Which item is NOT a responsibility of the Officer Of the Deck (OOD)?

• A. Direct naval combat operations
• B. Maintain the deck log
• C. Oversee subordinate watch positions
• D. Ensure quarterdeck procedures

Answer: (D)

An Officer of the Deck is the ship’s on-watch administrator, responsible for the safe and orderly operation of the vessel from the bridge. That includes keeping the deck log current, directing and supervising the watchstanders, and coordinating actions necessary to maintain safety and security at sea or in port. The quarterdeck procedures, however, are a security and access-control function handled by the quarterdeck detail and security personnel. The OOD may oversee and enforce those procedures, but they are not considered a primary duty of the OOD to establish and maintain on a routine basis. Directing actual combat operations is a command responsibility and outside the day-to-day OOD watch role, while maintaining the deck log and overseeing subordinate watch positions are intrinsic duties of the OOD.