What is the Master (Ship Captain)?
The Master (commonly referred to as the Captain or Commanding Officer) is the highest-ranking officer aboard a vessel and the supreme authority at sea. The Master holds legal responsibility for the safety of the ship, crew, passengers, cargo, and the marine environment under international law and the vessel's Flag State regulations.
Master's Responsibilities
- Safe navigation and passage planning
- Overall command of all crew and officers
- Legal representative of the ship owner at sea
- Implementation of ISM Code SMS on board
- Port state and customs compliance
- Emergency response command
Master Qualifications
To serve as Master on ships of 3,000 GT or above, STCW requires a Certificate of Competency as Master (Class 1). This requires serving as Chief Officer, accumulating required sea service, and passing Flag State examinations.
Master Salary in UAE
Masters commanding commercial vessels in the UAE maritime sector typically earn between AED 35,000 and AED 55,000+ per month depending on vessel type, size, and employer.
