Who has overall authority in a ship fire situation?

In a ship fire situation, the overall authority is held by the Ship Captain. The Ship Captain is responsible for the safety and security of the vessel and everyone on board. This includes managing any emergencies that arise, such as a fire, and making critical decisions to ensure the safety of the crew, passengers, and the ship itself.

The Captain has complete control over the ship's operations and is in charge of implementing the ship's emergency response plans. This includes coordinating firefighting efforts and ensuring that proper measures are taken to mitigate damage and protect lives. While other agencies, such as the United States Coast Guard (USCG), may provide assistance or support during such emergencies, they do not hold the same level of authority as the Ship Captain in the immediate situation aboard the vessel.