What is the first step when coordinating shipboard emergency drills?

When coordinating shipboard emergency drills, notifying the Command Duty Officer (CDO) before starting the drill is the first crucial step. This step is important because the CDO is responsible for the overall safety and security of the ship while in port. Informing the CDO ensures that they are aware of the drill, allowing them to manage resources effectively, maintain ship readiness, and ensure that other operational activities are not disrupted during the drill.

Additionally, notifying the CDO helps in coordinating response efforts across different departments and can provide an opportunity for the CDO to participate or observe the drill, ensuring that it is conducted in a manner that meets safety standards and training objectives.

While other actions like raising flags, checking fire extinguishers, and gathering all crew members are important parts of the drill process, they come after confirming the CDO is informed and approving the drill to proceed. This ensures that the exercise is conducted within the operational framework established on board, contributing to a disciplined and effective training environment.