What do the CO's Standing Orders include regarding emergency protocols?

The CO's Standing Orders are essential directives that outline the responsibilities and actions required during various operational scenarios, particularly emergencies. Including watch relief procedures ensures that there is a seamless transition between personnel on duty, which is critical for maintaining situational awareness and readiness to respond effectively to emergencies. These procedures typically encompass aspects such as communication protocols, reporting responsibilities, and the handover of essential information regarding the ship’s status or any ongoing situations.

In contrast, instructions for cargo handling, guidelines for leisure activities, and ship maintenance schedules are important for their respective functions but do not directly pertain to emergency protocols. While they maintain overall operational efficiency and safety, they do not specifically address the immediate actions and responsibilities expected of the crew in emergency situations, which makes the watch relief procedures a vital component of the CO's Standing Orders.