Who is responsible for certifying the accuracy of the ship's deck log before submission to the commanding officer?

The navigator is responsible for certifying the accuracy of the ship's deck log before it is submitted to the commanding officer. This role is crucial as the navigator oversees the vessel's navigation and ensures that all movements, courses, and critical information related to the ship's operations are accurately recorded in the deck log.

The integrity of this log is essential for operational accountability, legal records, and navigation safety. The navigator's expertise in positioning, navigation, and maritime operations positions them as the most qualified individual to verify that the log entries are complete, accurate, and reflective of the ship's activities. They work closely with other personnel to gather information but bear the ultimate responsibility for its correctness.

In contrast, the engineer focuses primarily on the mechanical operations of the ship, the quartermaster assists in navigation and watch-standing duties, and the command duty officer has overall command responsibilities but may not have the specific knowledge required to ensure the accuracy of navigational records in the deck log.