Who works closely with the conning officer during navigation?

The Quartermaster of the Watch (QMOW) plays a crucial role in navigation as they are responsible for maintaining the ship's course and ensuring accurate positioning. The QMOW works closely with the conning officer, who oversees and directs the ship's navigation, by providing navigational information and keeping track of the vessel's position, course, and speed. This collaboration is vital during navigation, as the QMOW's input assists the conning officer in making informed decisions about heading adjustments and avoiding hazards.

In this context, the other roles such as the Helmsman, Boatswain's Mate of the Watch (BMOW), and Officer of the Deck (OOD) also hold important responsibilities but do not work as directly in conjunction with the conning officer for navigational tasks. The Helmsman is responsible for steering the ship as ordered by the conning officer, the BMOW oversees the deck operations and assists the OOD, and the OOD is responsible for the overall operation of the ship and may be involved in navigation but is typically higher in command than the QMOW. Thus, the most appropriate answer relating to direct navigation support is the QMOW.