Bulk Carrier Master

The senior officer in command of a dry-bulk carrier, holding an STCW Regulation II/2 Master (deck) certificate of competency, usually unlimited (3,000 GT or more). The master carries overriding authority for safety and pollution prevention under SOLAS and the ISM Code. On bulk carriers the role adds cargo-specific duties: monitoring loading and discharge sequences against the loading manual to avoid hull-girder overstress, applying the IMSBC Code for cargoes that may liquefy or shift, and verifying ballast exchange. The master also signs the bills of lading and oversees draft surveys.