Who initiates the order in Standard Command Format?

• A. Helmsman
• B. Conn (the commanding officer)
• C. Navigator
• D. Watch Officer

Answer: (B)

In Standard Command Format, the person who initiates movement commands is the Conn—the officer currently responsible for the ship’s movement and steering. This is the authority on the bridge who starts the instruction to steer, change speed, or alter course. Everything begins with the con, and the helm or engine room carries out the directive.

Think of it this way: the Conn is the one with the ship’s movement authority, so orders like “Conn, steady on course 090” are issued by the person holding the con, and the helmsman or engine room responds and implements. The navigator provides course data and assists with safety checks, while the watch officer supervises the bridge team and may assume the con if delegated, but the initiator of the standard command is the person holding the con.