A Captain is, simply, overall in charge of the entire vessel and the highest authority at sea.
More specifically, he is in charge of safety of the crew, vessel and cargo. • He is charged with ensuring that all international and local laws are followed properly, and that all management policies are fully complied with. • He is responsible for the navigation and discipline of the crew. • In addition, although the Chief Engineer is directly responsible for the ship’s machinery or engines, the ‘Chief’ reports to the Captain on all operational matters, and the movement of the Engines are under the Master’s control. • The Captain is overall responsible for the cargo and its stowage, and also the ship’s accounts and the crew’s wages. • He is directly responsible for all certification as it pertains to the ship, whether from the Flag State (the country whose flag the ship flies), Classification Society (like Lloyds, etc.) or any other. • The Captain also communicates with shore authorities on