A Code of Conduct for Nautical Professionals
A Code of Conduct for Nautical Professionals has been developed by the Council of The Nautical Institute with considerable input from G. Stanford LL.B., FNI of the BC Branch.
It covers seven major areas of activities:
1. Service and Conflict of Interest.
2. General - navigation, safety, protection of the marine environment and emergency response.
3. Distress and lifesaving.
4. Seaworthiness.
5. Cargo care and security
6. Competence.
7. Professional development
SECTION 1
Service and Conflict of Interest
Nautical professionals should:
1.1 Carry out their responsibilities with integrity in a conscientious and diligent manner.
1.2 Carry out their duties safely and efficiently in support of the marine venture and the public's interest.
1.3 Operate and maintain their ship(s) efficiently and in good order.
1.4 Not take personal benefit contrary to the interests of their professional duties.
1.5 Safeguard the security of confidential information.
1.6 Comply with regulations and in particular the provisions of international legislation and codes.
SECTION 2
General - Navigation, safety protection of the marine environment and emergency response
Nautical professionals should:
2.1 Navigate safely.
2.2 Take all reasonable care to ensure that working areas and living quarters are safe and healthy.
2.3 Ensure that safe working practices and safety of personnel are followed.
2.4 Take all reasonable care to protect the marine environment from discharges of polluting substances and to dispose of waste materials in an environmentally friendly way.
2.5 Prepare emergency response plans and carry on appropriate practices to ensure that the safeguards will work when needed.
2.6 Ensure that in an emergency the saving of life takes precedence.
SECTION 3
Distress and lifesaving
Nautical professionals should:
3.1 Keep a proper watch for distress and emergency situations and take appropriate action to render assistance.
3.2 Regularly exercise equipment and procedures for lifesaving, be it man overboard, personal injury, or assistance to others.
SECTION 4
Seaworthiness
Nautical professionals should:
4.1 Ensure the ship is seaworthy and cargo worthy for each stage of the voyage.
SECTION 5
Cargo care and security
Nautical professionals should:
5.1 Take all reasonable steps to ensure the cargo is loaded, transported and delivered in good condition.
5.2 Take all reasonable precautions to preserve and safeguard the ship, its equipment and fittings.
5.3 Take all reasonable precautions to prevent unlawful acts from taking place on board.
SECTION 6
Competence
Nautical professionals should:
6.1 Take all reasonable measures to become competent by qualification and experience to perform the services to which they are appointed to undertake.
6.2 Take all reasonable measures to maintain, up-grade and up-date qualifications and competence.
6.3 Encourage and support the training of sub-ordinates and ensure their competence for the duties and responsibilities assigned or delegated to them.
6.4 Seek to keep up to date with new developments.
6.5 Co-operate with other professionals and individuals to ensure the best outcome of the marine venture or commission.
SECTION 7
Professional development
Nautical professionals should:
7.1 At all times so order their conduct so as to uphold the dignity, reputation and standards of the profession and to safeguard the public interest in matters of safety, health and environmental protection.
7.2 Contribute actively to the development of professional standards and to the development and training of subordinates.
7.3 Uphold the reputation of The Nautical Institute by observing the provisions of the constitution, bylaws and code of conduct.