Identity area
Type
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Other form(s) of name
Classification
Context area
Dates
Description
The functions attributed to consuls with regard to the Merchant Navy derive from the combined provisions of the Commercial Code, the Merchant Shipping Code, the Consular Law and their respective regulations. They are numerous and articulated.
Abroad, the consul acts in the capacity of a port officer. Article 116 of the Merchant Shipping Code of 1865 provides that “captains or masters” are “required to present themselves personally upon arrival, immediately after admission to pratique, to the port authority in the State or to the consular officer in a foreign country, and to hand over their ship’s papers”.
The consul authenticates the ship’s logbook. The consular officer therefore: receives nautical reports and statements of damage; exercises disciplinary authority over national vessels (imposing disciplinary penalties for breaches of discipline committed by seamen); may exercise police powers (for example, crew members may present themselves to consular officers abroad to lodge complaints); affixes visas to bills of health; deals with the repatriation of personnel discharged from service on national vessels; and, in a foreign country, authorises and receives deeds of sale or transfer of ownership of a vessel