MASTER
The duties
and responsibilities of the Master of a United States documented vessel are governed
by all pertinent and applicable laws, regulations, governmental directives and
accepted marine and legal precedents. The Master must have a thorough working
knowledge of the areas of his responsibility. He shall have his United States
Coast Guard license and Merchant Mariners Document in his possession at all times
on board the vessel; and he must promptly notify the Company office of any change
in his license status.
The following directions are not intended to cover in detail
all the areas of his responsibility, but to serve as a general guide for his performance
of the duties of Master.
The Master is in charge of the navigation, operation, management,
care and safety of the vessel; the safety and wellbeing of the crew and all other
personnel on board as well as the safety of the equipment and cargo carried on
board. It is the duty of the Master to keep himself fully informed of, and
adhere to, all United States and other relevant laws, regulations and directives
affecting the operation of the vessel. Many of the basic duties and
responsibilities imposed by law on the Master are covered in United States Coast
Guard publications that are available to him. In addition, the Master shall
acquaint himself fully with the regulations and local requirements of all ports
visited. He shall not berth at any port until all the laws have been complied
with. All problems encountered shall be reported to the Company office by
the most expeditious means. The Master is responsible to the owner, or,
if the vessel is under charter, to the charterer, for the operation of the vessel
and the employment of the crew in a safe and efficient manner to carry out the
assigned missions of the vessel. He must maintain proper order and discipline
on board at all times. He shall be held responsible for any disorderly conduct,
or violation of the laws or of the rules covered in the Company's Operations,
Safety and Deck and Engine Circular Letter manuals which might have been prevented
by proper administration and supervision on his part. He shall not permit
any alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or other intoxicants on the vessel at any
time.
The Master, as the commander of the vessel, must govern
his decisions relating to loading, operational matters, personnel and vessel safety,
and instructions from the owner and/or the charterer, based on his knowledge of
safe marine practices and good relations with the owner and/or the charterer to
whom he owes the obligation of providing such services.
The Master shall make at least one inspection of the vessel
daily. While the Chief Engineer is responsible for the proper inspection
of the machinery spaces, the Master must also include the machinery spaces in
his inspection. Whenever possible, the Master's inspection, shall
be made in conjunction with the Chief Engineer's.
Physical
Requirements for Masters
The Master must be physically and mentally able to take charge of the navigation, operation, management, care and safety of the vessel and crew; make daily inspections of his vessel, including all machinery spaces, voids and rudder rooms. The inspections include climbing ladders, entering tank opening 18" in diameter and being able to move about in all weather conditions. The Master must be skilled in and have a working knowledge of boat handling. He must have a practical knowledge of seamanship and a working knowledge of electronics. The Master must also have an understanding of ships power plants and ship's propulsion systems. The Master must:
o be able to perform his duties under any weather and sea conditions
o be able to work in confined spaces
o be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
o be able to work aloft
o be able to work over head (painting, chipping, etc.)
o be able to work with pneumatic and power tools
o be able to work bent over or squatting for long periods of time
o be able to lift 30 pounds and carry it 50 feet
o be
able to walk up a ships ladder while the vessel is rolling and/or pitching
o be able to climb a 30 foot mast
o be able to enter a tank opening 18 inches in diameter
o be able to throw a mooring line 15 feet
o be able to stack 1.25" anchor chain in a confined chain lock
o be able to wear and use oxygen breathing apparatus
o be able to wear the following safety equipment:
a. safety steel toe shoes
b. safety goggles
c. ear protectors (in the engineroom)
d. protective gloves
CERTIFICATION:
I have read the above checklist of duties and responsibilities for the position which I am making application. I understand that I will be expected to perform these duties and accept these responsibilities and agree to do so. I further agree to serve each tour of duty until properly relieved.
Signed: Witness:
Date: