Which crew member is considered the main company representative on board a vessel?

The Master of the vessel serves as the main company representative on board. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including overall command and operational authority of the ship. The Master is tasked with ensuring the safety of the crew, ship, and cargo while at sea, and they are the final authority on all decisions that affect the vessel. This individual acts as a liaison between the company and the crew, aligning the operations of the ship with company policies and procedures.

In this context, while other roles such as the Chief Mate, Chief Engineer, and Third Mate are crucial to the operation of the vessel and contribute significantly to its management, none carries the overarching responsibility and authority that the Master does. This distinction establishes the Master as the primary representative of the company on board.