2400 to indicate the end of the day. Each succeeding
hour, starting at midnight, is increased by 100 (0000,
0100, 0200, and so on) until 2400 is reached, then a new
day starts.
Time is spoken in hundreds. For example, 0100
(1:00 a.m.) is spoken zero one hundred; 2000 (8 p.m.)
is pronounced twenty hundred; 2315 (11:15 p.m.) is
spoken twenty three fifteen.
Converting time on a 12-hour clock to Navy time is
an easy matter. The hours from midnight to noon arent
any problem; from noon to midnight, simply add 12
hours to the time indicated.
The ships bell may also indicate time. The bell is
struck once for each half hour, with a maximum of eight
bells. At 0830, for instance, one bell is sounded; at 0900,
or two bells; and so on until eight bells are struck at
1200. The use of this system is usually restricted to the
hours between reveille and taps.
Watch Terms
Two methods are used in identifying watches. One
method uses a descriptive name that identifies the type
of watchfor example, pier sentry. The other method
also uses a name, but it identifies the time of the watch.
Standard watch times and their names are given in the
following listing:
The dog watches permit rotation of the watches;
otherwise, personnel would stand the same watch every
day. (Usually the 1600-2000 watch is dogged only at
sea.) Normally, Sailors having the midwatch are
permitted to sleep 1 hour past reveille (late sleepers).
Often, particularly in foreign ports when extra
security precautions are required, the ships crew is
placed in two sectionsport and starboard. In such
instances, one of the normal three sections (usually the
third) is split between the first and second sections. The
resulting first section becomes the starboard section; the
second section, the port section. If the crew is divided
into four sections, the odd-numbered sections make up
the starboard section; the even-numbered ones, the port
section. The actual watches, though, conform to the
times described.
Types Of Watches
Hundreds of different types of watches are required
throughout the Navy, both under way and in-port. Most
of them are of a professional nature; that is, they are
peculiar to a specific rating or rating group. In this
chapter, you will learn about the watches that are more
or less of a security nature and that most Sailors stand at
one time or another.
Security watches are stood to prevent sabotage,
protect property from damage or theft, prevent access to
restricted areas by unauthorized persons, or protect
personnel. Security watches include sentry duty,
barracks watches, fire watches, and watches stood
under way.
WATCH OFFICERS
Some key assignments for officers in the watch
organization include the command duty officer (CDO),
officer of the deck (OOD), junior officer of the deck
(JOOD), and junior officer of the watch (JOOW).
(NOTE: Senior petty officers can qualify for some of
the officers assignments.)
Command Duty Officer (CDO)
Although an official watch stander, the command
duty officer (CDO) may be on duty for a period of
several watches. The CDO is eligible for command at
sea and is designated and empowered by the captain to
advise, supervise, and direct the officer of the deck
(OOD) in matters concerning the general operation and
safety of the ship or station.
3-4
TIME
TYPE OF WATCH
0000 to 0400
Midwatch
0400 to 0800
Morning watch
0800 to 1200
Forenoon watch
1200 to 1600
Afternoon watch
1600 to 1800
First dog watch
1800 to 2000
Second dog watch
2000 to 2400
Evening watch
Student Notes: