What actions does a POOW take upon discovering a fire onboard?

The actions taken by a Petty Officer of the Watch (POOW) upon discovering a fire onboard are critical for ensuring the safety of personnel and the vessel. Activating alarms serves to alert others on the ship about the emergency, which is vital for initiating a coordinated response. Notifying the Officer of the Deck is essential because the Officer will have the authority and responsibility to direct the overall response to the emergency, including delegating tasks and mobilizing resources. Initiating firefighting procedures as per training ensures that the POOW can effectively combat the fire while minimizing personal risk and optimizing the chance of successful suppression.

These measures are grounded in standard emergency response protocols, emphasizing the importance of prompt communication and action to protect lives and property onboard. The other options do not align with established safety protocols: leaving the area could endanger others and result in inadequate firefighting efforts; waiting for someone else could lead to a delay that exacerbates the situation; and documenting the fire with pictures would be inappropriate and hazardous while immediate action is needed to control the fire.