14. Driving

In the crew hierarchy, the operating personnel are under the authority of the Commanding Officer, who has sole responsibility on board. At sea, operational authority is delegated to the officer in charge of the "navigation" watch, present at the PCNO (navigation operation control station) or on the bridge, for navigation and nautical safety. Maneuvering orders are given to the propulsion watch leader at the PCP (propulsion control station).

Operators (generally two or three in number) are responsible for propulsion on the PCP, under the authority of the Propulsion Shift Manager. One operator runs the reactor; the second runs the engine and, if necessary, a third runs the power plant and various auxiliaries. In addition, there may be rondiers on site, to take samples or operate valves.

The information and remote controls required to operate...