Skippers are the highest authority on-board or on inland waterways, they are in charge of the vessel and are held responsible for the safety and well being of the clients and crew. They are licensed by the responsible authority and will determine the operations of the vessel at any time. They are the ultimate instance responsible for the crew, the ship, the cargo and/or passengers, and the voyage.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Commanding and navigating ship or similar vessel at sea or on inland waterways;
(b) Controlling and participating in deck and bridge-watch activities;
(c) Navigating vessels into and out of ports and through channels, straits and other waters where special knowledge is required;
(d) Ensuring safe loading and unloading of cargo and observance of safety regulations and procedures by crew and passengers;
(e) Performing technical supervision of maintenance and repair of ship to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations;
(f) Applying knowledge of principles and practices relating to ship’s operation and navigation in order to identify and solve problems arising in the course of their work;
(g) Ordering ship’s stores and recruiting crew as required and maintaining record of operations;
(h) Transmitting and receiving routine and emergency information with shore stations and other ships.