Influence of Shipping Company on Master’s Decisions

Položaj zapovjednika broda u suvremenim radnim uvjetima iznimno je složen i otežan. Za sigurnu realizaciju pomorskog pothvata i za puno pridržavanje odgovarajućih pravila i propisa odgovoran je zapovjednik broda. S druge strane, on je zaposlenik brodara i, sukladno tome, mora štititi njegove interese, koji ne samo što nisu uvijek u skladu s propisanim normama, nego su nekad i u sukobu sa zahtjevanim stupnjem sigurnosti. To u konačnici rezultira upletanjem brodara u one zapovjednikove odluke na koje inače ne bi smio utjecati. Pa iako je konačna procjena sigurnosti i djelovanje u skladu s tom procjenom posvemašnja obveza zapovjednika, zbog upletanja brodara današnji je stupanj sigurnosti pomorskog prijevoza znatno ugrožen. U ovom se radu upravo istražuje utjecaj brodara na navigacijske i slične poslove što ih obavljaju zapovjednik broda i časnik palube.The position of the master nowadays is extremely complex and demanding. The master is responsible for successful completion of the voyage and to make sure all the rules and regulations are strictly followed at all times. On the other hand, the master is an employee of the shipping company, therefore, he is expected to protect the interests of his employer. The interests of the shipping company are not always in accordance with the rules and regulations. There are occasions when these interests are in conflict with the required degree of safety, resulting in a negative impact on the master’s decisions. Although the ultimate safety assessment and relevant action lies with the master, due to the ship owners’ interference in the master’s decisions the safety level in maritime transport nowadays has been significantly reduced. This paper explores the impact of shipping company on navigational and related duties performed by the master and deck officers