In the case of a civil external disturbance, who should be notified first?

The appropriate first action in the case of a civil external disturbance is to notify the ship's Commanding Officer (CO) or the Command Duty Officer (CDO). This is crucial because the CO or CDO has the overall responsibility for the safety and security of the ship and its personnel. They are trained to assess the situation and determine the appropriate response.

By notifying the CO or CDO first, you ensure that the incident is handled at the highest level of authority on the ship. They can then decide whether to inform local law enforcement or military police, coordinate responses among crew members, and manage communication to prevent panic or confusion. This chain of command is vital to ensure that the response is organized and effective, minimizing risk to personnel and property.

In contrast, notifying local police or military police prematurely may lead to confusion or take away from the immediate need for leadership on board. Similarly, informing crew members on duty before notifying the CO or CDO could cause unnecessary alarm or disrupt operations before a clear plan of action is established.