[Ro_Thunder]

Might be just me, but I'd have figured a ships master was the person in charge of the cargo, and the captain was the person in charge of the ship.

And, I believe the Coast Guard should have adequate firepower to scuttle any cargo ship, if necessary.

[Viet-Boat-Rider]

Beginning today, the Coast Guard is boarding EVERY ship of foreign flag. Its about time.

[ThirdMate]

"Might be just me, but I'd have figured a ships master was the person in charge of the cargo, and the captain was the person in charge of the ship."

The Chief Mate is in charge of the cargo, the Master is in charge of the ship overall. In european usage the Chief Mate is called the First Officer.

[Hatteras]

"Might be just me, but I'd have figured a ships master was the person in charge of the cargo, and the captain was the person in charge of the ship."

And now for another take... I always thought "Ship's Master" was a title and "Captain" was a rank. A slight distinction but one would be referred to as, let's say Ship's Master, Captain Merrill Stubing...