to handle casualties and tactical decisions is significantly reduced during the transition period between watches. The following guidelines should be followed when relieving the watch: 1. The relieving watch should be on station in enough time to become familiar with equipment conditions and the overall situation. 2. The relieving watch should make an inspection of all spaces and equipment, as required by the commanding officer, before relieving the watch. 3. The relieving watch should read the commentary sections of the ship’s deck log from the last time he or she was on watch. If continuity has been interrupted, the preceding three watches are reviewed. The relieving watch should carefully note unusual conditions, deviations from normal conditions, and other matters of importance and discuss them with the person being relieved. 4. Both the relieved watch and the relieving watch are responsible for seeing that the relieving watch is aware of all unusual conditions. These include tactical situations, equipment out of commission, outstanding orders, deviations from normal plant or equipment lineup, forthcoming evolutions, and any other matters pertinent to the watch. 5. The relief should be exercised smartly in each case under the following guidelines: a. The relief reports,  ‘‘I am ready to relieve you, sir or ma’am.” b. The person being relieved gives a status report of the watch section. c. The relief makes a tour of the watch station. 6. The person being relieved completes briefing of relief (including unexecuted orders and anticipated evolutions) and answers any questions. 7. The relief, when fully satisfied that complete information on the watch has been passed, relieves the watch by saying, “I relieve you, sir/ma’am.” 8. At this time responsibility for the watch stations shifts to the oncoming watch; and the person being relieved will state, “I stand relieved.” 9. The log is completed and signed by the offgoing OOD before leaving the watch station. Another important aspect of relieving the watch is determining what watches are being manned, who is manning them, and who they report to. Since watches are dispersed throughout the ship, this information is very important in the smooth transition from watch to watch. The oncoming OOD should be aware of the current status of the watch bill, such as authorized changes, special watches, or conditions that are different from those stated in the Plan of the Day. THE OOD IN PORT As stated in OPNAVINST 3120.32B, the in- port officer of the deck is an officer or petty officer on watch designated by the commanding officer to be in charge of the unit. The OOD is primarily responsible for the safety and proper operation of the unit. A petty officer assigned as the in-port officer of the deck has the same status as a commissioned or chief warrant officer; therefore, the orders of a petty officer assigned as OOD have the same enforcement powers. The OOD is designated in writing by the commanding officer. On most ships the OOD is required to complete the section of the surface warfare officers’ PQS that relates to the OOD in port. ORGANIZATIONAL  RELATIONSHIP OF THE OFFICER OF THE DECK The in-port officer of the deck reports directly to the commanding officer for the safety and general duties of the ship. He or she reports to the command duty officer in port (executive officer when a command duty officer [CDO] is not assigned) for carrying out the ship’s routine. The CDO has the authority to relieve the officer of the deck when necessary for the safety of the ship. The following personnel report to the in-port officer of the deck: The junior officer of the watch (JOOW) for assigned duties and watch training. The communications watch officer for the expeditious transmission and receipt of operational and general messages. The quartermaster of the watch for assigned duties. The boat coxswains, or boat officers when assigned, for the safe and proper operation of ship’s boats. 5-3