log. Any unusual conditions are reported to the OOD immediately. Fire Watch The  purpose  of  a  shipboard  fire  watch  is  to immediately  extinguish  fires  caused  by  welding  or burning operations. (Burning means cutting through metal with an oxyacetylene torch.) Often two persons are assigned to this duty—one is stationed at the scene, the other in the space behind the one in which the cutting or welding is being done. Heat generated by welding or burning can pass through a bulkhead or deck and ignite material on the other side. When assigned a fire watch, you will be given a portable fire extinguisher and eye protectors, such as goggles. If you use the fire extinguisher or if the seal is broken, be sure you inform the person who issued it so that the bottle can be weighed to determine if it needs refilling. The fire watch may become boring, but you must remain alert at all times. For example, when undergoing a  shipyard  overhaul,  the  ship’s  fire  mains  may  be inoperative. The shipyard fire department then assumes responsibility for fighting shipboard fires. If you are goofing off on your watch or are absent from your station, a fire could gain considerable headway before arrival of the fire department, resulting in extensive (and unnecessary) damage to the ship and possible personnel casualties. Barracks Security Watch A security watch is maintained in all barracks for protection against fire, for the safety of personnel and material, and for carrying out routines. A security watch stander is responsible for knowing and carrying out the provisions  of  the  fire  bill,  emergency  bill,  barracks regulations, and the like. The barracks security watch stander  is  responsible  for  maintaining  prescribed standards of order and discipline. If you are standing the security watch and an officer approaches, you salute and sound off with your name and rate. The formula for sounding off may vary from place to place, but it goes something like this: “Smith, Seaman, security watch, Barracks K, Sir/Ma’am.” A barracks security watch is usually a roving one and, depending on the type of barracks, it may cover two or more wings and/or decks. You must be alert to spot any fires that may be started by personnel smoking in their bunks (which is against regulations). If you see anyone smoking in a bunk, have that person put out the cigarette. Persons returning from liberty after taps must be  prevented  from  disturbing  the  sleep  of  other personnel.  Watch  standers  have  the  additional responsibility  of  making  sure  that  unauthorized personnel don’t enter the barracks. Usually, you must report periodically to the duty officer in the barracks office or, in some instances, to the OOD by telephone. Normally, you report that all is secure; however, you must  report  all  disturbances  and  any  unusual circumstances, such as illness or mishap. You may also have to enforce taps and hold reveille. In the event of a fire, your duties are to do the following: 1.  Report  the  fire.  (Know  the  fire  department number and the locations of the fire alarms.) 2.  Spread the alarm—pass the word. Ensure all personnel except fire parties are clear of the area. 3.  If time permits, close doors and windows to confine  the  fire  and  prevent  drafts.  Do  not endanger yourself or others in this effort. 4.  Fight  the  fire  if  possible,  using  the  proper equipment  at  hand  to  extinguish  the  fire, pending the arrival of the fire department. SENTRIES Sentries are required at a number of locations, such as at gates to military bases, aboard ship, along a fence, or in a hangar. Although our discussion concerns a sentry walking a post, the same provisions apply to other types of sentry watches. S e n t r i e s   a r e   g o v e r n e d   b y   t w o   t y p e s   o f orders—general and special. General orders (which do not change) cover situations of a routine nature common to most sentry posts. Special orders cover a certain time or situation peculiar to a particular post and are issued in addition to the general orders. Special orders may be written or verbal. Usually, written orders are issued by 3-7 Student Notes: