---
title: "Maritime Crew Rights"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/maritime-crew-rights-en"
field: "Aviation & Maritime Law"
description: "Maritime crew rights under Articles 47, 48, 51 and 66 of the Georgian Maritime Code: certification, master's orders, catering standards. Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-15"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Maritime Crew Rights

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/maritime-crew-rights-en

## Maritime Crew Rights under the Georgian Maritime Code

The rights and status of a ship's crew in Georgia are defined directly by the Maritime Code of Georgia — specifically by its Articles 47, 48, 51 and 66. These provisions govern four areas: who may be hired for the posts of captain, officer or rating; the binding force of the master's lawful orders; the master's representative role; and the statutory standards for food, drinking water and living conditions.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/maritime-crew-rights-en

### Who grants a seafarer his rank?

The rank is granted by the agency after the appropriate examinations are passed, confirmed by a certificate of competence and a qualification certificate; a rank is withdrawn under the procedure established by Georgian legislation.

### Is the captain's order binding on everyone on board?

Yes — every person on board must meticulously execute the captain's order within the limits of his competence; otherwise the captain is obliged to take appropriate measures.

### When is a qualified cook not required?

Where the total number of seafarers indicated in the safe-manning document is fewer than ten — the person preparing food must nonetheless be appropriately trained.

### Who represents the shipowner and cargo owner on board?

The ship's captain is, by virtue of his official position, deemed their representative in transactions connected with the ship, the cargo or navigation where their representative is not present on the spot.