Who is authorized to relieve a watchstander from their duty?

The officer in charge of the watch station holds the authority to relieve a watchstander from their duty, which ensures accountability and proper oversight during watch changes. This designated authority is responsible for maintaining operational integrity and safety, as they have a comprehensive understanding of the watch's status and the tasks that need to be communicated to the incoming watchstander. By conferring this responsibility to a designated officer, the command can ensure that reliefs are conducted in a controlled and informed manner, preventing any potential oversight or confusion that may arise if others without this authority were making such decisions. The clear chain of command within watchstanding minimizes the risk of inappropriate or unqualified personnel relieving someone from duty, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of operational readiness.