| Regional or national deviation from Article is possible under the provisions of Chapter 9 |
1. Every vessel or assembly of floating material, except vessels in a pushed convoy other than the pusher, shall be placed under the authority of a person having the necessary qualifications.This person is hereinafter referred to as the boatmaster. Boatmasters are considered to possess the necessary qualifications if they hold a valid boatmaster’s certificate.
2. Every convoy shall likewise be placed under the authority of a person having the necessary qualifications. This boatmaster shall be appointed as follows:
(a) In the case of a convoy with only one motorized vessel, the boatmaster of the convoy shall be the boatmaster of the motorized vessel;
(b) In the case of a towed convoy led by two or more motorized vessels in line, the boatmaster of the convoy shall be the boatmaster of the leading vessel, unless that vessel is a temporary auxiliary tug, in which case the boatmaster of the convoy shall be the boatmaster of the second vessel;
(c) In the case of a towed convoy led by two or more motorized vessels not in line, one of which provides the main traction, the boatmaster of the convoy shall be the boatmaster of the vessel providing the main traction;
(d) In a pushed convoy propelled by two pushers side-by-side, the boatmaster of the pusher providing the main propulsion shall be the boatmaster of the convoy;
(e) In all other cases, the boatmaster of the convoy shall be designated.
3. When a vessel is under way the boatmaster shall be on board; in addition, the boatmaster of floating equipment shall always be on board when the equipment is in operation.
4. The boatmaster is responsible for compliance with these regulations on his vessel, convoy or assembly of floating material. In a towed convoy, the boatmasters of the towed vessels shall obey the orders of the boatmaster of the convoy; however, even without such orders, they shall take all steps required by the circumstances for the proper handling of their vessels. The same provisions apply to boatmasters of vessels in a side-by-side formation who are not the boatmaster of the formation.
5. Every floating establishment shall be placed under the authority of a person. This person shall be responsible for the observance of the provisions of these regulations on the floating establishment.
6. The faculties of the boatmaster shall not be impaired as a result of a state of fatigue or intoxication.
7. In the case of a moored vessel or assembly of floating material having no boatmaster, the person responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of these regulations shall be:
(a) The person responsible for keeping watch and surveillance under article 7.08;
(b) The operator and owner of such vessel or assembly if the person referred to in letter (a) is absent.