A TREATISE ON THE LAW OF SHIPPING AND ADMIRALTY. CHAPTER XIV. OF THE DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE MASTER. SECTION I. OF THE FOUNDATION AND NATURE OF THE MASTER'S AUTHORITY. THE master of a ship holds a peculiar and responsible position. As the owner is bound, in order that his ship may be seaworthy, to put in command of her a master who is fully competent in respect of skill, care, and honesty,1 so the master is bound to all whose interests are under his charge, as owners of the ship, or hirers of it, or as owners of the goods, or even as insurers of the ship, goods, or freight, to use proper care and skill, and entire integrity in the protection and preservation of their interests. He must see to the lading of the goods on board; and take care that the dunnage, the stowage, and arrangement of the several articles are all that they should be. He must ascertain that the condition of the ship, as to her hull, rigging, and all appurtenances, and all provisions and supplies, is satisfactory. He must take on board and carefully preserve all such papers as the ship should carry and as fall within his duty. During the whole voyage he must conduct himself, not only under ordinary circumstances, but in all exigencies and emergencies, with due discretion, courage, and energy, and complete fidelity to his duties. 1 Propeller Niagara v. Cordes, 21 How. 7. |