1.6 - Onboard Organisation
The Crew of a Merchant Ship
The crew are the people who work on board a ship and are responsible for its operation.
The
Captain :
The captain is in command of a merchant vessel. The captain is also known as the master, being qualified as a master mariner.
The
captain is the highest-ranking officer on the ship and is responsible
for the overall safety, security, and operation of the vessel. They
are also responsible for the crew and passengers, ensuring their
well-being and safety throughout the voyage.
Here
are some of the key duties and responsibilities of a merchant ship
captain:
Navigation:
The captain is responsible for planning and executing the ship's
course, ensuring that it complies with safety regulations and
maritime laws. They also monitor the ship's position, speed, and
direction using navigational instruments and charts.
Cargo
handling: The
captain is responsible for the safe loading, stowage, and unloading
of cargo. They ensure that the cargo is properly secured and balanced
to prevent shifting in rough weather.
Crew
management: The
captain is responsible for the supervision and management of the
ship's crew. They assign duties, monitor performance, and maintain
discipline among the crew. They also ensure that the crew is trained
in all aspects of ship safety and emergency procedures.
Safety
and security: The
captain is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the
ship, its crew, and its passengers. They implement safety procedures,
monitor weather conditions, and take action to avoid hazards. They
also ensure that the ship complies with all applicable safety and
security regulations.
Communication
and documentation:
The captain is responsible for maintaining communication with the
ship's owner, port authorities, and other relevant parties. They also
maintain accurate records of the ship's voyage, including logs,
charts, and certificates.
Environmental
compliance: The
captain is responsible for ensuring that the ship complies with all
applicable environmental regulations. This includes minimizing the
ship's pollution emissions and disposing of waste properly.
In
addition to these core duties, the captain may also be responsible
for other tasks, such as:
Inspecting the ship's equipment and machinery
Conducting drills and training exercises
Providing medical care to crew members
Resolving disputes between crew members
Representing the ship in dealings with port authorities
The
captain is a highly skilled and experienced mariner who must be able
to make sound decisions under pressure. They must also have strong
leadership and interpersonal skills in order to effectively manage
the crew and passengers.
On
a merchant vessel, crew usually belong to one of three departments: