Master's & Chief Engineer's Standing Orders

Standing orders are the master’s and chief engineer’s written instructions to their officers and crew covering the conduct of watchkeeping, the procedures to follow in defined circumstances, and the limits of officer authority without consulting the senior officer. ISM Code Section 5 requires the master to have overriding authority and responsibility for safety, and Section 7 requires the company to establish procedures for safe ship operations. STCW Code A-VIII/2 establishes watchkeeping principles and the obligations of the officer of the watch. Standing orders are the practical bridge between these regulatory requirements and the daily conduct of shipboard operations—and their absence, or the presence of generic orders that have never been properly adapted for the vessel, is a flag that flag state auditors and accident investigators look for. This package provides professional, fully drafted standing orders templates for both the master and the chief engineer.

Who Needs This

Standing orders are a basic SMS requirement for any superyacht operating under ISM Code or a flag state yacht code. They are the foundational documents of watchkeeping management—every officer of the watch should have read, understood, and signed the master’s standing orders as part of their vessel familiarisation. Every engineering officer should have done the same with the chief engineer’s orders. In the event of an accident or near miss, the absence of signed standing orders is a significant indicator of an inadequate SMS. This package is appropriate for yachts establishing standing orders for the first time, for vessels whose current orders are generic templates that have never been properly vessel-specific, and for new masters or chief engineers taking command who need a professional framework to work from.

What’s Included

Master’s Standing Orders Template

A fully drafted set of standing orders covering all core elements of bridge watchkeeping on a superyacht: the officer of the watch’s general responsibilities; maintaining a proper lookout; navigating in clear visibility and restricted visibility; calling the master—including the specific circumstances that require immediate notification regardless of time; speed and course management; use of auto-pilot and hand steering; chart and electronic navigation equipment use; radar operation and collision avoidance; anchoring watch requirements; procedures during heavy weather; handling distress situations; and general conduct on the bridge. Includes sections specific to superyacht operations: tender and water toy operations conducted from the bridge, guest safety during manoeuvring, and marina approach procedures.

Chief Engineer’s Standing Orders Template

A fully drafted set of standing orders covering engineering watch requirements: the engineer officer of the watch’s general responsibilities; engine room rounds frequency and content; alarm response procedures; calling the chief engineer—defining which alarms and conditions require immediate notification; machinery space safety rules including hot work, confined space, and lone working restrictions; fuel and lubrication oil management procedures; bilge monitoring and pumping procedures; electrical system management including shore power connections; handling engineering emergencies including flooding, fire, and propulsion failure; and handover procedures between engineering watches. Includes sections on unmanned machinery space (UMS) operation where applicable.

Regulatory Compliance

These standing orders templates satisfy ISM Code Sections 5 and 7 requirements for master’s authority and shipboard operational procedures. They reflect the STCW Code A-VIII/2 watchkeeping principles and officer of the watch obligations. They are designed to meet the requirements of the Red Ensign Group, Marshall Islands, Malta, and Bahamas flag states, and meet the standing orders inspection expectations of flag state SMS auditors and port state control officers.

How to Use

1. Download both templates immediately after purchase
2. Read through each template carefully and adapt the vessel-specific sections for your yacht
3. Add your vessel name, flag state, call sign, and any equipment-specific procedures
4. Issue the Master’s Standing Orders to all deck officers and obtain signed acknowledgements
5. Issue the Chief Engineer’s Standing Orders to all engineering officers and obtain signed acknowledgements
6. File the signed acknowledgement sheets in the crew training records
7. Review and reissue standing orders when the master or chief engineer changes, or when vessel procedures are significantly updated

Why Choose Our Template

These standing orders were developed by experienced maritime professionals with direct experience of flag state SMS audits and STCW watchkeeping inspections on superyachts. The master’s orders address the specific calling situations that bridge officers on large yachts actually face—not a generic offshore or cargo ship list. The chief engineer’s orders reflect the complexity of a large yacht’s engineering systems and the realities of small engineering teams operating extended watch periods. Both templates are professional, comprehensive, and ready for immediate vessel-specific customisation. When ISM Code or STCW watchkeeping guidance changes, the templates are updated and existing customers receive the revision at no additional cost.