As a Deck Department Duty Officer (OOW) on watch at port in 2026, your primary responsibility is the safety and security of the vessel, its crew, and its cargo. You must ensure the ship remains securely moored by frequently checking the tension of the mooring lines and the position of the gangway, especially in ports with significant tidal ranges. You are responsible for overseeing all "Hot Work" or "Bunkering" operations, ensuring strict adherence to the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) and MARPOL regulations to prevent environmental pollution. Security is a major pillar; you must monitor the gangway to prevent unauthorized access in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Additionally, you serve as the primary point of contact for port authorities, stevedores, and cargo surveyors, maintaining an accurate "Deck Log Book" that records all significant events, including weather changes, draft readings, and cargo loading rates. Your vigilance ensures that the vessel is prepared to respond to emergencies, such as fire or sudden shifts in weather, while maintaining a state of operational readiness.