As an engineering department manager, what should you do if an accident occurs, injuring one of your employees?

Correct Answer: Option C — Thoroughly investigate the accident to determine the cause and take appropriate action as necessary.

Thorough investigation is mandatory to identify root causes and prevent recurrence, aligning with safety management system requirements. Dismissing employees or blocking claims is unethical and legally indefensible. A professional manager must focus on objective data collection and corrective actions to ensure the safety and compliance of the vessel.