What is the responsibility of the OOD when the CO is absent?

The responsibility of the Officer of the Deck (OOD) when the Commanding Officer (CO) is absent primarily includes reporting to the Command Duty Officer (CDO). This is crucial because the CDO takes on the higher-level command responsibilities in the absence of the CO, ensuring that the ship's operations continue smoothly and safely. The OOD acts as the representative of the CO and must ensure that all standing orders and instructions are followed, but when the CO is not present, they must keep the CDO informed of significant events and situations aboard the ship. This coordination is essential for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring compliance with the chain of command.

While the other options involve duties and responsibilities relevant to a ship's operation, they do not specifically pertain to the role of the OOD in the context of an absent CO. Commanding the ship directly is the responsibility of the CO, not the OOD. Maintaining vessel logistics and coordinating with security forces, while important tasks, typically fall under different roles or involve collaboration with other officers rather than direct responsibility of the OOD in the absence of the CO. Thus, the OOD's primary duty in this context is to establish communication and report to the CDO.