Who should be contacted after an oil spill?

In the context of an oil spill situation, the Officer of the Deck (OOD) is the appropriate point of contact. The OOD is responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel while on watch. When an incident such as an oil spill occurs, prompt reporting to the OOD is crucial, as they are tasked with immediate decision-making regarding emergency responses and notification of relevant authorities.

By involving the OOD right away, the correct procedures can be initiated to manage the situation effectively. This includes activating the ship's emergency response plan, ensuring safety measures are taken for personnel onboard, and making environmental notifications. The OOD can then inform higher authorities such as the Captain and other department heads who will also need to be involved in coordinating a comprehensive response.