Seamen of the United States
True Sun, September 17, 1835
London, United Kingdom
SEAMEN OF THE UNITED STATES.—We learn from the last report of tbe Board of Directors of the Boston Seamen's Friend Society, that the number - of seamen belonging to the United States, estimated with as much accuracy as possible, is 103,000; of whom there are in tbe foreign trade 50,000; in the coasting trade, in vessels of nearly or over 100 tons burden, 25,000; in the cod fishery, 5,000; in steam vessels, 1,000, and in the United States navy, 6,000.
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"Master Under God"
Captains exercised absolute authority at sea and so were dubbed "Master Under God" by early insurance writs, agreements with ship owners and passengers and the Board of Trade.
The captain is responsible for its safe and efficient operation, including cargo operations, navigation, crew management and ensuring that the vessel complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag state policies.
All persons on board, including officers and crew, other shipboard staff members, passengers, guests and pilots, are under the captain's authority and are his ultimate responsibility.
On international voyages, the captain is responsible for satisfying requirements of the local immigration and customs officials. Immigration issues can include situations such as embarking and disembarking passengers, handling crewmembers who desert the ship, making crew-changes in port, and making accommodations for foreign crewmembers.
Customs requirements can include the master providing a cargo declaration, a ship's stores declaration, a declaration of crewmembers' personal effects, crew lists and passenger lists.
