What does the GPOW need to do if a crew member is suspected of wrongdoing?

The Gangway Petty Officer of the Watch (GPOW) has a responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and discipline aboard the vessel. When a crew member is suspected of wrongdoing, maintaining discretion is crucial to protect the integrity of the investigation and the individuals involved. Documenting observations allows the GPOW to have factual accounts of behaviors or incidents, which can be vital for reporting to superiors and addressing the issue effectively.

Reporting these observations to superiors is important because it ensures that appropriate and formal actions can be taken by those with the authority to do so. This structured approach helps to maintain order and discipline, while also preventing potential escalation of the situation.

In contrast, confronting the crew member directly could lead to unnecessary conflict or alerting them to the suspicion, which might hinder any further investigation. Informing all other crew members could lead to gossip or create a hostile environment, undermining morale and complicating any necessary fact-finding. Ignoring the behavior would likely allow the wrongdoing to continue, which could have serious implications for safety and security aboard the vessel. Thus, the chosen response is the most effective and responsible course of action for a GPOW in such a situation.