Duties of Master after collision
MSA Section 348, 349, 350 — 3511. The master without endangering his own ship, crew and passengers if any should.
- Render to the other ship, its master, crew and passengers if any, such assistance as may be practical and necessary to save them from any danger.
- Stay by the other ship until he has ascertained that it has no need for further assistance.
- To give to the master of another ship the name of the own ship and also the names of the ports from which he comes and to which she is bound and the ships flag (port of registry).
2. Make an entry in the official log book giving all details (as per MSA).3. Send the pollution report (as per MARPOL).
The Safety Management System (SMS) Manual should have comprehensive instructions to follow after collision which should include the following
- Do not admit fault
- Masters are required to put a statement in the Official Log Book that the Master ascertained if anyone was injured on either vessel
- Statement of communications between vessels before and after the incident
- Master ascertained that the other vessel was in need of assistance
- Master should see that bilge soundings are taken hourly
- States known damage to vessel
- Lists names of witnesses
- Master must complete the necessary documentation as stated above
- Photos and videos taken of the incident may prove useful
- Company policies invariably state that Masters should always follow the advice of company attorneys regarding any reports or statements
- Company attorneys represent the company and not the Master (as a rule)
OTHER DUTIES OF MASTER AFTER COLLISION.Take advice from the P & I clubs, local correspondents after informing owners and act in the best interest of the owner.
Do not admit liabilityIf the clubs advise then serve a formal written notice to the master of the other vessel holding him and his owners solely responsible for all loss’ or damage sustained after the collision and also ask him to inform and invite his owners for carrying out a joint survey in order to establish the extent of damage etc.
If the master is asked to receive a similar notice he should deny any liability but accept the invitation to attend the survey on the other vessel.
Keep all evidence for e.g. Logs, course recorder papers, Navigational charts, standing orders, night orders, etc. ready for inspection.