1. The Appointment of a Master is recognised by International Maritime Law.
2. The Master takes rank and precedence over all officers and crew placed under his command.
3. THe Master shall exercise the disciplinary and punitive measures embodied in the employment contract to maintain discipline on board.
4. To exercise due diligence to ascertain that the vessel is in a seaworthy condition before the voyage commences.
5. To stand navigation, port and anchor watches, to maintain navigation, communication and lookout.
6. To take charge when approaching or leaving port, when inside port limits, during restricted visibility, or any other circumstances where the safety of the vessel or craft may be in jeopardy.
7. To ensure that either he or the Chief Officer is on board at all times, and the Chief Officer is aware of the Master being away.
8. To manage cargo calculations based on ullage, deadweight scale and the equipment on board to determine trim and stability in port and while handling cargo on location. This task may be delegated to the Chief Officer.
9. To manage all loading and unloading operations, in accordance with the Trim & Stability booklet. This task may be delegated to the Chief Officer.
10. To manage adequate maintenance of charts and nautical publications. This task may be delegated to the Chief/Second Officer.
11. To leave instructions in the Bridge Order Book when critical situations are expected and Master has the over-riding authority.
12. To manage the composition and execution of a Passage Plan. This task may be delegated to the Chief/Second Officer.
13. To manage the performance appraisal of Company fleet personnel on board.
14. To manage the signing-on / signing-off of all personnel of the Ship's Article.
15. To maintain up-to-date the Official Log Book and other official documentation.
16. To maintain all marine vessel and craft's monthly accounts and cash on board, as well as the Personal Communications Expenses.
17. To maintain up-to-date the medical locker and provide basic medical care.
18. To ensure that all mooring, towing, and anchor handling equipment, bridge controls, navigational equipment, Life Saving Equipment (LSE) and Fire Fighting Equipment (FFE) are kept in full operational conditions at all times.
19. To ensure that any incident, accident and hazardous situation is reported as required.
20. To liaise with the Charterer and Logistics Department.
21. To manage adequate maintenance of supplies/provisions on board.
22. To prepare an effective Change-of-Command report (hand-over report) for the relieving Master and discuss details thereof with him.
23. To review the SMS and submit to the office.
Notes
1. The Master is not absolved from any responsibility for the safe navigation of his vessel while a pilot is on board.
2. The Master's Standing Orders shall be clearly displayed on the bridge.
3. Specific legal obligations may apply under the national legislation of the vessel's Flag, such as power of arrest, etc.
