On a high-speed support boat, who supervises all security department watch section responsibilities?

• A. Officer of the Deck
• B. Coxswain
• C. Boatswain's Mate
• D. Executive Officer

Answer: (B)

On a small high-speed support boat, the person in command is responsible for every aspect of the vessel’s operation, including security watch duties. The coxswain serves as the boat’s commanding authority, directing helm, navigation, propulsion, and the overall readiness of the crew. Because of the limited crew and tight operating environment, the coxswain also supervises all watch sections, assigns lookouts, coordinates security procedures, and ensures those tasks are carried out properly and in coordination with the mission plan.

The other roles aren’t typically the on-board supervisor for security watches on a fast boat. The Officer of the Deck oversees deck watches on larger ships, not on a small fast boat. The Executive Officer is the ship’s senior administrator and would not directly supervise daily watch duties on a small craft. A Boatswain’s Mate assists with deck operations but does not hold the ultimate supervisory authority over security watches for the boat.