Which of the following positions does NOT have direct responsibility for navigation?

The Executive Officer (XO) typically oversees the operations and administration of a vessel, but does not have direct responsibility for navigation. The primary navigation responsibilities lie with the Officer of the Deck (OOD), who is specifically tasked with the safe navigation and operation of the ship. The Helm Safety Officer ensures that the helm is operated safely, which relates to navigation but does not involve making navigational decisions. The Tactical Action Officer (TAO) is responsible for tactics and decision-making related to combat situations, which includes navigational considerations but does not inherently involve direct navigation responsibilities.

In contrast, the XO's role is more about ensuring overall safety and efficiency, focusing on crew management and operational readiness, rather than the specific navigational duties required by the others. This distinction highlights why the XO does not directly participate in navigation tasks, making this the correct choice.