198. Who is responsible for ensuring that someone is assigned to close the watertight doors in an emergency?

The master of the vessel is responsible for ensuring personnel are assigned to close watertight doors in an emergency, as stipulated by SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 37. This responsibility stems from the master's overall authority for the ship's emergency organization and the accuracy of the muster list, which details emergency duties. While other officers may carry out or supervise these duties, the ultimate legal responsibility rests with the master.