Machine translation from English source
If a ship is involved in an accident or emergency whereby the safety of life, the ship, cargo or the marine environment is at risk, the master is responsible for taking whatever action he deems appropriate to minimize risks and save lives.
When deciding whether assistance is required, the Master should always assume that conditions will worsen and take any necessary action as soon as possible.
The captain must promptly call for help if the ship is in danger. Coast Guard or rescue services and other vessels may be alerted with a "safety" or "urgency" signal depending on the severity of the situation.
If immediate assistance from a tugboat is required, the captain has the right to negotiate with someone who can help him. This is usually a Lloyd's Open Form agreement (LOF2000). There is no need to sign anything initially, but simply enter into a verbal agreement. The fact that an agreement was made and with whom must be recorded in the Deck Journal and in the Official Journal. The company (vacancy captain) must be informed as soon as possible. The time required by the Company must be communicated before such a decision is made.
If tug assistance is required when the vessel is not in immediate danger, the Master must contact the Company. He should also attempt to contact other Company vessels that may be nearby. The company will try to organize towing on the best terms. The master must keep the situation under review and if it worsens, he must take any action necessary to ensure the safety of life and the ship.
Regardless of the emergency, the Company must be informed as soon as possible. It is generally in the best interests of the Company and the Master that the first report of any accident or incident comes to the Company directly from the Master and not from a third party. This does not, however, detract from the Master's full power and duty to take any measures he deems necessary to ensure safety and prevent pollution.
Captain
Masters (vacancy captain) must always be guided by their primary responsibilities, which are related to the safety of those entrusted with their service, the safety of the vessel, the safety of cargo and the protection of the marine environment. All other considerations are secondary to these.
In a rescue situation, the Captain remains in command even when rescuers are assigned. Although the Master and his crew should make every effort to assist and cooperate with the rescuers, the Master may override their advice if there is good cause. A detailed record of any rescue services received should be kept.
In any emergency, there is a possibility that the ship will be contacted in one way or another by radio, television or press representatives to answer questions or make statements. Masters, officers and crew shall direct all such questions and requests for statements to the Company.
