Boat Captain Job Description

Whether the boat be a charter fishing boat or a quarter-mile long container ship carrying freight from one side of the world to the other, the captain is the final authority afloat.

The Logs

The captain keeps the master's log, a daily summary of events, the number of people aboard, the number of people lost overboard and everything else that happens during a voyage. The captain also keeps the radio log, the chronometer log and the garbage log.

Safety

The captain conducts the ship's drills: man-overboard drills, fire drills and abandon-ship drills. During summer if conditions are right, man-overboard drills and abandon-ship drills become "swimming call."

Public Relations

The captain is the ship's "public face." On passenger vessels, he makes sure "his" customers are happy. On freight vessels, he makes sure the chartering customer is satisfied. On all vessels, he ensures that government personnel, such as Customs and port officials, are satisfied.

Personnel

The captain trains his crew, preparing those who are suitable for promotion. The captain also maintains proficiency in shiphandling.

Responsibility and Authority

The captain is liable for all actions, errors and omissions aboard the vessel, even when asleep. Even if a member of the crew causes an accident by act or neglect, the captain is responsible. By law and tradition, the captain has authority to do or undertake any act to ensure the safe conduct of the ship, and to enforce discipline aboard.

References

• State of Alaska v. Hazelwood (12/3/93), 866 P 2d 827
• Doctrine of Respondeat Superior; The law of civil liability for personal injuries by negligence in Texas; R. Sweet; Harvard University, 1911
• 46 CFR 109.101 et seq.