Watch officer

Controlling a watercraft in shifts is called a watch . The officer in charge of the shift is the officer on watch .

A distinction is made between qualification and this current function, and a distinction is made between military and civilian vessels.

On merchant ships , the officer on watch has at least one license as a nautical officer . He can also have a captain's license without being the captain of the ship. His superior, who is permanently responsible for the entire ship, is the captain .

On military ships and boats , the officer on watch will generally have an officer rank, but this is not directly related to his authority to drive the craft. His superior, who is permanently responsible for the entire ship or boat, is the commander .

On pleasure boats and traditional sailing ships, one speaks of the watch leader instead of the watch officer.

Related topics

• Anchor Guard - the guard of an anchored ship