Coast Guard Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

The position responsible for maintaining the watch schedule on a ship is the Boatswain’s Mate of the Watch (BMOW). The BMOW plays a crucial role in ensuring that the vessel operates smoothly during their watch by overseeing the watch team and coordinating various tasks. This includes managing the rotation and duties of the crew members on watch, ensuring that all operational responsibilities are fulfilled.

In addition to managing the schedule, the BMOW acts as a link between the watch team and the officer on duty, communicating important information and ensuring adherence to procedures. This role is essential for maintaining safety and efficiency while the ship is at sea, thus highlighting the BMOW's significance in the watchkeeping structure.

The other positions listed have distinct responsibilities: the Master at Arms primarily focuses on maintaining order and discipline aboard the ship, the First Mate assists the captain and may oversee specific operations but does not directly handle the watch schedule, and the Chief Engineer manages the engineering department and machinery onboard, which, while vital, is separate from the duties associated with watchkeeping.