Two ABs are in a physical altercation on the main deck. As Chief Mate, what action do you take?

A. CREW PHYSICAL ALTERCATION — CM RESPONSE: (1) IMMEDIATE SEPARATION: physically separate the two crew members — use verbal commands first ("STOP — STAND APART"). Get other crew to assist if needed to prevent injury; (2) ENSURE MEDICAL CARE: check both crew members for injuries. If injured — provide first aid and notify master (who has medical care responsibility); (3) SECURE THE AREA: move both crew members to separate locations to prevent re-escalation; (4) NOTIFY MASTER IMMEDIATELY: a physical altercation among crew is a serious discipline matter requiring the master's immediate involvement. CM alone cannot deal with the formal disciplinary process; (5) PRELIMINARY INQUIRY: the CM (and/or master) interviews witnesses and both parties separately — not together. Document what happened: time, location, nature of altercation, any weapons used, injuries; (6) OFFICIAL LOG BOOK ENTRY: the Merchant Shipping (Official Log Books) Regulations require the master to record disciplinary matters in the Official Log Book. A physical fight should be entered; (7) MCA/FLAG STATE REPORT: if the fight involves weapons, serious injury, or criminal behaviour — the master may need to report to the next port authority and flag state; (8) STCW MENTAL HEALTH: consider whether either crew member has an underlying stress, mental health, or substance abuse issue driving the behaviour — refer to Ship Captain's Medical Guide mental health section; (9) REPATRIATION: if a crew member's behaviour represents a continued threat to vessel safety — the master has authority to repatriate them at the nearest port.

B. Physical altercations are minor workplace disputes. Give both crew members a verbal warning and return them to their duties without further formal action.

C. Detain both crew members in separate cabins until arrival in port where local police can deal with the matter. No shipboard disciplinary action is appropriate.

D. Physical fights are the master's responsibility. The CM should not intervene in crew altercations and should call the master to deal with it directly.

A. MLC 2006 — CM CREW WELFARE OBLIGATIONS: MLC 2006 (Maritime Labour Convention, in force 2013) consolidates and updates 68 previous ILO maritime conventions. As the officer responsible for deck crew, the CM has specific obligations: (1) WORKING HOURS: ensure deck crew rest hours comply with MLC Standard A2.3 — minimum 10 hours rest per 24 hours, 77 hours per 7 days. Maintain accurate rest hour records. Never sign falsified records; (2) SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS: MLC Title 4 — ensure a safe workplace. Risk assessments must be completed for hazardous tasks. PPE must be provided and its use enforced; (3) WAGES: MLC Standard A2.2 — crew must be paid monthly (or agreed intervals) in full. CM should not withhold or deduct wages improperly; (4) FOOD AND CATERING: MLC Standard A3.2 — adequate food and potable water. Report to master if galley conditions or food quality is below standard; (5) ACCOMMODATION: MLC Standard A3.1 — report any accommodation deficiencies affecting deck crew to the master and DPA; (6) MEDICAL CARE: MLC Standard A4.1 — ensure crew have access to medical care. Know the location of the Medical Guide (Ship Captain's Medical Guide). Know the TMAS (Telemedical Assistance Service) number for advice; (7) COMPLAINT PROCEDURE: MLC Standard A5.1.5 — crew must have access to a complaint mechanism without fear of retaliation. CM must not suppress or discourage complaints; (8) REPATRIATION: MLC Standard A2.5 — abandoned crew must be repatriated at no cost to themselves. Know the procedure.

B. MLC 2006 only applies to vessels over 500 GT. The Chief Mate on smaller vessels has no MLC obligations toward crew welfare.

C. MLC welfare obligations are the master's responsibility. The Chief Mate's role is operational management of deck crew tasks only.

D. MLC 2006 is a flag state regulatory document. Port state obligations under MLC are administered by port authority officials — not ship officers.

A. NEW CREW SAFETY INDUCTION — CM RESPONSIBILITIES: SOLAS III/19 and ISM Code Section 6: new crew must receive a safety induction before being assigned duties. REQUIRED ELEMENTS: (1) MUSTER LIST: show the crew member their station on the muster/emergency list — what they must do in each emergency type (fire, flooding, abandon ship, man overboard); (2) LIFERAFT/LIFEBOAT: location and how to board their assigned survival craft; (3) IMMERSION SUIT: show where their personal immersion suit is stored; check it fits; demonstrate donning; (4) LIFEJACKET: location, how to don, how to operate the light and whistle; (5) FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: location of nearest portable extinguishers; how to use them (PIN, AIM, SQUEEZE, SWEEP); type of extinguisher and what it can/cannot be used on; (6) EMERGENCY EXITS AND ESCAPE ROUTES: at least two routes from their cabin and workplace; (7) ALARM SIGNALS: general emergency alarm (7 short + 1 long blast); abandon ship (7 short + 1 long on bell AND continuous on whistle); fire alarm (continuous bell); (8) PERMIT TO WORK SYSTEM: explanation of the PTW system — enclosed space entry, hot work, working aloft. No work without permit; (9) SMOKING POLICY: designated smoking areas only; (10) REPORTING: how to report a hazard or near-miss; (11) SIGN-OFF: the crew member must sign the induction record to confirm they received the briefing. Keep the signed record on file.

B. New crew safety induction is only required for officers. Ratings join the vessel and shadow experienced crew — the on-the-job experience constitutes their safety induction.

C. Safety induction can be delayed until the vessel reaches sea. In port, there are no safety risks for new crew and immediate induction is not required.

D. The bosun provides all safety inductions for deck ratings. The Chief Mate only provides inductions for junior officers and cadets.