Who is the liaison with shore authorities and head office during an incident?

• A. The Chief Engineer
• B. The Master of the vessel
• C. The Safety Officer
• D. The Deck Cadet

Answer: (B)

During an incident, the Master is the liaison with shore authorities and head office. The Master has the final authority on ship operations and is responsible for reporting to authorities ashore and to the company’s operations center, coordinating external communications, and ensuring the right authorities are informed promptly. The Safety Officer manages onboard safety and risk control, but serves internally rather than as the primary external contact. The Chief Engineer handles technical engine-room issues and may coordinate with shore support on technical matters, but does not carry the vessel's official external liaison role. A Deck Cadet is a junior crew member who would not take on external liaison duties.