Duties of the Captain

The following is an excerpt from the Standing Orders of Toronto Brigantine Incorporated:

Upon Joining the Vessel

Upon joining a vessel, a Master shall obtain all possible information regarding the characteristics of the vessel and its personnel. He or she shall also receive all ship’s documents, cash balance, and other articles that are for the particular care of the Master.

The Master shall make a complete inspection of the vessel and acquaint himself/herself with the physical condition of the hull, equipment, and power plant, the condition and reliability of navigational instruments and aids to navigation, fuel capacity, speed, safety equipment, fire fighting equipment, draft, water supply, food, trim, the manoeuvring qualities of the vessel, and the reliability of the officers and crew.

Supervision

The Master shall exercise supervision over all departments, ensure the preservation of property, and guard against uneconomical practices. During repair periods he/she shall keep himself/herself fully informed of the progress of the repair work being carried out. Safety shall always be the Master’s primary concern. It is the Master’s duty to ensure that every Officer knows where all the vital gear is stowed. The Master shall ensure that all Officers are thoroughly familiar with the operation of emergency equipment such as flares, fire extinguishers, life rafts, and all other life-saving devices. It is also the Master’s duty to ensure that all Officers are sufficiently familiar with the rig and the routine of the ship.

Inspections

The Master shall make inspections of the vessel, which shall be so scheduled that, while under way, the Master shall visit all living quarters, the galley, and the engine room daily. At the end of every course longer than 24 hours, the Master, accompanied by the Executive Officer, shall make a complete inspection or the vessel, and discuss any relevant matters. An entry of this inspection shall be made in the vessel’s log, on the day on which the inspection occurs.

Navigation

The Master is ultimately responsible for all aspects of navigation of the vessel. See the T.B.I. standing orders for details.

Master’s Order Book

The Master shall keep a night Order Book in which, before retiring to his/her quarters, he/she shall have caused to be written the hour or place he/she wants to be called, the course, speed, changes of course and/or speed and the time thereof, the characteristics of any light or landfall that may be sighted and any information or precaution that may be pertinent and necessary to enable the Watch to navigate the vessel safely and accurately. The Master shall require each Watch Officer to sign the Order Book, signifying that the orders have been read and understood.

Communication with T.B.I.

The Master shall be responsible for regular communication with the General Manager and/or office staff at prearranged intervals to report the position and condition of the ship, as well as the condition of the crew.

The Master shall be responsible for completing and submitting all appropriate reports, supply or food orders, and evaluations, according to current T.B.I. policy.