THE MASTER- RESPONSIBILITY

We find the Master of the ship, Captain Andrew James on the bridge.

- Good morning Captain, we would like to ask you a few questions. How would you describe the Captain’s or Master’s role on a modern ship today?

- Well, first of all you might say that it involves an enormous responsibility. The Captain is in charge of everything and everyone on board. He has complete responsibility for running the ship while at sea and for the safety of the crew, passengers and cargo. Whenever there is an emergency or a serious problem of any kind I will be called upon. I do not stand a watch but in reality I am on duty 24 hours a day. I’ll be on the bridge, conning the ship in foul weather or fog until the danger is over, for however long it takes, be it 24, 38 or 72 hours, and no matter how tired or exhausted I am. I am also the last to abandon ship in case of a disaster.

VOCABULARY:

involves – to include

enormous – very large

responsibility (to be responsible for) – to be the person whose duty it is to deal with something or someone

to be in charge of - to lead, to have the right to make decisions about something

to run the ship - to decide on everything on board

an emergency - a serious or dangerous situation

to be called upon - to be asked for advice, leadership or presence in a situation

to stand a watch - to be on a watch

24 hours a day - round the clock, day and night

conning – to steer and run the ship

foul – bad

to be exhausted – to be extremely tired

to abandon ship - order to leave the ship in a disaster, because of danger to safety of ship and crew