Who is responsible for conducting sufficient drills and instruction on a small passenger vessel?

• A. The Master
• B. The Chief Engineer
• C. The Safety Officer
• D. The Bosun

Answer: (A)

The Master is responsible for the ship’s safety performance, including conducting sufficient drills and providing instruction for the crew. This role carries the ultimate authority and accountability for how emergencies are handled on board, so it’s the Master who must plan, schedule, and ensure that drills—such as fire, abandon-ship, and other emergency procedures—are carried out and that all crew are trained and familiar with their duties. In practice, the Master may delegate elements of training to officers or a Safety Officer if one is on board, and the Chief Engineer focuses on engine-room safety while the Bosun oversees deck crew tasks. However, on a small passenger vessel, the Master typically retains or directly fulfills the responsibility to ensure comprehensive drill execution and instruction, keeping records and ensuring everyone knows what to do when an emergency arises.