5-1 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: