Question 61 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for A (The Captain of the Port):** The Captain of the Port (COTP) is the authority designated by the U.S. Coast Guard with broad powers under federal law (including 33 CFR parts, which govern ports and waterways safety) to regulate maritime activities within a specific geographic port area. This authority explicitly includes the ability to manage and control the movement and safety of vessels, transfer operations (such as oil), and hazardous materials. If a vessel or facility needs to deviate from a standard procedure (an "alternate procedure") for safety or operational necessity during an oil transfer, the COTP is the sole person authorized to grant that deviation, as they bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety and security of the port. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) The Officer-in-Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI):** The OCMI focuses primarily on vessel compliance, inspections, certifications, and licensing (such as 46 CFR). While they enforce regulations regarding equipment and procedures, they generally do not have the operational authority to grant *alternate procedures* for active, ongoing port operations or transfers; that authority rests with the COTP. Often, the roles of COTP and OCMI are held by the same person, but the authority to grant operational waivers is derived from the COTP designation. * **C) The Area Commander:** The Area Commander (e.g., Commander, Atlantic Area) is a senior flag officer responsible for large geographical zones and strategic deployment of Coast Guard resources. This level of command is too high to be involved in granting routine, localized operational waivers for specific oil transfers. * **D) The nearest Coast Guard office:** This is too vague. While the request would likely be routed *through* the local sector/office, the specific legal authority and accountability for approving the alternate procedure is held by the designated individual, the Captain of the Port, not the physical office itself.