What is the term for the area where the ship's crew works and lives?

The term for the area where the ship's crew works and lives is known as the mess deck. This area serves as a communal space where sailors gather for meals and can often include areas for social activities and relaxation, reflecting the shared living conditions on a ship. The mess deck is a vital part of a ship’s social life and is where camaraderie is built among the crew.

While the galley specifically refers to the kitchen area where meals are prepared, and the bridge is the command center for navigation and ship control, neither of these constitutes the broader living and working area that the mess deck encompasses. The quarterdeck is typically used for ceremonial purposes, as well as for the boarding and deboarding of personnel. Therefore, the mess deck is the most accurate answer, as it embodies both a working and living space for the crew.