Which crew member maintains the deck log while underway?

The Quartermaster of the Watch (QMOW) is responsible for maintaining the deck log while the vessel is underway. This important role involves recording significant events, navigation details, and any other relevant activities that occur during the watch.

The deck log serves as an official record that can be referred to for various purposes, including legal accountability or review in case of incidents. The QMOW also assists in ensuring that navigational information is accurately documented, which is crucial for safe operations. This role requires attention to detail and familiarity with navigational practices, making the QMOW ideally suited for this responsibility.

The other crew members listed have distinct roles that do not specifically involve maintaining the deck log. The Officer of the Deck oversees the overall operation of the ship while on watch; the Helmsman Control Officer is responsible for steering the ship; and the Engineering Officer of the Watch focuses on the engine room operations and engineering systems. Therefore, while all these positions are vital for the safe operation of the vessel, it is the QMOW who is tasked with the crucial duty of keeping the records in the deck log.