What is the primary responsibility of the onboard safety officer?

The primary responsibility of the onboard safety officer is to ensure compliance with safety regulations. This role is critical in maintaining a safe working environment for all personnel aboard the vessel. The safety officer assesses potential hazards, implements safety protocols, and ensures that the crew is trained in emergency procedures and safety measures. Their vigilance in monitoring the adherence to safety standards helps prevent accidents and injuries, which is essential in the inherently risky maritime environment.

In this context, while overseeing navigational equipment is vital for safe navigation, it falls under the purview of navigational officers, not the safety officer. Maintaining the vessel's engine performance is primarily the responsibility of the engineering crew, and managing the crew's daily schedules typically falls to the ship's operations or personnel management team. Therefore, the focus of the safety officer on regulations and proactive safety measures underscores the importance of safety as a foundational element of maritime operations.