Master

PURPOSE

BASIC FUNCTION: The Master is the ultimate authority on board. He is charged to carry out the company’s policies and to comply with all applicable national and international laws and regulations. This authority vested to the Master by the government of the Flag State of each ship.

The Staff Captain shall be the Master's deputy. The Master shall keep the Staff Captain acquainted with all aspects of his command, and he shall keep all other officers advised as required by their duties and responsibilities. In this respect, the Master shall ensure that the Staff Captain receive practice in maneuvering the ship, in particular approaching and leaving port, as well as docking and undocking. He shall hold meetings with all department heads, his marine officers and other members of the crew.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Master's qualifications and licenses shall conform to all International and National conventions and regulations and he shall have an unlimited Master's License.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Master's primary responsibility is the safety and care of all persons on board, the ship's seaworthiness, navigation and operation, and the prevention of pollution. In the event the ship becomes endangered, the Master shall use all resources available to minimize the effects of an incident to persons, property and the environment and to successfully guide an evacuation and rescue should the situation so require. He shall do his utmost to protect and preserve the ship's documents and valuables.

• The Master shall ensure that the ship operates in compliance with all navigation policies and procedures
Make sure all laws, regulations and company policies and programs concerning safety, environmental protection and occupational accidents are followed.

1. 1. Keeps all written information regarding safety updated on a regular basis
2. 2. Make sure all personnel onboard read and understand written information regarding safety onboard.

• Maintain a high preparedness within the onboard organization for crisis and unusual situations. Communicate such situations to the guests in a professional way.

1. 1. Bring safety related issues up when the employee does not expect them (check if they are prepared and know what to do in emergencies).
2. 2. Organize required safety drills for crew and guests.
3. 3. The Master is responsible for enforcement of the company's environmental policies, for ensuring compliance with international, national and local environmental requirements applicable to his ship's operations.
4. 4. In the event of certain shipboard environmental accidents, incidents, or nonconformity’s with company environmental policy or applicable environmental regulatory requirements, the Master is to ensure that the proper international, national and/or local authorities have been notified, as appropriate or required, and that the proper corporate officers have been informed.
   
   The Master is also responsible for ensuring that the crew receives proper training and demonstrates proficiency in the operation of environmental systems. In addition, he is to promote effective communications between the ship and corporate offices.
   
   Finally, he is to cooperate and consult with shore side government agencies (USCG, USPHS, USEPA, USDA, etc.), as appropriate, and report any corporate.

In addition, the Master shall have a full understanding of the vessel’s and company’s safety, quality and management program(s) and his/her responsibilities in the Safety Organization according to the Emergency Plan and Station Bill. The Master shall have a thorough knowledge of the ship, its construction, the safety equipment, stability characteristics, handling procedures and emergency procedures. He shall ensure that his officers have the same knowledge of their areas of responsibility.

He shall ensure that the ship's maintenance program meets or exceeds the requirements the company and other authorities.

• Follow up on maintenance by walking around and visually following up.
• Plan for dry docking.
• Organize meetings focused on maintenance.
• Cooperate closely with superintendents, shipyard representatives, repair teams, etc.

He shall support the shipboard management team in any investigation and he shall monitor the progress through the Staff Captain, particularly as to serious matters. The Master shall also use his authority to ensure that all the procedures are closely followed.

The Master is responsible to ensure that all officers joining the ship have the proper licenses corresponding to the requirements of the flag state.

The Master shall ensure that the ship's officers, staff and crew carry out their assigned duties professionally always and he must create interest, the feeling of responsibility and the ability to act independently.

The Master shall promote the welfare and well being of the crew, being attentive to their environment and ensuring each enjoys the privileges to which they are entitled. He shall use periodic inspection rounds as an opportunity to strengthen the personal contact between himself and his crew.

The Master is expected to evaluate his management team and make suggestions to the company of individuals that work well together. In cooperation with the Human Resources should establish the management team, which in his opinion will benefit the system the best way.

• Maintain a well-trained staff/team.

1. 1. Participate in the personnel planning (staffing needs) of your vessel.
2. 2. Be sure training is provided for new hires ... on the job training.
3. 3. Provide professional training for your experienced employees ... new technology, equipment, philosophy, etc.
4. 4. Provide required shipboard training ... safety, environmental, sexual harassment, etc.

• Keep employee morale high.

