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Ensuring all required entries are made in
the deck log, and signing the log at the end
of the watch
Carrying out the routine as published in
the plan of the day, ensuring the executive
officer, CDO, and department heads are
informed of circumstances requiring
changes in routine or other action on their
part
Ensuring boats are operated safely and all
boat safety regulations are observed
Supervising the operation of the general
announcing system; the general and
chemical alarms; and the whistle, gong,
and bell
Displaying required absentee pennants,
colors, and general information signals;
and supervising the rendering of honors
Making all required reports to the CDO,
executive officer, and commanding officer
as directed by standing orders to the OOD
Supervising and conducting the on-the-job
training for the JOOW, JOOD, and the
enlisted personnel of the quarterdeck
watch
The duties of the OOD are far less complex
in port than at sea, but the in-port watch is still
a very demanding job. The OOD supervises the
quarterdeck and gangway and greets all visitors.
The OOD maintains the security of the unit,
inspects packages and liberty parties, and carries
out the ships routine. While performing all these
duties simultaneously, the OOD sometimes finds
the job overwhelming. Having complete authority
over the ship, under the CDO, enables the OOD
to control all the functions of the job.
DIVISION OFFICERS
As mentioned earlier, your first assignment
will probably be as a division officer. The size of
a division varies. Some divisions may have as few
as 5 personnel, while others may have as many
as 300. Regardless of division size, as the division
officer you will be responsible for ensuring the
division operates properly and efficiently. Some
of the duties and responsibilities of the division
officer are as follows:
Assuming responsibility for the duties
assigned to the division and for the
conduct of subordinates
Promptly reporting to the department head
repairs required or other defects needing
correction that are beyond the capabilities
of the division
Ensuring optimum material readiness
within the division
Directing the operation of the division
through leading petty officers
Supervising the performance of the work
centers within the division in carrying out
the ships maintenance and material man-
agement
Ensuring damage control equipment,
fittings, and checkoff lists in assigned
spaces are in proper working condition and
are properly labeled
These duties and responsibilities represent only
a portion of the division officers tasks. Other
responsibilities may be assigned by department
heads, the executive officer, or the commanding
officer. Many of the division officers duties are
performed daily, while others are performed less
frequently.
Sometimes you may feel you dont have
enough hours in the day to perform all of your
duties. This is where proper time management and
the effective use of your division personnel come
into play. To run your division effectively, you
have to delegate some of your authority to your
chiefs and leading petty officers. Keep in mind,
however, that while you may delegate authority,
you cannot delegate your responsibility or
accountability.
INSPECTIONS
One way the division officer can ensure the
division meets all of its requirements is by holding
inspections. By personal supervision and frequent
inspections,
the division officer can ensure
personnel satisfactorily maintain spaces, equip-
ment, and supplies assigned to the division.
Through these inspections, the division officer can
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