Section 232 in The Naval Ceremonial, Conditions Of Service And Miscellaneous Regulations, 1964
232. Command when Captain in Sick or Absent.
(1)If the Captain has ceased to exercise command whether through sickness or for any other reason, or because of absence on duty, or leave during which he will be away from the ship, the officer next in command shall assume powers and duties as though he had himself been appointed in command. In such circumstances he has full powers of punishment as Captain of the ship.(2)When the Captain, without having ceased to exercise command, is absent from his ship, the officer next in command shall be responsible for every thing done on board. He shall act as Commanding Officer for the time being and shall assume the powers necessary to carry out this duty other than the powers of punishment vested in the Captain.
