Who is designated as the unit's Safety Officer?

The designation of the Safety Officer within a unit is typically assigned to the Executive Officer or Executive Petty Officer. This is because this role carries significant responsibilities for the overall management and implementation of safety policies and procedures. The Executive Officer, being second-in-command, has the authority and the necessary oversight to ensure that safety protocols are integrated into everyday operations.

Effective safety management requires a comprehensive understanding of both operational procedures and regulatory requirements, which the Executive Officer is well-positioned to handle. This role involves coordinating safety training, overseeing safety drills, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and facilitating communication regarding safety matters within the unit.

In this context, while other roles—like the Chief of Operations or the Senior Officer on Deck—play important parts in operational success, they do not typically have the dedicated focus on safety management that the Executive Officer or Executive Petty Officer does. The Lead Technician may have expertise in technical safety areas but would lack the command authority necessary to fulfill the broader safety responsibilities of the unit.