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Debate on plight of ship's masters, bullied, micro-managed from afar
THE status of a ship's captain, once the master of all he surveyed, has been much reduced while his responsibilities have been much increased, say London lawyers.
Ship's masters are held as a "legal hostages", when local and port authorities, sometimes corrupt, find something wrong with the ship, its operations and/or its cargo, said former seafarer Michael Grey, council member of the London Shipping Law Centre (LSLC).
To discuss the matter, Mr Grey will participate in the 14th Cadwallader Debate and Dinner at Drapers' Hall, London on October 26, organised by the LSLC's Maritime Business Forum.
Mr Grey feels the master's traditional authority is widely perceived as being diminished while his responsibility has increased, frequently in matters over which he/she has little or no control, reports London's Tanker Operator.
The London debate will look at whether the role of the master is under attack; and how his authority and responsibilities have been undermined in an age of instant communication between ship and shore, and by a growing volume of laws and regulations affecting the way the master runs his ship.
Mr Grey spoke of the growing difficulties facing ship masters, citing external interference in loading and stowage, course, speed and performance decisions, sometimes overriding the master's safety concerns and backed by bullying.
With an estimated 150,000 new merchant officers required in the global shipping industry by 2025, Mr Grey expressed concern that these factors could well discourage those contemplating a career at sea and ultimate command.
Under the chairmanship of Lord Clarke of Stone-cum-Ebony, the speaker's panel will be led by InterManager secretary general, Capt Kuba Szymanski, as moderator.
He will be supported by director Michael Kelleher, west of England P&I Club; global head of shipping, Faz Peermohamed, Ince & Co; partner Michael Chalos of K&L Gates (New York); and director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, Jeff Lantz, of the US Coast Guard.
Ship's masters are held as a "legal hostages", when local and port authorities, sometimes corrupt, find something wrong with the ship, its operations and/or its cargo, said former seafarer Michael Grey, council member of the London Shipping Law Centre (LSLC).
To discuss the matter, Mr Grey will participate in the 14th Cadwallader Debate and Dinner at Drapers' Hall, London on October 26, organised by the LSLC's Maritime Business Forum.
Mr Grey feels the master's traditional authority is widely perceived as being diminished while his responsibility has increased, frequently in matters over which he/she has little or no control, reports London's Tanker Operator.
The London debate will look at whether the role of the master is under attack; and how his authority and responsibilities have been undermined in an age of instant communication between ship and shore, and by a growing volume of laws and regulations affecting the way the master runs his ship.
Mr Grey spoke of the growing difficulties facing ship masters, citing external interference in loading and stowage, course, speed and performance decisions, sometimes overriding the master's safety concerns and backed by bullying.
With an estimated 150,000 new merchant officers required in the global shipping industry by 2025, Mr Grey expressed concern that these factors could well discourage those contemplating a career at sea and ultimate command.
Under the chairmanship of Lord Clarke of Stone-cum-Ebony, the speaker's panel will be led by InterManager secretary general, Capt Kuba Szymanski, as moderator.
He will be supported by director Michael Kelleher, west of England P&I Club; global head of shipping, Faz Peermohamed, Ince & Co; partner Michael Chalos of K&L Gates (New York); and director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, Jeff Lantz, of the US Coast Guard.
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