Which officer is primarily responsible for the safety protocol within the ship's command structure?

The Commanding Officer holds the primary responsibility for the safety protocol within the ship's command structure. This role encompasses the oversight of all operations on the vessel, which includes ensuring that safety regulations and protocols are strictly adhered to. As the ultimate authority, the Commanding Officer must establish a culture of safety that permeates all levels of the ship's operations and ensure that appropriate training and resources are available to personnel to maintain safety measures.

While other officers, such as the Executive Officer, may play crucial roles in implementing and managing safety practices, the Commanding Officer ultimately bears the responsibility for the overarching safety of the ship and its crew. This includes conducting regular safety drills, ensuring compliance with relevant safety regulations, and addressing safety concerns that may arise during operations.

The 3-M Coordinator, while critical in maintenance management and ensuring equipment functionality, does not have the same level of authority regarding overall safety protocol. Similarly, the Engineering Officer focuses primarily on the technical operations of the ship's engineering systems. Thus, the responsibility for safety lies squarely with the Commanding Officer, who coordinates all aspects of safety across various departments and ensures a unified approach to maintaining a safe working environment.