Who does the SOPA refer to?

The term SOPA, which stands for Senior Officer Present Аboard, generally refers to the most senior officer on a vessel who has the authority and responsibility for command. This individual assumes leadership and safety responsibilities when the commanding officer is not present, ensuring that operations are conducted in accordance with established protocols and standards. The SOPA plays a critical role in maintaining oversight of personnel and operational activities on the ship.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately encapsulate the responsibilities denoted by the acronym SOPA. For instance, the least senior officer aboard does not hold the authority associated with the SOPA role. Similarly, while the officer in charge of operations oversees specific tasks, their duties do not equate to the higher level of authority held by the SOPA. An officer addressing personnel recalls may manage specific tasks during incidents or drills, but this does not define the overarching leadership role of the SOPA. Thus, the correct identification of SOPA as the most senior officer on board highlights the importance of senior authority in naval operations.