Master's Discretion

Master’s discretion is the master’s overriding authority to make any decision needed for safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment, free of pressure from the owner, charterer, or company. SOLAS V/34-1, added by resolution MSC.282(86) (in force 1 January 2011), bars the owner, the charterer, the company as defined in regulation IX/1, or any other person from preventing or restricting the master from taking or executing such a decision. It pairs with V/34 on voyage planning: the master plans the passage but retains absolute authority to depart from the plan when safety demands. The provision underpins refusal to sail in unsafe conditions.