Who is typically responsible for gathering facts during an accident investigation?

• A. Harbormaster
• B. Captain
• C. Safety officer
• D. Chief engineer

Answer: (C)

Fact gathering during an accident investigation is about collecting, recording, and preserving evidence to build an objective account of what happened. The safety officer is responsible for this because their role centers on safety management and incident investigations. They coordinate witness interviews, examine logs and records, assess conditions, and preserve physical evidence, all with an impartial approach aimed at understanding root causes and preventing recurrence. The captain is in command and can provide explanations, but formal fact-finding and documentation are typically handled by the safety officer. The harbormaster focuses on port operations, while the chief engineer concentrates on machinery and technical aspects; neither is tasked with overseeing the full fact-gathering process for an onboard accident.