It's OK 411A, SM known nothing of aviation, command responsibility, or safety in particular. Bolding mine.
I'm now slightly worried about what militaristic, heirarchical culture you operator has.
Every thing 411A says in his post is backed by the regs, at least in Oz, and I'm sure by every other regulator.
Australian CAR 224
Pilot in command
(1) For each flight the operator shall designate one pilot to act as pilot in command.
Penalty: 5 penalty units.
(1A) An offence against subregulation (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Note For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(2)
A pilot in command of an aircraft is responsible for:
(a) the start, continuation, diversion and end of a flight by the aircraft; and
(b) the operation and safety of the aircraft during flight time; and
(c) the safety of persons and cargo carried on the aircraft; and
(d) the conduct and safety of members of the crew on the aircraft.
(2A) A pilot in command must discharge his or her responsibility under
paragraph (2) (a) in accordance with:
(a) any information, instructions or directions, relating to the start,
continuation, diversion or end of a flight, that are made available,
or issued, under the Act or these Regulations; and
(b) if applicable, the operations manual provided by the operator of
the aircraft.
(3)
The pilot in command shall have final authority as to the disposition of
the aircraft while he or she is in command and for the maintenance of
discipline by all persons on board.