Definition(s)
Incident Commander
Individual responsible for the overall management of the response—responsible for all aspects of the response, including developing incident objectives and managing all incident operations, setting priorities, and defining the Incident Command System (ICS) organization for the particular response.
NOTE 1 Even if other positions are not assigned, the IC is always designated.
NOTE 2 The IC may assign deputies, who may be from the same agency or from assisting agencies; deputies may also be used at section and branch levels of the ICS organization.
NOTE 3 Deputies must have the same qualifications as the person for whom they work, as they must be ready to take over that position at any time.
Source: API RP 98, Personal Protective Equipment Selection for Oil Spill Responders, First Edition, August 2013. Global Standards