[QUOTE=tengineer;67573]OK, here is where I have a problem with the thinking in the GOM. There is not one master unless that guy works 365 days a year. He has his EQUAL who relieves him and vice versa. This “lead” and “relief” Master, Chief or whatever is silly.[/QUOTE]
Our SMS makes specific references to both senior and junior ship’s masters. The Senior master is the person who spends their entire time(240~ days a year) running master. The junior master spends half as master, the other half running as mate under the senior master. This is due to the nature of a 2 for 1 schedule. While the relief and 3rd are running as technical mates, they are still usually referred to with their informal titles onboard and with the office so that their place in the greater scheme of things is clear.
Also it is stated that the Senior master is allowed to require that he be the one to close out any non conformities from audits, so it is pretty evident, at least in the eyes of the company, they aren’t equal.
And their is a pay difference, the relief usually makes a little bit less than the lead, and the 3rd less than the relief, although it appears via rumor in this thread that at least ECO is changing that paradigm.
Guys, we’re just talking about slang terms here used in this industry, it doesn’t change anyone’s legal position or authority.