Question 236 Deck General

The correct answer is D) Ensure that helm and throttle orders given by the Pilot are correctly executed. This is the primary responsibility of the watch officer because when a Pilot is on board, they have the conn (control) of the vessel and are responsible for directing the navigation and maneuvering. The watch officer's role is to support the Pilot by ensuring that their orders are carried out promptly and accurately by the helmsman and engineer controlling the throttle. The watch officer should not interfere with the Pilot's decisions or countermand their orders, as that would undermine the Pilot's authority. The watch officer's focus should be on execution rather than supervision or record-keeping during the critical docking maneuver.