Whose permission is required before making general announcements?

The requirement for permission to make general announcements falls under the authority of the Officer of the Deck (OOD). The OOD is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the ship while on watch, and this includes managing communication throughout the vessel. It is critical for announcements to be monitored and coordinated to maintain order and clarity, especially in potentially sensitive situations.

General announcements can affect all personnel on board, and having a designated authority like the OOD ensures that communication is appropriate and authorized. This oversight helps prevent misinformation or unauthorized announcements that could cause confusion or panic. Thus, the OOD must grant permission for general announcements, reflecting their role as the key point of contact for operations during their watch.