Conn

The Conn

Giving the Conn or the Command: You have the Conn. Is a recognized standardized command given on aUnited Stars Space Ship. All space going Vessels that are designated as Ship civilian or military with an active Union registry must have at least one sentient being on the bridge, regardless where the ship might be. (Landed, in Dock or under way). The person on the bridge has the Conn and is in Charge of the ship and has the authority to give Command Officer Orders to anyone aboard (save the Captain) including higher ranking officers. The Officer at the Conn has these responsibilities until properly relieved. The second a Captain Steps off the Bridge a Conn Officer must be assigned, either automatically by standing roster orders or by verbal command of the Commanding Officer. The Captain can designate anyone to be the Officer of the Conn, regardless of rank or position, but the Captain is ultimately responsible for any and all orders and actions given and done. The specific tasks and duties of an Officer of the Conn are slightly different from Organization to Organization and of course from Ship to Ship. The Con Officer can be released by any senior command Officer but it must be done properly, unless the Captain of a Ship specifically has standing orders that only he can relieve the Conn Officer (As for Example Admiral Stahl was famous while he was a Captain) Having the Conn has wide ranging implications both legally and physically. The Responsibilities of the Conn Officer do not extend past direct ship operations and must follow the guidelines and orders given by the Commanding Officer.

The CONN comes from the word “Conning tower" Having the Conn means being in control of the Ship. The CO (Commanding Officer) cannot be on duty 24/7 and the bridge of any ship that is not decommissioned (in the US Navy) must be manned. Therefore the Captain or the Duty roster determines who has the Conn while the Captain is not on the Bridge. The second the Captain steps from the Bridge (even for a Bathroom break) someone else will then have the Conn