The Command Duty Officer acts as the CO's representative.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only during deployments
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

The Command Duty Officer serves as the CO’s representative on the watch, authorized to enforce orders, maintain discipline, and ensure the ship’s safety and readiness in the CO’s name, especially when the CO is ashore or not immediately present. In practice, the CDO acts as the CO’s eyes and ears, coordinating with the Officer of the Deck and other watchstanders to keep operations on course and respond to daily needs or emergencies within the CO’s standing orders. Because of this delegated authority, the statement is true, and the role is not limited to deployments or described as not applicable.