Who has the authority to dismantle or remove inclined or vertical ladders?

• A. Safety Officer
• B. Commanding Officer
• C. Division Safety Officer
• D. Chief Mate

Answer: (B)

The Commanding Officer has the final say over safety equipment on a vessel, including whether inclined or vertical ladders can be dismantled or removed. This authority comes from the CO’s responsibility for the ship’s safe operation and for decisions that affect crew safety and access throughout the ship. The Safety Officer and Division Safety Officer can assess hazards, document concerns, and recommend actions, but they do not have the unilateral power to remove equipment. The Chief Mate oversees deck operations and safety practices under the CO, but likewise cannot order removal without the CO’s approval. In practice, if a ladder is unsafe or no longer needed, the Safety Officer would raise the issue and propose removal, and the CO would authorize or delegate the action as appropriate.