I volunteer to go back on active duty and stand watches until we can train up some occifers in basic seamanship and ship handling. I navigated all these waters with less nag gear without a collision or grounding. I dare some one to even try hitting my DD.
Agree totally. See #47
Worked with some USN Riverenes and also some SEALs at Go Di Ha in RVN. All good guys and “good in the woods” or on the rivers and canals.
I have worked as an able bodied seaman and third officer.
The normal watch on the bridge is one licensed deck officer,
in heavy traffic, an AB on the helm, and one lookout either on the bridge or on the bow (either an AB or Ordinary Seaman).
If there is heavy traffic, the licensed deck officer (first, second, or third mate) will call the captain to the bridge who may or may not take the conn but at least will be an extra pair of eyes and monitor the radars and/or collision avoidance system.