Who designates the Officer of the Day (OOD) when underway?

The designation of the Officer of the Day (OOD) when a vessel is underway falls under the authority of the Commanding Officer. The Commanding Officer holds the ultimate responsibility for the operations and safety of the ship and its personnel. By designating the OOD, the Commanding Officer ensures that there is a trusted individual assigned to oversee the ship's operations during specific periods, particularly when the vessel is navigating through potentially hazardous environments or when critical decisions need to be made.

This designation is crucial for maintaining order and ensuring that a qualified individual is present to respond to any emergencies or operational needs while underway. The OOD acts as a representative of the Commanding Officer, carrying out their orders and ensuring that the crew adheres to the policies and procedures established by the Commanding Officer.