SHIPS, SHIP ROUTINES AND

CONSTRUCTION
MT101P
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION

State the relationship of the vessel, its owner

and/or manager and the crew on board;
 Types of Vessel

Draw the organigram (organizational plan) of a

vessel and state the function of each
department, the duties and responsibilities of
each person in the department;
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION

• State the relationship of the vessel, its owner

and/or manager and the crew on board;

• State the statutory requirement for such

shipboard organization;
 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
Shipboard organization

Objective
• To describe the organization structure of the
Company with relevance to shipboard activity.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
Description
• A dedicated vessel manager is assigned the
responsibility for the operation of vessels under
his charge and for co-ordination between the
ship and the Company.
• The vessel manager works in close co-operation
with the Designated Person(s) for all safety
management system (SMS)-related matters.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
The Designated Person’s
Role of the Designated Person(s)
• The Designated Person(s) form a vital link
between the company and their vessels.
• They have the responsibility of monitoring the
safety and pollution prevention aspects
pertaining to the operation of the vessels
assigned to their company.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
• In order to perform their tasks effectively, the
Designated Person(s) have direct access to the
top management.
• If required, the Designated Person(s) shall
report deficiencies to the head of the
Company and/or to the owner of the vessel.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
• The Designated Person(s) ensure that
deficiencies identified or reported from their
vessels are attended without any undue delay,
and adequate resources and company support
is allocated as found necessary.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
• The Master of the vessel has complete
authority over all personnel on board his
vessel and is responsible for implementing the
corporate policies.
• He reports to the designated vessel manager
for his vessel.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
• The shipboard management team includes the
Master, chief engineer, chief officer and second
engineer (also known as First Engineer on some
Norwegian ships) Headed by the Master, they form
the core group for the management of onboard
activity.
• The shipboard management may contact the
designated person(s) for matters regarding safety and
pollution prevention that require immediate attention
from the senior management of the Company.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
Shipboard Organization
The shipboard organization, under the command of the
Master, is composed of four departments
• Deck department headed by the chief officer.
• Engine department headed by the chief engineer.
• Catering department headed by the catering officer/chief
steward. (If only a chief cook is
assigned to the vessel the Master will assume formal
responsibility for this department.).
• Special operations department
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
• The radio and communications functions
come directly under the Master.
• On vessels equipped with GMDSS with no
radio officer, the Master is responsible for all
communications.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
• Performance level for each function is a line
management responsibility.
• However, the Master is responsible for the
overall performance level on board the ship.
• The shipboard management assists in the
decision making process.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
• Minimum manning scale for each vessel is
based on the vessel’s flag state requirements,
its trading area, possible special operational
requirements and fulfillment of current
regulations governing seafarers’ work and rest
hours.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION

• Explain the distinction between responsibility

and authority.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
Authority and Interrelation
• The Master is the ultimate authority on the
ship. He is the Company’s and the ship
owner's direct representative and is
recognized as such in international law.
• When in command he may not delegate his
ultimate authority and responsibility.
• The Master has absolute and overriding
authority and the responsibility to make
appropriate decisions in matters of safety
and pollution prevention.
• If required, he may request the assistance of
the Company.
 SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION
Responsibility of the Master (including but not
limited to)
• Understand, abide and implement all relevant
documentation, regulations, guidelines and
procedures.
• Sign copies as instructed by the superior
officer to indicate understanding of the same.
• Motivate and train staff on board for the observation
of such policies and legislation.
• Maintain objective evidence of compliance with the
above.
• Ensure that the vessel's watertight integrity is
maintained at all times.
• Supervise the safe, efficient and economical running
and maintenance of the ship.
• Verify presence of adequate stock of essential spares,
stores, provisions and fuel on board.
• Ensure that the duties of the officers and other
personnel are carried out as laid down in the
Company’s governing documents.
• By international law the Master is bound to render
assistance to a vessel in distress.
• When the Master of any vessel finds it unreasonable
or due to special circumstances is unable to do so,
he must enter the reasons for failing to proceed to
render assistance in the ship’s logbook.
 SHIPBOARD ROUTINES
Cargo care at sea 
A) Lashing check 

Condition of Cargo (Container) Securing / Lashing

shall be checked at least once daily and tightened as
required. 

In case of Heavy weather, more frequent lashing

checks to be carried out and additional lashing taken
as necessary, at masters discretion. 
B) Prevent for Wet damage for Cargo 

At sea, careful Sounding of Cargo Hold Bilges is

paramount to early detection of potential
damage to cargo due to ingress of sea water or
leakages from water or oil systems on board. 
• Water accumulated inside Cargo Holds due to
rain or other reason shall be removed well
before it rises to a level where the lower tier
containers are affected and cargo within may
be subject to Wet damage. 
• Bilge sounding shall be carried out at least once
a day,
• In port, cargo hold bilges shall be drained into a
holding tank where provided and pumping
overboard shall be avoided as far as possible.
• Careful checks must be made before pumping
Cargo Hold Bilges overboard to ensure no
danger of Pollution by Oil or Contaminants. 
C) Prevent for Cargo damage 

Dangerous goods 
• Containers are to be visually checked at random
to determine if they continue to remain in good
condition.
• D.G containers require special attention and
must be checked for Leakages/Damages. 
D) Refer containers 

