Section 217(2) in The Naval Ceremonial, Conditions Of Service And Miscellaneous Regulations, 1964
(2)(a)In the event of the absence or sickness of the Flag or other officer in command of a fleet, of a Flotilla or a squadron, command shall devolve upon the next senior executive officer of that fleet, flotilla or squadron as the case may be, (Short title SOPA).(b)In the event of the absence or sickness of the Flag or other Officer in command of an area, command shall devolve upon the next senior executive officer in the port where he is stationed (not the area).
