Agribility - Seaworthiness

Seaworthiness

This module will explain and discuss all elements related to seaworthiness.

Seaworthiness of a vessel is an important part of maritime safety. The requirements from the vessel are not only physical fitness, but they also extend to the competence of human factor and the proper up-to-date documents of the vessel to perform the voyage. The second aspect of the seaworthiness of the vessel is cargoworthiness, that is the ability of the vessel to carry the goods to their destination.

All these factors together play a crucial role during the vessel’s voyage because a vessel can be physically seaworthy, but she may not be so in other aspects which might affect her ability to navigate. The level of fitness required from the vessel is the ultimate concern in terms of shipowners’ duty to present a seaworthy vessel.

By the end of this module, the learner should be able to:

• Confidently explain what makes a vessel seaworthy, analysing both the physical and the human factors. Also explain cargoworthiness and noting the differences between the two terms.
• Analyse the extent of the obligation and discuss delegation.
• Identify the applicable regulations, conventions and legal 'tests' in determining seaworthiness.
• Understand who has the burden of proof should there be a breach of duty.