QUESTION 2.7.2

Authority, reporting lines and DPA access

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGBridge, Cargo Control Room, Engine Control Room, Interview - Rating, Interview Senior Officer

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether the SMS clearly defines shipboard authority and shore communication, and whether officers and ratings know whom to contact, including the Designated Person Ashore, for routine, urgent and safety-critical matters.

Ready onboard

0/7 complete

ORGANISATIONCurrent ship and shore organisation charts identify roles, reporting lines and deputies.MASTER AUTHORITYThe SMS states the Master's overriding authority and responsibility to make safety and pollution-prevention decisions.DPA DETAILSThe DPA's identity, role and direct contact details are posted or accessible to all crew.ESCALATIONRoutine, urgent, emergency, compliance and confidential reporting routes are distinguished.FAMILIARITYJunior officers and ratings understand the contacts relevant to their position, not only department heads.CHANGESCrew are informed promptly when shore personnel, DPA or contact details change.TESTINGCommunication drills, familiarisation or interviews confirm that contact arrangements work.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Who is the DPA and when would you contact that person?

State the current identity, direct access route and role in monitoring safety and pollution-prevention and ensuring adequate shore support.

2Can a rating contact the DPA directly?

Explain the company's direct-access arrangement; the DPA route must not be blocked by the normal hierarchy when safety support is needed.

3What is the Master's overriding authority?

The Master may make decisions necessary for safety and pollution prevention and request company assistance under the SMS.

4Who is the shore contact for a technical defect outside office hours?

Use the current duty roster or emergency contact system and distinguish it from the DPA's function.

5How are changes to contact details controlled?

Update controlled lists and postings, distribute the revision and verify crew awareness.

Where an observation may arise

UNCLEAR AUTHORITY

The SMS does not clearly define shipboard and shore authority or reporting lines.

DPA UNKNOWN

An officer or rating does not know the DPA's identity, role or direct contact route.

STALE CONTACT

Posted or electronic contact details are outdated.

MASTER AUTHORITY

The Master's overriding authority is absent or not understood.

NO AFTER-HOURS ROUTE

Personnel cannot identify a functioning urgent shore contact.

HIERARCHY BARRIER

The reporting system prevents direct escalation of a serious safety concern.

Master's practical note

Ask a rating and a junior officer independently whom they would call if normal departmental reporting failed. Memorising the DPA's name is less important than understanding direct access and when to use it.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: The DPA is not a replacement for emergency services or every technical duty contact. The SMS should distinguish immediate emergency communication, routine management and the DPA's independent safety-support function.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 2.7.2
ISM Code sections 4 and 5
IACS Recommendation No. 41, Guidance for IACS Auditors to the ISM Code

Last reviewed: 2026-09-09