Who is typically in command of a ship at sea?

• A. The captain or commanding officer.
• B. The cook.
• C. The navigator.
• D. The bosun.

Answer: (A)

The person in command of a ship at sea is the captain or commanding officer. This role holds the ultimate authority on the vessel, responsible for the ship’s safe operation, navigation decisions, crew welfare, and compliance with laws and regulations. The captain makes final calls on course, speed, and key operations, and signs official orders representing the ship. Other crew members have essential duties under that authority—such as the cook handling meals, the navigator planning the route, and the bosun supervising deck work—but they do not hold overall command.