1. keeps the
ship running inside and outside, sees the
course is followed and reliefs occur of the
wheel, etc. The
Officer of the
Watch is essentially a "
change noter." He is there to see the changes in
wind,
sea, current, land, ships, etc. These he calls to the
attention of the
Conning Officer (who in
turn informs the
Captain). The
Officer of the
Watch passes the
Conning Officer's (or
Captain's) orders to the
wheel and engines and gets the
steersman's and
engine room's replies and the lookouts sightings.
(FO 80) 2. purpose: keep
Conning Officer informed of vessels
situation and
condition in relation with other vessels, land, waves, and weather and be responsible for doing so. Keeps
ship on
course. Is responsible for internal
conditions of the
ship and any external changes.
(FO RS 32) Abbr. OOW.