Under SOLAS (and related operational practice), the Master is responsible for the safety of the ship and persons on board. Major themes include:
- Ensuring the ship is seaworthy and safety equipment is ready for the voyage
- Conducting required drills and familiarisation (fire, abandon ship, etc.)
- Maintaining safe navigation and bridge watch arrangements (Chapter V context)
- Decision-making for distress, urgency, and emergency response
- Upholding the Safety Management System / ISM duties where Chapter IX applies
- Cooperating with flag/port State control and reporting as required
Exact legal wording sits in SOLAS regulations and the flag State’s law; company SMS procedures make these duties operational.