What is the required action if you return from leave and find your vessel not in port?

• A. Report immediately to the senior officer present or the district commander by rapid means and request instructions.
• B. Wait until the next morning and report
• C. Notify your department supervisor by email
• D. File a verbal report to the deck log

Answer: (A)

When you return from leave and find the vessel not in port, your first step is to reestablish contact with the chain of command to confirm the ship’s status and receive instructions. The correct action is to immediately report by rapid means to the senior officer present or the district commander and request instructions. This quick contact keeps leadership informed, allows them to issue the next operating directive (whether to stand by, proceed to a different location, or reliever procedures), and ensures accountability for your absence. Waiting until the next morning, emailing a supervisor, or filing a deck log entry without seeking immediate guidance could leave the ship without timely direction and impede safe, coordinated operations.