Legal Definitions - shipping commissioner

A shipping commissioner was a government official, historically appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury and stationed at a port, whose primary responsibility was to oversee the contractual agreements and general well-being of merchant seamen. This role involved ensuring that employment contracts were fair, understood by all parties, and properly executed, as well as addressing issues related to a seaman's welfare during their service. While the specific title of "shipping commissioner" was changed in 1993 to "master or individual in charge," the underlying duties of protecting seafarers' rights and ensuring proper contractual practices continue to be vital within maritime law and operations.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a shipping commissioner:

• Imagine a young sailor, new to the merchant marine, preparing to sign a contract for a long international voyage. Historically, a shipping commissioner would have been present at the port to review the contract with the sailor, ensuring they fully understood the terms of their employment, including wages, duties, and duration, before signing. This oversight prevented exploitation and ensured the agreement was legally sound and fair to the seaman.

• Consider a situation where a crew member on a cargo ship believes they are being denied adequate rest periods or proper meals, which are stipulated in their employment agreement. In the past, a shipping commissioner would have been the authority at the port to whom the seaman could report such grievances. The commissioner would then investigate the claims, mediate with the ship's master, and ensure that the seaman's welfare provisions and contractual rights were being upheld according to maritime law.

• Upon the completion of a long voyage, a ship docks at a port, and the crew is due to be paid and discharged. A shipping commissioner's role would have included overseeing the final settlement of wages, ensuring that all earnings, bonuses, and deductions were correctly calculated and paid out to each seaman as per their contract. This protected seamen from potential disputes or unfair deductions at the end of their service.