Who provides written permission to conduct working aloft?

• A. Officer of the Day
• B. Commanding officer
• C. Safety officer
• D. Supervisor

Answer: (A)

In this context, the person who authorizes written permission to conduct work aloft is the Officer of the Day. On a vessel, the OOD is the officer in charge of deck operations and safety during the watch, responsible for approving tasks that involve heights, rigging, or exposed work. They issue a formal permit to work to ensure everything is prepared and safe: the area is secured, weather and conditions are suitable, fall protection and rescue plans are in place, and all involved personnel know the plan and lines of communication. While the Commanding Officer holds overall authority, day-to-day authorization for aloft work is delegated to the OOD. The Safety Officer regulates safety policy and risk control but does not typically grant the actual written permit, and a Supervisor can oversee the task but cannot provide the formal authorization.