shipping-master

The shipping-master witnesses the signing of the contract on the ship.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Official witness to maritime contracts: A "shipping-master" is a government official or officer whose duty is to witness and authenticate the signing of contracts between a ship's master (captain) and the crew members (seamen), ensuring the legal validity of these agreements.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The shipping-master was present when the captain and the new sailors signed their articles of agreement. (The official witnessed the contract signing.)
  • Before departure, all crew members must appear before the shipping-master to finalize their employment terms. (The official verifies the legal documents.)

Advanced Usage

• "to engage a shipping-master": to officially hire or request the services of a shipping-master for witnessing contracts.

  • The port authority required the shipowner to engage a shipping-master for the crew's signing-on ceremony. (The official's presence was mandated.)

• "shipping-master's certificate": a document issued by the shipping-master to certify that a contract has been properly witnessed and registered.

  • The seamen received a shipping-master's certificate as proof of their lawful employment. (A legal document confirming the contract.)

Variants and Related Words

• Shipping (n): the act or business of transporting goods or people by sea.

  • The shipping industry relies on shipping-masters to regulate crew contracts. (Maritime transport sector.)

• Master (n): the captain or commander of a merchant ship.

  • The master and the shipping-master worked together to ensure fair agreements. (The ship's captain.)

Synonyms

• Maritime registrar: an official who records maritime contracts and agreements.
• Crew contract officer: a person responsible for overseeing the legal aspects of crew employment.

Phrasal Verbs

• Sign on: to formally agree to work on a ship by signing a contract.
  • The sailors signed on with the shipping-master present. (They entered into employment under official supervision.)

Related Idioms

• Under the shipping-master's eye: under the official supervision of a shipping-master.
  • All crew agreements were made under the shipping-master's eye to prevent disputes. (With legal oversight.)