The relationship between the Master and the Owner has evolved dramatically in the last two generations, presenting a picture of increasing liability upon the Master even though their responsibilities remain essentially unchanged. Over the same period, the structure of the maritime environment in which they work has changed dramatically, as evidenced by the complex evolution of Fleet Ownership and Management and the resultant challenges in identifying the party liable in a potential action. Paradoxically, the person least able to influence such changes has been the Master, who has seen the key features of their traditional relationship with the ship operator blurring, as the structure of maritime operations has evolved with the demands of social and economic change. The effect of these changes has left the Master with diminishing management influence without losing responsibility. They remain Master Under God, but without God's authority over the management of the ship's affairs. An understanding of this topic thus needs to start with something of a history lesson.