6.1 At the earliest possible stage in an emergency,
the Master should inform the appropriate coastal State authoritiesfootnote, including that of the nearest coastal
State, the flag State and the Company, of the nature of the
emergency and what assistance is required.
6.2 Unless specifically instructed otherwise the
Master has the authority and responsibilities specified in the ISM
Code as in paragraph 4.3 above.
6.3 If the Company engages a salvor to
attempt to save the ship, a contract will be signed which sets out
the respective responsibilities of the parties involved. When a salvage
Master has been appointed to supervise the salvaging of a
ship, the Master should co-operate with the salvage Master
to the maximum extent.
6.4 When a ship requiring assistance is in waters
which are under the jurisdiction of a coastal State and that State
has laws allowing it to intervene in an emergency and wishes to do
so, then the Master should:
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.1 ask for clarification as to who is exercising
the coastal States powers;
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.2 if necessary and time permits, speak with Company
as in paragraph 4.3;
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.3 seek clarification of the extent to which the
Master can still exercise authority in relation to the operation
and salvage of the ship;
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.4 ask the coastal State for an expert
assessment of the condition of the ship if in doubt about
the actions being taken; and
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.5 if still in doubt or in disagreement
with the actions or instructions given by the coastal State, clearly
state so.
6.5 If a State is intervening in accordance with
paragraphs 5.5 and 5.6 when a ship is on the high seas, the guidance
under paragraph 6.4 should be followed.
6.6 It is most important that a ship should keep
the most accurate records of events possible. Where a VDR is fitted,
the limitations of the period of time covered by its recording should
be borne in mind. A separate chronological order of events should
also be kept.