their membership in any labour
organisation. He shall not be deemed to interfere with the freedom of expression or the right
of individuals to become members or to refrain from becoming members in any lawful
labour organisation in which they have an interest or to participate in its activities.
Health, welfare and sanitation

The Master must give close attention to matters affecting the health and
welfare of the crew and shall conform to the Flag State and Company’s
regulations and standards, using good judgement in accordance with the
accepted seafaring practice. It is his responsibility to ensure that illness and
injury cases receive prompt and appropriate medical attention. The Master
must ensure that the ship is kept in a clean and hygiene condition at all times.

Reporting delays

The Master should immediately report to the Company any delays to the ship,
whether at sea or in port. Where necessary, the emergency communication
procedures should be used to satisfy this requirement.

Appraisal of performance

The Master is responsible for monitoring, checking and evaluating the activities
of the crew. In cooperation with the C/E, he is responsible for appraising the
performance of all Officers (except of the C/E’s) and ratings and for submitting
appraisal reports to the Company.

Delegating responsibility

He is responsible to rearrange and allocate duties to the Officers and crew as

he considers best for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, with the full
cooperation of the C/O. Although he is responsible at all times for the safe
operation and navigation of the ship, it is appreciated that conditions may arise
when fatigue, due to the long hours spent on the bridge, will cause a reduction
in the Master's alertness and efficiency. He should therefore pre-plan his
presence on the bridge to coincide with periods of high priority and should
delegate navigational conning responsibilities to the C/O, as necessary, to
allow himself adequate rest.

Change of command

The incoming Master shall consult with the outgoing Master regarding the
ship’s characteristics, manoeuvring qualities, condition, personnel and any
other matters necessary for its safe and efficient operation. It is the duty of the
outgoing Master to bring to the incoming Master’s attention any information,
which will assist him in the safe, efficient and economical operation of the ship.
The outgoing and incoming Masters must, when the time permits, make a
thorough inspection of the ship. The outgoing Master must complete handover
notes as part of the handover procedure. Any deficiencies regarding the
general condition of the ship and its equipment and the status of surveys and
Certificates must be identified. The outgoing Master must turn over to the
incoming Master all the ship’s Certificates and documents. An entry is to be
made in the Bridge logbook, in accordance with Flag Administration
requirements, once the change of command has been completed. The
outgoing Master must ensure that all relevant voyage instructions are brought
to the attention of the incoming Master.

Succession of Command

In the Master’s absence, the C/O temporarily assumes command. This

temporary Officer-in-Charge has full authority to issue any orders or
instructions that the Master would normally issue. The temporary Officer-in-
Charge is held accountable to the Master and the Company for actions taken.
When any Officer reasonably believes that the Master is under the influence of
alcohol or any drug and is incapable of commanding the vessel, and this is
verified by two senior Officers, then the C/O shall:
- Temporarily relieve the Master.
- Temporarily take command of the vessel.
- Immediately notify the Company; and
- Enter the details of the incident in the Bridge logbook.

Office staff visits

When the office personnel visit the ship, he should endeavour to assist them to
the best of his abilities. However, in these circumstances it is appreciated that
any assistance must be subject to the constraints imposed by the requirement
to complete all operations safely and efficiently. During such visits, the office
personnel will use their best endeavours to assist the Master with any
problems that he may have. He is also responsible to ensure that any
problems are immediately brought to the attention of visiting personnel.

Log books

The Master must ensure that the Flag State or Company’s official logbook is
maintained correctly. In addition to the standard entries, this logbook should be
used to record all pertinent information relating to personnel administration or
the commercial operation of the ship. The Master must ensure that all other
logs and record books e.g. Bridge and Engine logbooks, Oil Record books,
etc. are maintained as per Company’s requirements.

Rendering assistance

He must not hesitate to respond to distress calls or render any other

assistance to save life or property at sea, provided that this action does not
affect the safety of the ship, personnel or environment, advising immediately
the Company. Any salvage assistance must be documented.
Master’s

reporting line

The Master reports to, and is accountable to the Company’s department

heads, the DPA and the ship’s Superintendent. From the latter the Master will
receive routine instructions relating to ship operations, maintenance and
repairs and he will report to him accordingly. Despite this the Master may
receive instructions from the DPA and the other department heads and he has
the right to contact them should he have any relevant queries. He has also the
right to contact the Senior Vice Present Technical Director over important
safety matters.
Master’s
overriding authority

The Master has absolute command of the ship and overriding authority over all
phases of its operation at all times, both in port and at sea. Notwithstanding
any statement or requirement contained in any Policy, procedure or instruction
forming part of or associated with the SMS, the Master always has the
authority to take whatever action he considers appropriate to protect the safety
of the ship, personnel and cargo and for the protection of the environment,
even where such action may deviate from the requirements of the SMS.
In the event of an emergency situation he is authorized to take whatever action
he considers necessary to preserve the safety of life, environment, ship, cargo
or other property. He is authorized to request or accept assistance from any
available source including the services under Lloyds Standard Open Form of
Salvage Agreement (LOF). The presence of Office staff on board the ship
never relieves the Master of his authority and responsibility for the safe and
efficient operation of his ship.
The Company recognises the Master’s overriding authority and responsibility to
make

decisions with regard to safety, health, quality and the environment, even if such
decisions
are in conflict with the SMS.
He can make decisions without requiring the Company’s prior approval, when this
is
necessary for the safety of human life, the ship, its cargo and the environment.
In case there is a conflict between commercial interests and the aims of this Policy,
the
Master will give priority to the above mentioned objectives. In all matters which affect
safety, health, quality or the environment, the Master shall report directly to the DPA.