Officer of the Deck

The watch officer in charge of the deck and the general management of the ship. When at sea, the officer of the deck directs the movements of the vessel, and follows the course laid down by the navigating officer. When entering or leaving port, the executive officer takes charge of the deck and handles the vessel. When at quarters, the navigating officer assumes charge of the deck, and the watch officer relieved takes command of his division. When in port, the officer of the deck observes that the routine of the ship is carried on, that the boats leave and return to the ship at proper times, and keeps the rough-log, entering therein an account of all happenings and work going on during his watch, makes a memorandum of the names of liberty parties leaving and returning to the ship, etc. (See Watch Officer.)