What must a Deck Watch Officer verify regarding bridge equipment?

A Deck Watch Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and operational readiness of the vessel, which includes the proper functioning of all bridge equipment. Verifying the operational condition of the bridge equipment is crucial because it directly impacts the ship's ability to navigate safely and effectively. If equipment is not functioning correctly, it could lead to accidents, failures in communication, or mismanagement during critical operations.

While cleanliness, manufacturer details, and color coding may also be important in their own contexts (such as maintenance and identification), they do not carry the same immediate relevance as operational readiness. Having equipment that is clean and properly identified is valuable, but if the equipment is not operational, it poses a significant risk to the crew and the vessel's mission. Thus, the primary focus of a Deck Watch Officer should be on ensuring that all bridge equipment operates as intended before taking on responsibilities that require its use.