You are standing watch at night as the Officer of the Deck (OOD) on board a ship at anchor as a small boat approaches. You call out and ldquoBoat ahoy! and and the boat and coxswain replies an?

"Boat ahoy! We are a small craft approaching for a personnel transfer." As the Officer of the Deck, you would then verify their identity and purpose, ensuring they have permission to come alongside. You would instruct them to maintain a safe distance and prepare to receive them, while also notifying the bridge and ensuring proper communication protocols are followed.