Who is responsible for implementing the Waste Management Plan on ocean-going vessels?

The captain bears the ultimate responsibility for implementing the Waste Management Plan on ocean-going vessels. This role includes ensuring that all crew members understand and adhere to the procedures outlined in the plan, which is crucial for complying with environmental regulations and protecting marine ecosystems. The captain is tasked with overseeing all operations aboard the vessel, including waste management activities, making decisions to promote sustainability, and ensuring that waste is handled correctly to prevent pollution.

While the crew is involved in executing these plans, the captain leads and supervises their actions. The vessel owner, although instrumental in providing resources and establishing policies, typically delegates this responsibility to the captain during the vessel's operation. Passengers do not have responsibilities under the waste management plan; their role is primarily to follow instructions provided by the crew. This delineation of responsibilities ensures that waste management is handled efficiently and effectively while adhering to legal requirements.