A ship to be seaworthy in maritime law must have a master, commonly called the captain. He receives his appointment from the owners of the ship. His duties are first to see that the ship is seaworthy and that the freight is properly stored. He usually makes the contracts with the seamen and looks after the care of cargo, during the voyage, and looks to the general safety of the vessel. He is in absolute authority on board ship, and may even hang a seaman for mutiny. He is liable to the owners for a failure to exercise reasonable care, and skill, in the management of the vessel. A supercargo is the person employed by the owner of the cargo to take charge of same, and to sell to the best advantage. He is a sort of marine factor, and of course accompanies the cargo.13 He may hypothecate the ship in foreign ports for money advanced to supply the 'necessities of the ship if they cannot otherwise be supplied.14

9 Story on Agency, Sec. 110; Paley on Agency, by Lloyd, 207.

10 See Abbott on Shipping, Pt. C,

Ch. II., Sec. 4 & 5.

11 3 Kent Comm. Lect., 46 P. P.,

158-164. 12 Barring vs. Corrie, 2 B. & Ald., 143. Broker and Factor distinguished.

A ship's husband is the agent appointed by the owners of the ship to take charge of any needed repairs. He must see that the ship carries the things requisite to make all necessary repairs, and he must see that the ship is properly provisioned, and furnished, for the voyage. It is his duty to enter into charter parties, or engage the vessel for the carrying service.