• All Reefer containers shall be monitored for

condition and proper functioning at least Twice
daily. 
• More frequent monitoring will be required in case
of special/VIP reefer cargo containers and units
giving trouble or suspected to be malfunctioning. 
E) Cargo & Hull damage 
• If despite observing due diligence, damage to cargo
or hull has occurred, the master shall take prudent
action to minimize such damage and promptly report
the facts to the company.
• The master shall make appropriate entries in the
Ships Log Book and also preserve all relevant records
including navigation charts, navigational and
meteorological equipment records and print outs,
weather reports and other related documents.
• Such documents and records may be required
as evidence in case of claims. 
• The Master shall prepare a Masters Report on
the damages sustained and also lodge a Sea
Protest at the next port before a notary public
and have it notarized. 
Performing the navigational watch
The officer in charge of the navigational watch
shall:
1 keep the watch on the bridge;
2 in no circumstances leave the bridge until
properly relieved;
3 continue to be responsible for the safe
navigation of the ship, despite the presence of
the master on the bridge, until informed
specifically that the master has assumed that
responsibility and this is mutually understood;
and
4 notify the master when in any doubt as to
what action to take in the interest of safety.
 PREPARATION FOR ARRIVAL IN PORT
• In preparing the passage for arrival in port has a
pre-pilotage information exchange taken place?
• Has the passage plan updated following receipt of
the shore to ship pilot/master exchange form and
all latest navigational warning?
• Has the ETA been sent with all relevant
information required by local regulations?
• Is it necessary to rearrange cargo and ballast?
Has the following equipment been prepared
and checked?
• Course and engine movement recorders
• Clock synchronization
• Communication with the engine control room
and mooring stations
• Signaling equipment, including flags and lights
• Deck lightings
• Mooring winches and lines including heaving
lines
• Pressure on the fire main
• Anchors cleared away
• Stabilizers and log tubes housed, if fitted
• Has the steering gears been tested, and has
manual steering been engage n sufficient time for
the helmsman to become accustomed before
maneuvering commences?
• Have the engine been tested and prepare for
maneuvering?
• Has the pilot card in hand?
• Have the VHF channels for the various services
been noted and a radio check carried out?
• Has the port been made fully aware of any
special berthing requirements that the ships
may have?
Ship at anchor
If the master considers it necessary, a continuous
navigational watch shall be maintained at anchor. While at
anchor, the officer in charge of the navigational watch shall:
1.  determine and plot the ship’s position on the
appropriate chart as soon as practicable;
2. when circumstances permit, check at sufficiently
frequent intervals whether the ship is remaining securely at
anchor by taking bearings of fixed navigation marks or
readily identifiable shore objects;
3.  ensure that proper look-out is maintained;
4. ensure that inspection rounds of the ship are
made periodically;
5. observe meteorological and tidal conditions
and the state of the sea;
6. notify the master and undertake all necessary
measures if the ship drags anchor;
7.  ensure that the state of readiness of the main
engines and other machinery is in accordance with the
master’s instructions;
8.  if visibility deteriorates, notify the master;
9. ensure that the ship exhibits the appropriate lights
and shapes and that appropriate sound signals are made
in accordance with all applicable regulations;
10.  take measures to protect the environment from
pollution by the ship and comply with applicable
pollution regulations.
 Explain when cargo and why there are various
controls and inspection on board vessel (both by
the vessel’s master and other authorities or
organization;
 SHIPBOARD ROUTINES
• Additional flag state requirements shall be
complied with.
• The shipboard management (master, chief
engineer, chief officer) in consultation with the
safety committee shall be responsible for the
planning of drills.
The drills:
• Shall be planned to meet the objectives
escribed earlier in this section.
• Should be conducted as realistically as
possible.
• Should preferably be held during daylight
hours.
• For minimum requirements refer to drill
schedules. Additional flag state requirements
shall be complied with.
Drills should not be conducted if: -
• They cannot be completed safely.
• They cause undue interference in cargo or
other critical operations.
• Unannounced drills should not be conducted
when there are personnel working in
extremely awkward places, sudden evacuation
from where could cause personal injury.
• All on board shall take part in the drills.
• In case any person is unable to participate in
preannounced Drills, the master must be
notified in advance.
Drill Schedules
• Minimum requirements are listed below.
Masters shall familiarize themselves with any
additional requirements that may apply.
• They may seek the Company’s advice, if so
required.
• WEEKLY (for Liberian and other flag vessels
having similar requirements)
WEEKLY (for Liberian and other flag vessels
having similar requirements)
• Drill for operation of watertight doors
 EMERGENCY DRILLS AND TRAINING
• Objective: to prepare a trained and organized
response to situations of great difficulty which
may unexpectedly threatened loss of life at sea;
• should be carried out realistically approaching
as closely as possible to emergency conditions;
• should stress and include emergency procedures
and equipment, emergency personnel duties
safety equipment test and any emergency
related practices or regulation
SOME EMERGENCY DRILLS AND TRAINING

• Abandonship Drill or Boat Drill

• Fire Drill
• Emergency Evacuation
• Rescue Training
• Proper Use of Life Saving Appliances (LSA)
• Stow-away Drills & Bomb Search
• Emergency Steering Drill