If there is a Mayday incident, who begins the accident documentation and investigation process?

In the context of incident management, particularly during a Mayday situation, it is crucial to have a well-defined protocol for documenting and investigating accidents. The Incident Safety Officer (ISO) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that safety protocols are followed during operations, but their primary focus is on maintaining safety and managing risks at the incident scene.

The Incident Commander is responsible for overall management of the incident, including resources, strategy, and objectives, but may not directly oversee the detailed documentation and investigation processes. The Safety Officer's role, while essential, primarily revolves around assessing and mitigating hazards at the scene rather than leading documentation efforts post-incident.

In contrast, the correct choice is the Incident Safety Officer, as they are specifically tasked with initiating the documentation and investigation after a critical incident like a Mayday call. They not only ensure that proper protocols are followed during the incident response but also gather information about the incident, document findings, and facilitate the investigation process to improve future safety protocols and procedures. This focused responsibility makes them the ideal position to begin this important task.