How frequently must the disbursing officer afloat balance cash funds?

The correct choice is that the disbursing officer afloat must balance cash funds weekly. This requirement is in place to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial transactions conducted on board. Weekly balancing allows for timely detection of discrepancies or errors, which is crucial in maintaining accountability and transparency in the management of cash funds.

Frequent balancing ensures that any issues can be addressed promptly, minimizing the potential for financial mismanagement or fraud. It also ensures that the ship’s financial records remain up-to-date, which is essential for effective budgeting and planning.

While balancing cash funds daily might seem beneficial for accuracy, the operational realities of deploying personnel and other duties make a weekly schedule more practical without sacrificing accountability. Balancing less frequently, such as monthly or quarterly, could lead to greater risks of error or oversight, making them less practical standards in an afloat environment.