[LonePalm]

The Officer of the Deck(Underway) is the Captain's direct representative on watch. He has effective command of the ship during his four hour watch.

OOD qualification is a demanding process and not given lightly by a CO. He is trusting you with his ship, his career, and the lives of his crew.

"Ceterum censeo Islam esse delendam."

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)

[Bigg Red]

What level in the hierarchy would be required for an officer to be given such a responsibility? (Sorry, I just have no knowledge of military structure in any of the service branches.)