In an accidental pollution, besides officers and crew, who else should the master notify?

• A. The Chief Engineer and the Port Authority
• B. The Head Office & Nearest Coastal State
• C. The Environmental Agencies only
• D. The Police and the Coast Guard

Answer: (B)

In an accidental pollution, the master must immediately involve the ship’s company and the authorities with jurisdiction over the area. Notifying the head office (the ship’s owner or manager) ensures rapid activation of the ship’s pollution response plan, proper documentation, insurance coordination, and timely guidance from those who own and operate the vessel. Notifying the nearest coastal state ensures the authorities responsible for the area can coordinate the official response, provide assistance, and enforce regulatory requirements under international and national rules.

So informing the head office and the nearest coastal state is the essential, appropriate step for effective and compliant handling of the incident.