Which officer serves as the Commanding Officer's direct representative on the bridge?

The Officer of the Deck (OOD) acts as the Commanding Officer's direct representative on the bridge, responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the ship while at sea. This includes making decisions that affect the vessel's navigation, watchstanding, and communications with other vessels or shore authorities. The OOD has the authority to carry out the Commanding Officer's orders and is tasked with ensuring that the ship's actions align with the Commanding Officer's intent.

In this role, the OOD needs a thorough understanding of navigation, seamanship, and ship operations to effectively oversee the watch and respond to any issues that may arise. Additionally, the OOD stands ready to inform the Commanding Officer of any significant events or decisions that could impact the ship’s mission or safety.

While there are other officers on watch, such as the Junior Officer of the Deck, Boatswain's Mate of the Watch, and Quartermaster of the Watch, their roles are supportive to the OOD. The JOOD assists the OOD in various tasks; the BMOW supervises the deck’s watch team and the execution of routine operations; and the QMOW maintains navigation equipment and provides navigation information, all of which serve the broader mission coordinated through the OOD's leadership