Officer of the Deck (OOD) is a position in the United States Navy that confers certain authority and responsibility. The Officer of the Deck on a ship is the Captain's direct representative, having responsibility for the ship.

In port the OOD normally stands at the quarterdeck with the POOW at the ships brow. These two keep track of who comes and goes as well as security of the ship. They maintain the in port deck log of the ship as well.

While underway the OOD is stationed on the bridge and is in charge of navigation and safety of the ship, unless relieved by the Captain. The OOD is assisted by the Junior Officer of the Deck, who is in the process of qualifying as full Officer of the Deck, and the Conning Officer, who is also training to become an OOD, but is directly responsible for the maneuvering of the ship. There are also several enlisted persons present on the bridge as well. These crew members actually do most of the hands on work.

The Navy has a set of rules for the OOD to follow while underway. The list is pretty long and I won’t bore you with all of them. They are contained in OPNAVINST 3120.32. The OOD’s biggest task is to follow the rules of the road and also the orders of the captain.

Since the Navy treats buildings as it would a ship, shore buildings also have an OOD. Unlike a ship, this can be a senior enlisted person, such as a Senior or Master Chief.