The slides, written out
AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.
Slide 1 · AN OVERVIEW OF
AN OVERVIEW OF
A MASTER'S
DUTIES DURING
COLLISION &
SAFETY INCIDENTS
MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 2025
SECTIONS 117, 118, 158, 159 & 160
Key obligations every
Master must know.
COLLISION
DUTIES
DISTRESS
ASSISTANCE
REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS
Slide 2 · DUTIES OF THE MASTER
DUTIES OF THE MASTER
IN CASE OF COLLISION
SECTION 158
DUTY TO RENDER ASSISTANCE
Without endangering your own vessel, crew or passengers:
Render assistance to the other vessel,
her master, crew and passengers.
Stay by the other vessel until you have
ascertained she has no need of
further assistance.
Exchange information with the
other master.
INFORMATION TO BE EXCHANGED
Name of
Vessel
Port of
Registry
Port she
last came from
Port she is
bound for
NOTE: Failure to comply with these duties does not create a
presumption of liability, but will be a serious factor in court
and with P&I Clubs.
SECTION 159
OFFICIAL LOGBOOK ENTRY
Immediately after the occurrence (or as soon as practicable),
enter a true statement of the collision and the circumstances.
Entry must be signed by:
Master
Officer of the Watch
OR one of the Seafarers
Accurate records protect the Master,
the vessel and all involved.
Slide 3 · REPORTING OBLIGATIONS &
REPORTING OBLIGATIONS &
SAFETY INCIDENTS
SECTION 160
REPORT TO THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
Mandatory if the collision results in:
Loss of life
Serious injury
Material damage affecting
seaworthiness
Hull damage
Machinery damage
REPORT MUST INCLUDE:
Vessel Name
Official Number
Current Position
Probable Cause
of the Accident
Submit the report to the Director-General or the nearest
Principal Officer within the prescribed time.
SECTION 117
REPORTING SAFETY & SECURITY INCIDENTS
The Master shall report incidents relating to safety and security,
including:
Safety incidents on board
Security incidents on board
Loss or likely loss overboard of
dangerous goods (packaged or solid bulk)
Any incident that impedes
safe navigation
IMPORTANT
Even if the vessel is
abandoned or the report
is incomplete, the Central
Government may fix
responsibility on
the Master.
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Slide 4 · ASSISTING PERSONS
ASSISTING PERSONS
IN DISTRESS AT SEA
SECTION 118
DISTRESS SIGNALS & ASSISTANCE DUTIES
PROCEED TO ASSIST
On receiving a distress signal from any source,
proceed with all speed to assist.
RENDER ASSISTANCE
Render assistance to every person found at sea
in danger of being lost, unless doing so would
put your own vessel in serious danger.
RECORD REASONS IF UNABLE TO ASSIST
If you decide not to assist, record the reasons
immediately in the official logbook.
MAINTAIN ACCURATE RECORDS
Maintain proper records of all actions taken
and communications.
REPORT INCIDENTS IN THE VICINITY
Take all reasonable measures to report details of any
safety or security incident occurring in the vicinity of
your vessel, even if not directly involved.
MASTER'S RESPONSIBILITY
Ensure safety
of own vessel
and crew
Coordinate
rescue and
assistance efforts
Maintain
detailed
records
Comply with
statutory
duties
Support effective
investigation
and reporting
Prompt action can save lives.
Accurate reporting ensures compliance.
Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.
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