Safety is a command responsibility and should be carried out through the chain of command. Each level of command has responsibilities, both in training and in day-to-day supervision of both routine and specialized tasks. The safety program itself does not make a unit or crew safer; rather, the planned and coordinated activities of the crew acting as teams and subteams within the framework of the safety program make them safer. The  commanding  officer  has  the  ultimate responsibility for all safety matters within the unit. To  provide  day-to-day  staff  assistance,  the commanding  officer  appoints  a  safety  officer. Using policies and goals established by the commanding officer, the safety officer formulates a safety program based on the  SORN a nd directives of higher authority. The safety officer monitors the crew’s activities and exercises the coordination necessary to make all hands aware of the program and to keep it vital. The evalua- tion of the results of the program provides the commanding officer with a report about the progress of the command’s mishap prevention goals. It also provides a report on the effectiveness of the unit’s safety program. SAFETY  ORGANIZATION The standard unit organization for carrying out a safety program is based on chapter 7 of the Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (OPNAVINST  3120.32B). To coordinate monitoring and evaluating efforts of the safety program without relieving personnel of assigned responsibilities, activities should establish a safety organization. The safety organization should be established following the guidelines in figure 8-2. The purpose of this organization is to monitor mishap prevention standards and to evaluate the effectiveness of the safety  program.  The  safety  organization  also coordinates the distribution of safety information regarding general mishap prevention, motor vehicle safety, and recreational safety. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADMINISTRATIVE/WATCH ORGANIZATIONS AND THE SAFETY  ORGANIZATION The primary responsibility for safety lies in the chain of command and rests with the appropriate members of the administrative and watch organizations. Members of the safety organiza- tion have clear-cut responsibilities with regard to monitoring and evaluating mishap prevention. However, that in no way relieves the members of the administrative and watch assignments for which they are responsible. THE SAFETY OFFICER The  safety  officer  is  directly  under  the executive officer in the chain of command regarding  the  safety  program.  However,  this person  has  direct  access  to  the  commanding officer in matters of safety. Normally, the safety officer  has  department  head  status  and  is responsible for enacting a comprehensive safety program. This program is based on objectives established by the commanding officer. The safety officer is responsible for promoting maximum cooperation in safety matters at all levels and ensuring wide distribution of safety information. The  safety  officer  is  also  responsible  for monitoring the timely submission and accuracy of safety reports and for maintaining appropriate safety records and statistics. The safety officer may be military or civilian and the head of a safety department, depending on the size and mission of the command. The safety officer collaborates with all depart- ment heads and departmental/divisional safety officers in matters concerning safety. Department Safety Officer The department safety officer keeps the department head advised on the status of the department safety program within the unit. The department safety officer also performs the following duties: • • • • Performs mishap prevention functions as the department head may assign Acts as the departmental point of contact for coordinating and evaluating the ship’s safety program Ensures  correction  of  all  hazardous conditions revealed by safety hazard reports Maintains records of mishaps and safety hazards within the department, and main- tains direct liaison with the unit safety officer 8-8