WATCH OFFICERS (1) — Term from SntMaster Dictionary

WATCH OFFICERS (1)

ScnMaster

the officers in charge of the watch, namely the Officer of the Watch and the Conning Officer. The Officer of the Watch is the ship's officer responsible for keeping the ship running inside and outside. He sees that the course is followed and reliefs occur of the wheel, etc. The Conning Officer is the one who, in the absence of the Captain, controls the course and speed of the vessel and as the senior watch officer, is responsible for its safety. Con stands for and is short for control. Whoever is directing the steering of the ship, whether the Captain or the Conning Officer on duty, is said to be "at the con." —PDC Volume 8 Approved Glossary