What is the role of the watchstander in case of an emergency on board?

The role of the watchstander during an emergency on board is to coordinate the response and ensure the safety of the crew. This involves taking immediate action to manage emergencies, which can include assessing the situation, activating emergency protocols, communicating with crew members to direct them to safety, and ensuring that critical systems are functioning correctly. The watchstander plays a crucial part in maintaining situational awareness and effectively leading the response efforts to mitigate the impact of the emergency.

Monitoring the safety of the crew and responding appropriately is essential, as lives may depend on quick and decisive action. This includes relaying vital information to others and working as part of a team to implement emergency plans. A successful response to an onboard emergency hinges on the watchstander's ability to remain composed, focused, and proactive, ensuring that all crew members are accounted for and that safety protocols are followed.

In contrast, organizing passenger activities or managing equipment usage are not primary responsibilities during an emergency, as the immediate focus is on life safety and emergency response. Writing a report after the incident, while important for documentation and future training, is a task that can follow once the situation is under control and the immediate safety concerns have been addressed.