1. 1. Assure new employees have the opportunity to become familiar with the vessel.
2. 2. Communicate corporate rules and regulations to all employees.
3. 3. Set and communicate performance and behavioral standards for the ship.
4. 4. Administer a fair disciplinary process.
5. 5. Implement/administer a reward and recognition program for the ship.
6. 6. Establish a communication process that allows two way communications ... Captain to employees and employees to Captain.
7. 7. Conduct employee recreational functions.

• Develop employees.

1. 1. Administer an employee appraisal/evaluation process.
2. 2. Implement/administer a developmental process for employee promotion/ transfer and/or performance improvement.
3. 3. Coach employees ... share your experience and knowledge with others.
4. 4. Mentor high potential employees striving to be future Captains.

The Master shall maintain a high standard of discipline onboard using any lawful method deemed necessary for a given situation. He must ensure that department heads instruct the crew members in all applicable rules, regulations and company policies. The Master is the ultimate authority for the discipline, using the Staff Captain and other department heads to carry out this responsibility.

He shall maintain a world class standard of service to the passengers by:

• Create a Positive Atmosphere’ onboard the vessel.

1. 1. Be visible to guests at the beginning of each voyage and throughout the voyage ... announcements, initial greetings, social activities, etc.
2. 2. Walk around and meet guests ... find out what they are enjoying and if there are any concerns; get feedback and act on it.
3. 3. Communicate to the guests the Captain's concern for them.
4. 4. Recognize Repeat Guests in as many ways as possible.

• Set high expectations with the ship's employees for Guest Relations.

1. 1. Be an outstanding example for the employees to follow ... dress, conversation, attitude, behavior, etc. (Top - Down approach)
2. 2. Reinforce high standards in officer, crew, and staff meetings.
3. 3. Recognize high performers

• Closely supervise “unusual situations” that may effect other guests.

1. 1. Direct officers, crew, and staff to notify you immediately of problem situations.
2. 2. Handle disruptive guests quickly and discreetly.
3. 3. Listen closely to concerns.
4. 4. Be flexible when handling each situation.

The Master shall entrust junior officers often with leadership responsibilities to provide the opportunity for improvement. He shall ensure, that the crew understands, that a successful operation depends on each person striving to do their best.

The Master shall have competitive financial skills as follows:

• Develop meaningful budgets.

1. 1. Set goals and priorities.
2. 2. Communicate budgets to appropriate officers, staff, and crew.
3. 3. Reinforce importance of achieving budget goals.
4. 4. React to daily revenue figures.

• Establish a cost control mind set.

1. 1. Study and act on financial reports.
2. 2. Know revenue departments.
3. 3. Manage the critical consumption items, i.e., oil.
4. 4. Audit the various revenue activities.

As it has been clearly stated through this manual, the Master of the ship is the ultimate authority aboard. This privilege is accompanied by a variety of responsibilities granted to him. For the continuous effective management and operation of the ship the team of Masters assigned to that ship should agree upon guidelines and operational routine, and should be as consistent as possible in the enforcement of same. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. encourages communication between the ship's Masters, even while not onboard. The Master should be actively participate in the short and long planning of the ship's matters. He should investigate different itineraries and ports call, which will offer passenger satisfaction and will reduce operational cost. His proposals should be submitted to the office.

The Master shall promote effective communication between his vessel and the office by:

• Inform shore side of important issues.

1. 1. No surprises regarding ships performance and unusual activity.
2. 2. Assure two-way communication.
3. 3. Report unusual activity at ports.

• Cooperate with other shore side agencies, i.e., Coast Guard, US Public Health, various inspection agencies, Port Authorities, etc.
• Maintain a healthy attitude between shore side and shipboard.

1. 1. Reinforce at crew and staff meetings.
2. 2. Expect positive behavior from shore side.
3. 3. Work at teamwork."
4. 4. Member of Shipboard Executive Committee.

At all times either the Master or the Staff Captain must be on board. The Master shall notify the Staff Captain and the Watchkeeping Officer when he has occasion to leave the ship.

The Master is responsible for outgoing official communications and correspondence from the ship.

The Master shall, while onboard, always be able to be contacted by the Watchkeeping Officer.

The Master shall demonstrate the following skills:

• Budgeting
• Coaching and counseling
• Communication
• - interpersonal
• - public speaking
• - giving feedback
• - listening
• Computer literacy
• Conduct effective meetings
• Conflict Resolution
• Customer Service
• Decision making
• Financial analysis
• Language
• - English
• - other
• Leadership
• Negotiating
• Planning Project management
• Seamanship
• Teambuilding
• Time management

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