19/09/2026
⚓ TIPS FOR ONSIGNING MASTER
TIP NO. 2 — CHECK THE VESSEL’S CERTIFICATES
One of the first things I do when taking over a vessel is to review the Trading and Statutory Certificates.
Don’t just check whether the certificates are physically available~
verify their validity and authenticity.
✅ Go through the certificates one by one.
Check the certificate number, issue date, expiry date, survey/endorsement dates, and any conditions or remarks attached to the certificate.
✅ Check both Trading and Statutory Certificates.
Make sure the vessel has all the certificates required for its current trading pattern and that nothing important is missing, expired, or approaching expiry.
✅ Verify the latest copies.
Where QR codes or online verification systems are provided, scan them and compare the information with the certificate available onboard. This can help confirm whether you are looking at the latest valid version.
✅ Pay attention to certificates with upcoming expiry or survey dates.
As Master, you don't want to discover an expired certificate when the vessel is already alongside~
or worse, during a PSC inspection.
Remember: Taking over command is not simply about receiving documents from the outgoing Master.
You are taking responsibility for the vessel from the moment you assume command.
A few minutes spent checking certificates during takeover can prevent delays, complications, deficiencies, and unnecessary liabilities later.
Be proactive. Check first. Verify twice.
⚓ Call Sign Capt Jim
Sharing real experiences and lessons from the sea~
so you don't have to learn them the hard way.
