Overview
In port, the OOD is stationed on the quarterdeck, with a qualified petty officer manning the brow. The petty officer manning the brow is called the petty officer of the watch, or POOW. The POOW is in the position of managing who comes and goes, as well as security.
At sea, the officer of the deck is stationed on the bridge and is in charge of navigation and safety of the ship, unless relieved by the captain or a senior qualified line officer. The officer of the deck is assisted by the junior officer of the deck, who is in the process of qualifying as full officer of the deck, and the conning officer, who is also training to become an OOD, but is directly responsible for the maneuvering of the ship. The following positions also assist the officer of the deck on the bridge: boatswain's mate of the watch (BMOW), quartermaster of the watch (QMOW), and signalman of the watch (SMOW).
Read more about this topic: Officer Of The Deck