Question 236General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is C) Master of the vessel. The master of the vessel is responsible for ensuring that someone is assigned to close the watertight doors in an emergency. This is because the master has overall command and responsibility for the safety of the vessel and its crew. The master must ensure that proper emergency procedures are in place and followed, including the assignment of crew members to critical tasks like closing watertight doors. The other options are incorrect because the Coast Guard does not directly assign crew responsibilities on a specific vessel, the Chief Mate is a subordinate to the Master, and the Chief Engineer is responsible for the vessel's engineering systems, not necessarily the closing of watertight doors in an emergency.