4.1 The master shall ensure the vessel is navigated
at all times in a safe and controlled manner. The master shall also
ensure that all of the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection
are adhered to; however, the master may divert from the route prescribed
in the Certificate of Inspection or take such other steps as are deemed
necessary and prudent to assist vessels in distress or for other similar
emergencies.
4.2 The master shall ensure that applicable stability
requirements are adhered to at all times.
4.3 The master shall ensure that steering gear,
controls and communication systems are tested before every voyage
commences and prior to entering harbour.
4.4 All hatches and openings in the hull of a
vessel shall be kept tightly closed except when being used. All watertight
doors in subdivision bulkheads shall be kept tightly closed during
the navigation of the vessel except when being used for transit between
compartments.
4.5 A vessel shall not take on fuel having a flashpoint
of 43.3°C (110°F) or lower, when passengers are on board.
4.6.1 A passenger vessel shall not carry dangerous
goods except when allowed to do so under the International Maritime
Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code).
4.6.2 The requirements of Chapter
VII of SOLAS 74 shall apply to the carriage of dangerous goods
classified in regulation 2 of
that Chapter, which are carried in vessels in packaged form or in
solid form in bulk as appropriate.
4.6.3 The Administration may apply the requirements
of VIII/4.6.2 according to the service characteristics
of the vessel and the risks associated with its operations, taking
into account the safety of persons on board, the safety of property
at sea and the protection of the marine environment from pollution.
4.7 Whenever an automatic pilot is used the master
shall ensure that:
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.1 it is possible at all times to immediately
establish manual control of the vessel’s steering;
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.2 a competent person is ready at all times to
take over steering control; and
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.3 the changeover from automatic to manual steering
and vice versa is made by, or under the supervision of, the master
or the senior officer on watch.