Duties and Responsibilities of a Captain

• To act in a professional manner at all times as you represent the company and the maritime industry at all times. Our customer is always right!
• To report on board the vessel at the agreed upon time and location.
• To perform all duties in a seaman-like manner.
• To act as a lookout and to oversee lookout and radio watches.
• To assist the mate, engineer and deckhand whenever possible.
• To clean and maintain the wheelhouse including all navigation and communication equipment, windows and woodwork.
• To be thoroughly familiar with assigned duties and stations for all drills and emergencies.
• To report and/or correct promptly the existence of all potentially hazardous conditions.
• To maintain personal hygiene (I.e. bathe regularly, wear clean clothes) and keep living areas in clean and sanitary conditions.
• To report promptly to the Owner and/or Mate the existence of any personal medical problem or injury including alcoholism and drug abuse.
• To maintain proper order and discipline aboard the vessel.
• To always try and learn more about your job and position.
• To wear suitable work shoes while on duty.
• To see that all lines are secured and that the vessel is ready for sea as soon after it leaves the dock as possible.
• To check all towing, navigation, communication and running gear each watch and log it on the sheets in the appropriate spaces.
• To keep detailed logs –ship, radio and security.
• To fill out barge inspection forms for every move.
• To keep interior of the vessels clean. This includes machinery and storage spaces.
• To assist in clean up of the galley, pots, pans, dishes and cutlery after each meal and to return these items to their proper locations.
• To splice and care for all lines aboard the vessel.
• To have the necessary Merchant Mariner’s documents.
• To leave the vessel only when properly relieved or with the permission of the owner.
• To respect other employees whether they are onboard or land-based.
• To keep your bunkroom clean and orderly.
• To dispose of garbage according to Coast Guard and company regulations.
• To wake up and get up immediately upon being called.
• To see that all life saving equipment is properly stowed and in good usable condition.
• To wear life vest at all times when on deck.
• To familiarize yourself with the vessel – thoroughly.
• To always step over manhole covers, not on them.
• To check ladders daily for broken or cracked rungs and rails.
• To secure ladders when setting them securely.

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