What should the Officer of the Deck do in response to a security alert?

When a security alert occurs, the primary responsibility of the Officer of the Deck is to ensure that the relevant information is effectively communicated to those who need to know in order to manage the situation appropriately. Passing the word to the affected space is crucial because it allows personnel in that area to take immediate defensive actions or prepare for potential threats. This direct communication ensures that those most vulnerable or directly impacted by the alert can respond according to established protocols.

Additionally, while notifying the crew via the PA system or sealing access points may seem necessary, they are typically part of a coordinated and subsequent response after the initial alert is communicated specifically to those directly involved or affected. The full security sweep may be conducted later but is not the immediate first step in response to an alert. Thus, passing the word to the affected space aligns with both the urgency of the situation and the need for a tailored response.