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CHAPTER 5
WATCH STANDING AND DRILLS
I can imagine no more rewarding
career. And any man who may be
asked in this century what he did to
make his life worthwhile, I think can
respond with a good deal of pride and
satisfaction: “I served in the United
States Navy.”
—President John F. Kennedy
After graduating from Navy recruit training, you
went on to your first school or duty station. At that time
you were probably either a seaman recruit or a seaman
apprentice. As you progressed to seaman, you learned
from others. You were trained to stand watches and
perform your job properly. As you go up in rate you will
receive additional responsibilities and authority along
with the privileges of each new pay grade. At this time
you are preparing for advancement to petty officer third
class.
Depending upon where you are stationed, you may
be assigned to any variety of positions of authority. You
even may be called upon to help in some of the training
of your shipmates. The experience and training you have
gained while moving up the advancement ladder will be
a valuable asset to you in performing your present and
future duties.
In this chapter you will study about some typical
military duties a petty officer third class will be expected
to perform.
MILITARY DUTIES OF THE
PETTY OFFICER
Learning
Objectives: Recall
the
duties
and
responsibilities of the petty officer of the watch
(POOW). Recall the importance of the ship’s deck log.
Recognize the entries in the ship’s deck log. Recognize
honors rendered to officers and officials boarding and
departing the ship. Recognize POOW responsibilities
concerning weather. Recognize POOW responsibilities
when your ship is moored or anchored. Recall the
procedures to relieve an armed watch. Identify the
names, abbreviations, and missions of major commands
within
the
Department
of
the
Navy,
shore
establishments, and operating forces. Recognize the
duties of petty officer military watches (petty officer of
the watch, master-at-arms, police petty officer, shore
patrol, etc.).
In this section you will be introduced to some of the
typical military duties of a petty officer, both aboard
ship and ashore.
PETTY OFFICER OF
THE WATCH
The POOW is the primary enlisted assistant to the
officer of the deck (OOD) when the ship is in port. The
POOW assists the OOD in carrying out the ship's daily
routine and in ensuring the security and safety of the
ship.
In this section you will be familiarized with several
areas of POOW responsibility—watch standing and
administration; quarterdeck and bridge equipment; logs,
records, and reports; security; and drills and
emergencies.
Watch Standing and
Administration
You must think about your appearance before you
take over any watch. While on watch, you are a direct
representative of the commanding officer. Your hair
should be properly maintained to Navy grooming
standards and you should wear a neat uniform.
While on watch you must ensure that the
quarterdeck area or gangway is clean, neat, and not
occupied by unauthorized personnel. The first place a
visitor sees when boarding your ship is the quarterdeck
area. A visitor’s first impression may strongly influence
thoughts about the entire ship or the Navy in general.
Always do your best to give everyone who crosses your
quarterdeck a good first impression of your command.
When assigned as the POOW, you will have the
following duties, responsibilities, and authority:
