Section 217 in The Naval Ceremonial, Conditions Of Service And Miscellaneous Regulations, 1964
217. Flag or other Officer in Command of a Fleet, of a Flotilla, of a Squadron or of an Area.
(1)A Flag or other officer who is appointed in command of a fleet, of a flotilla, of a squadron or of an area shall assume the title of the command when he has relieved his predecessor and taken over his duties.(2)(a)In the event of the absence or sickness of the Flag or other officer in command of a fleet, of a Flotilla or a squadron, command shall devolve upon the next senior executive officer of that fleet, flotilla or squadron as the case may be, (Short title SOPA).(b)In the event of the absence or sickness of the Flag or other Officer in command of an area, command shall devolve upon the next senior executive officer in the port where he is stationed (not the area).
