Automatic translation
The Masters of ships of any type are the leaders of the highest measure of responsibility. While sailing far from shore, the master has key responsibilities to ensure the safe passage of the vessel and the proper condition of the cargo. Let's formulate the main provisions.
First of all, the Master is responsible for the safety of the vessel as a whole and everything on board in particular. This is a natural and self-evident fact. The Master is, in fact, the highest authority on board. That is, he is in charge of solving disciplinary issues, he has the right to independently make decisions on any disputes in someone's favor. By his requirements and commands, the Master ensures and is responsible for the safety of the ship, the safety of cargo and the prevention of negative impact on the environment, if this is possible in the event of an emergency.
Factors that can affect the displacement of the load
In accordance with the convention on load lines, adopted in 1966, the Master is responsible for the correct loading of the vessel. In this regard, the master is obliged to foresee all factors that may affect the displacement of the cargo, to prevent its incorrect placement in the holds and to properly distribute the ballast. It is also natural that any member of the ship's crew must inform the master of all actions that may lead to a violation of the watertightness of the ship. In cases where there is such a possibility, however, the action still needs to be performed, the Master can authorize it, confirming this with written consent.
An important duty of the Master is to control the completion of all documentation related to the vessel, as well as their safety. All ship reporting, including correspondence with the ship owner and other ship documents, rests on the shoulders of the Master. Among other things, it is the Master who makes sure that the living conditions of the crew and food comply with the established standards of the shipowner or the state for which the ship is registered.
In situations where, due to inadequate weather conditions or other accidents, the cargo was lost or damaged, the Master, when entering the nearest port, must file a sea protest and attach a report with a detailed description of what happened. This can significantly affect further proceedings and save the ship's crew from negative consequences if their guilt in what happened is not proven.
In accordance with the convention on assistance at sea, adopted in 1910, the Master must provide assistance to other ships in distress within the capabilities of his ship. Fortunately, in comparison with the past centuries, ships no longer sink so often and large-scale maritime disasters are something out of the ordinary.
The Master of the ship must have authority in the eyes of his subordinates
Thus, being the Master of a ship is not only about strict observance of maritime laws, rules and conventions. Ships of any type are a complex mechanism of relationships between a machine and a person, as well as between people. Acting in the role of a certain higher authority, the Master of a ship must have authority in the eyes of his subordinates and knowledge in order to protect the ship from any emergency situations at sea.
Working as a Master on river-sea vessels allows seafarers to remain in office beyond the age limit. Thanks to a more loyal attitude from shipowners, older Masters can look forward to continuing their careers. Crewing company Marine MAN Ltd ® deals with the employment of Ukrainian seafarers on the ships of such companies as "Sky Mare" and "KSSL", as well as the state ship owner of the Caspian basin. If you are interested in such a job, send your resume to the Marine MAN Ltd ® email address: [email protected].
