Who oversees the HAZMAT program at a ship?

• A. Commanding Officer
• B. Work Center Supervisor
• C. Damage Control Center (DCC)
• D. Safety Officer

Answer: (D)

The Safety Officer oversees the HAZMAT program on a ship. This role is responsible for the ship’s safety program as it relates to hazardous materials, including maintaining an up-to-date hazmat inventory, ensuring proper labeling and storage, and making sure material safety data sheets are accessible. They coordinate training for personnel who handle hazmat, work with Supply on procurement and disposal, and ensure spill response procedures are practiced and compliant with NAVOSH and environmental requirements. While the Commanding Officer holds ultimate authority for safety, the day-to-day management of the hazmat program is assigned to the Safety Officer. The Work Center Supervisor handles specific department tasks, and the Damage Control Center focuses on emergency response and damage control rather than ongoing hazmat program oversight.