Command Staff - IC Responsibilities

In Character



Commanding Officer Responsibilities

The ship's commanding officer is responsible for leading the crew and ensuring operations under their command are carried out in accordance with ship regulations, and the authority delegated to them in command. They are responsible for the welfare and morale of the crew as well.

The responsibility of the commanding officer for his or her command is absolute, except when, and to the extent to which, he or she has been relieved therefrom by competent authority, or as provided otherwise in regulations. The authority of the commanding officer is commensurate with his or her responsibility. While the commanding officer may, at his or her discretion, and when not contrary to law or regulations, delegate authority to subordinates for the execution of details, such delegation or authority shall in no way relieve the commanding officer of continued responsibility for the safety, well-being and efficiency of the entire command.

A commanding officer who departs from orders or instructions, or takes official action which is not in accordance with such orders or instructions, does so upon his or her own responsibility and shall report immediately the circumstances to the officer from whom the prior orders or instructions were received. Of particular importance is the commanding officer’s duty to take all necessary and appropriate action in self-defense of the command.

The commanding officer and his or her subordinates shall exercise leadership through personal example, moral responsibility and judicious attention to the welfare or persons under their control or supervision. Such leadership shall be exercised in order to achieve a positive, dominant influence on the performance of persons in the crew.

In general, the CO is responsible for the safety, well-being, and efficiency of the command. The commanding officer’s responsibilities include the safe navigation of the ship, condition and appearance of material and personnel, stationing of trained lookouts, and preparation of the ship for battle. COs may delegate authority in these matters, but such delegation does not relieve them of responsibility. The officer of the deck (OOD), for example, has the authority to run the ship; but if the ship has a incident, the CO and the OOD are both held responsible. The CO issues directions to the executive officer (XO).

During combat, the CO directs the ship to engage the enemy and fight to the best of its ability until the action is complete. In case of the loss of the ship, both custom and regulations require the commanding officer to ensure personnel complete abandon ship procedures. All personnel should be off the ship before the commanding officer leaves the ship. For centuries, the commanding officer has had complete authoritative power. With ultimate responsibility for the ship and everything pertaining to it, the CO obviously requires the authority to go with it. The CO must have the power to enforce prompt obedience to orders to maintain efficiency and discipline.

If the commanding officer is absent, disabled, relieved from duty, or detached without relief, the next senior line officer eligible for command in space attached to and aboard the ship assumes command. In most cases, that person will be the executive officer (XO).



Executive Officer

The Executive Officer is the direct representative of the Commanding Officer. All orders issued by him/her will have the same force and effect as though issued by the Commanding Officer. The Executive Officer will conform to and carry out the policies and orders of the Commanding Officer and shall keep him/her informed of all significant matters pertaining to the command. The Executive Officer shall be primarily responsible under the Commanding Officer for the organization, performance of duty, and good order and discipline of the entire command. He/she will recognize the right and duty of a Head of Department to confer directly with the Commanding Officer on matters specifically relating to his/her department. An officer acting as Executive Officer during the temporary absence or disability of that officer will have the same authority and responsibility as the Executive Officer; but he/she will make no change in the existing organization, unless ordered to do so, and will endeavor to have the routine and other affairs of the unit carried out in the usual manner.

ASSUMING COMMAND.
The Executive Officer will assume command should the need arise. During action, he/she will be stationed where he/she can best aid the Commanding Officer and if practicable, where he/she would probably escape the effects of a casualty disabling the Commanding Officer and yet be able to assume command promptly and effectively.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND AUTHORITY.
The Executive Officer, subject to the orders of the Commanding Officer and assisted by subordinates, will: (1) Ensure the Commanding Officer is advised of casualties, deficiencies, and anticipated difficulties which may affect operational readiness or administrative efficiency of the command. (2) Make frequent inspections in company, when practicable, with the subordinates concerned; and take remedial action to correct defects. (3) Maintain high morale within the command. The discipline, welfare, and privileges of the individuals of the command will be chief concerns of the Executive Officer; and, he/she will administer these and related matters in a just and uniform manner. (4) Pursue a program of equipment accountability and conservation, and promote consciousness within the command. (5) Keep command advised of the status of the ship's damage control readiness. Carry out the requirements of command regarding damage control training and the ship's readiness to combat all casualties which threaten the ship. (6) Prepare and maintain the bills and orders for the organization and administration of the command. (7) Assign the personnel who have completed indoctrination to departments or other major subdivisions of the command. (8) Maintain the records of personnel, except those records assigned as the responsibility of some other officer. Monitor, review, and maintain the command's private interest disclosure system, as required. (9) Supervise and coordinate the work, exercises, training, and education of the personnel command of the command. (10) Supervise and coordinate the operational plans and schedules of the command. (11) Prepare and issue a daily schedule of employment and such other advance schedules as may aid subordinates in planning their work.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS.
The Executive Officer is directly responsible to the Commanding Officer. All Department Heads and Executive Assistants report to the Executive Officer regarding internal administration of the command. The prescribed duties of the Executive Officer will not be construed to relieve a subordinate from any part of his/her assigned responsibilities.

RELIEVING PROCEDURES.
An executive officer about to be detached will prepare a comprehensive report for the Commanding Officer listing any unsatisfactory conditions within the command having the potential to affect adversely the safety, well-being readiness, fiscal integrity, or command performance and specify a proposed plan to correct them. The relieving officer will endorse this report. If the relieving Officer does not concur in the report, that officer will specify wherein the report is inaccurate or incomplete and will provide the officer being relieved the opportunity to make explanation. The relieving officer will report assumption of duty as executive officer in the endorsement. The original report of detachment and endorsement will be forwarded expeditiously to the commanding officer. A copy of the report will be retained by each of the officers.



Second Officer

A function aboard a starship, a Second Officer assumes command of the ship when both the Captain and First Officer are unavailable.

The Second Officer will cover down to assist or fill in for missing Department Head roles aboard the ship. He or she will be involved in the day to day Command of the starship the same way the Captain or First Officer are due to the small size of the crew and more hands on approach required to maintain the ship. The Second Officer may also be tasked with additional duties to help supplement the Command Team in the event additional help is needed. The Second Officer also weighs in opinions and concerns when the Captain is making decisions that affect the entire ship and crew. If the Captain and First Officer are incapacitated or killed, the Second Officer will assume command.