What is the role of the Ship's Master?

The role of the Ship's Master is fundamentally about leadership and accountability. This position holds the ultimate authority and responsibility for the entire vessel, including the crew, cargo, and overall safety of the ship while at sea and in port. The Ship's Master makes critical decisions regarding navigation, compliance with maritime laws, and emergency response procedures. This role ensures that operations adhere to regulations and standards for safe maritime practice, reflecting the importance of the Ship's Master's responsibility for overall ship management.

While aspects such as cargo operations, maintenance logs, and safety drills may fall under the broader spectrum of ship operations, they are part of a greater framework managed by the Ship's Master. This authority means that the Master delegates responsibilities but remains ultimately accountable for every aspect of the ship's functioning, including the actions of the crew in these areas.