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Figure 1-4.—Typical afloat safety organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE LOCAL
SAFETY PROGRAM
The chain of command manages the local safety
program, since that is a command responsibility. Each
command level and supervisory level has
responsibilities for supervising both routine and
specialized tasks.
The commander, commanding officer, or officer in
charge has ultimate responsibility for safety matters
within his or her unit. He or she appoints a safety officer
or safety manager to help carry out day-to-day
safety-related activities. The duty of the safety officer
or safety manager is to make sure all personnel
understand and strictly enforce all prescribed safety
precautions.
Afloat, the safety organization extends from the
commanding officer down to the most junior sailor.
Each department and division on board ship has safety
program responsibilities. Ashore, although bases and
tenant commands are staffed with military or civilian
safety professionals, the safety organization includes
every worker.
AFLOAT SAFETY ORGANIZATION
U.S. Navy Regulations charges commanding
officers with absolute responsibility for the safety,
well-being, and efficiency of their commands. The
surface ship or submarine safety officer reports directly
to the commanding officer on safety matters. The safety
officer reports to the executive officer about
administrative matters. The safety officer assignment
may be a primary or collateral duty, depending on the
type of ship and its size.
The commanding officer assigns a collateral duty
safety officer on all submarines and surface ships with
a crew of less than 500 personnel. All aircraft carriers;
amphibious assault ships—general purpose (LHA),
multipurpose (LHD), and helicopter (LPH); and fast
combat support ships (AOEs) assign a line officer as the
primary duty safety officer. Repair ships (ARs),
destroyer tenders (ADs), and submarine tenders (AS)
assign an industrial hygiene officer as the primary duty
safety officer. Aircraft carriers—both multipurpose
(CVs) and nuclear propulsion (CVNs)—assign an
industrial hygiene officer as the assistant safety officer.
Readiness groups and squadrons serve in a primary duty
billet as the staff safety officer.
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