Which of the following is not a component of the vessel's duty of care?

A vessel's duty of care encompasses several critical components to ensure safety and compliance with maritime regulations. The first component entails that the ship is properly equipped, which means it has all necessary safety equipment and navigation instruments to handle various situations on the water, thereby protecting both the crew and the passengers.

The second component involves the ship being properly crewed. This means that the vessel must have a qualified and competent crew on board, trained to handle emergencies and operate the ship safely. A skilled crew is essential for preventing accidents and navigating safely.

The final component addresses the proper operation of the ship, ensuring that it is handled correctly, adhering to all maritime rules and regulations. This includes responsible navigation, maintaining safe speeds, and abiding by traffic regulations to avoid collisions.

In contrast, while cost-effectiveness is important for the overall management of a vessel, it does not directly pertain to the duty of care in the same way the other factors do. Cost-effectiveness does not directly impact safety or operational operational competencies, which are fundamental to the vessel's primary responsibilities under the law. Thus, it is not considered a necessary component of the duty of care.