Taking over command

have ready a check list of things to do on joining note (from the quayside) the condition of the visible exterior of the vessel, including draught marks, load line, etc.; note the standard of rigging and maintenance of the accommodation ladder or gangway, and its accessories; note (on the way to the masters quarters) the standard of maintenance of decks and visible life-saving appliances and fire-fighting equipment; take delivery from the off-going master of all official documents and sight same; make an Official Log Book entry (entry number 4) (if not already made by the offgoing master) recording delivery of the documents relating to the ship and its crew, and sign it jointly with the off-going master;

enter his name, certificate of competency type and number in the boxes on the front cover of the Official Log Book add his reference number in the List of Crew name and capacity in which employed to the Record of Seamen Employed in the Ship inside the front cover of the OLB; enter his particulars on the List of Crew form; obtain the combination number of the ships safe and all associated keys from the off-going master; count all monies and sight all accounts and related documents in the masters custody; sight all owners, managers, classification and P&I documentation in the masters custody;

* Before sailing, the new master should:

inspect the muster list and ensure that it is updated (see E08l.1b); read the relevant clauses of the charter party or bill of lading note any owners or charterers voyage instructions and/or side letters or addenda to the charter party; consult the chief engineer on the condition of the machinery and the bunker fuel and lubricating oil situation, consult the chief officer on the situation with cargo, stability, ballast, fresh water, stores, maintenance of ship, etc.; examine the passage plan, if already made, for the next leg of the voyage, and consult appropriate officer; check that all required charts and nautical publications are on board; check that all crew are on board as required by the Safe Manning Document check the ISM documentation for outstanding non-conformities read and, if necessary, write standing orders; satisfy himself that he has personally exercised due diligence in ensuring that the vessel is seaworthy at the start of the voyage make a full inspection of the ship as soon as practicable and, if possible, before taking the ship to sea.