Who is responsible for properly manning a vessel in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and international conventions?

The Master of the vessel is responsible for properly manning the vessel in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and international conventions. This role encompasses the oversight of the crew's qualifications, training, and assignments, ensuring that the vessel is operated safely and efficiently.

The Master holds ultimate authority on board and must ensure that all crew members are trained for their specific duties and that mandated safety protocols are followed. This includes being knowledgeable about maritime laws and regulations that vary by jurisdiction and ensuring compliance with international conventions such as the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).

While other roles, like the USCG Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection and the Captain of the Port, play significant parts in enforcement and oversight, they do not hold direct responsibility for the day-to-day manning and operational decisions of a specific vessel. The owner or operator of the vessel may have a financial interest or may set operational policies, but the accountability for proper manning ultimately lies with the Master. This distinction is essential for proper maritime operation and safety management.