| Author | Message | ||
     Ted Lavino Moderator Username: tlavino Post Number: 54 Registered: 01-2006 |
I've at times taken some criticism in this class for overdoing some of the organizational aspects of preparation work. I use an orientation document that describes what the crew should expect from the cruise and also what is expected of them. One area in that document centers on my creation of clear chain of command aboard, givingt clear description of the chain of command that will be in place aboard the vessel. Specifically I describe roles for the captain, student skipper and what I call the OOD, or Officer of the Deck. I'd like to start a discussion on the merits for/against having an OOD, both in the context of our class environment and also on a vessel outside the class environment. In my mind one of areas of risk aboard a vessel is not having a clear decision-making process. Some use the term "too many cooks in the kitchen". This may result in multiple decision makers (or assumed decision makers) of equal authority, with no clear path to resolve differences in opinion. What I try to do is eliminate a path with equal authority and establish a pecking order so everyone is clear on who is ultimately to be making the decision in any particular circumstance. That's not to say that input is not to be given/solicited from the crew, just that at some point when a decision is to be made, just who is to do so is clear. In practical terms, the ultimate decision-maker on board cannot be on duty at all times, and therefore delegates their authority for specific periods of time to a more junior crew member. In terms of the role of the OOD, that authority is delegated to the OOD for the period of their watch unless relieved by the student skipper or captain. During the OOD's watch the other crew have a clear chain of command, i.e. who has the decision-making authority during that particular watch. In terms of our particular set of voyages, I have the helm watch assume OOD duties giving a clear and unambiguous chain of command to the crew at all times. At the same time, there is also posted a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), one of which calls for involving the captain or student skipper in specific circumstances, i.e. there are clear exceptions to the authority delegated to the OOW by the captain. Thoughts? BTW, if you're interested in looking at the process I generally use, take a look at the documents in the 2006 Campbell's Sloop section in 214b: http://www.electricmarine.com/discus/messages/1637/4630.html?1144171006 |
