Who may need to sign the Declaration of Health?

The Declaration of Health is a crucial document that manifests the ship's compliance with health regulations and identifies any potential health concerns before entering a port. The responsibility for signing this declaration typically falls to the Captain or Master of the vessel, who is ultimately in charge of the ship and its crew. By signing the Declaration of Health, the Captain affirms the health status of everyone aboard and assures that the ship meets the necessary sanitation standards.

Additionally, the document may require the signature of the ship’s Medical Department Representative (MDR), who provides an informed assessment of health conditions on the ship. This two-tiered signature process underscores the importance of both leadership and medical oversight in ensuring public health safety.

While the other options suggest roles that may be involved in health and safety, they do not hold the primary responsibility for signing the Declaration of Health. The navigator and maritime health officer play distinct roles in the operation and regulation of the ship, but they are not the designated signatories for this document. Similarly, having all crew members sign would be impractical and unnecessary for the intent of the Declaration.