When facing excessive list, who should be notified to investigate?

Notifying the designated duty engineer when facing an excessive list is essential because they are specifically trained to assess and manage the ship's stability and fluid systems. The duty engineer has the expertise to investigate the potential causes of the list, which may involve checking ballast tanks, fuel management, and other mechanical systems that could contribute to the vessel's stability.

Addressing stability issues is crucial for safety, and the duty engineer's technical background positions them to implement corrective measures effectively. Understanding the interplay between weight distribution and the vessel's trim is vital, which is part of the engineering knowledge the duty engineer possesses.

In contrast, while the duty officer of the watch plays a significant role in operational management and may recognize the issue, they may not have the specialized knowledge required to address technical aspects directly related to the list. Notifying crew members on watch is important for overall situational awareness and safety, but they also do not typically have the technical skills needed for an in-depth investigation. The docking authority, while responsible for the safe docking of the vessel, would not be the appropriate choice for immediate intervention in cases of excessive list that requires engineering insight.