What is the Master's responsibility and authority under the ISM Code?

flowchart TD
    A[ISM Code §5] --> B[Company defines & documents]
    B --> C[Master's responsibility]
    C --> D1[Implement policy]
    C --> D2[Motivate crew]
    C --> D3[Issue orders]
    C --> D4[Verify requirements]
    C --> D5[Review SMS]
    A --> E[ISM Code §5.2]
    E --> F[Master's overriding authority]
    F --> G1[Safety decisions]
    F --> G2[Pollution prevention]
    F --> G3[Request Company assistance]

• Definition: Master’s responsibility and authority are defined in ISM Code section 5
• Master’s responsibility: implement safety and environmental policy, motivate crew, issue orders, verify requirements, review SMS
• Master’s overriding authority: ISM §5.2 — supreme authority for safety and pollution prevention decisions, can request Company assistance
• Key principle: no commercial pressure can override Master’s safety decisions
• India: MS Act 2025 s.147 and MS (ISM) Rules 2000 rule 4; DGMA/RO audits SMS
• Chief Engineer role: implement SMS in engine department, support Master’s authority, report deficiencies