wartime complement, the second the peacetime
allowance (usually less than for wartime), and the third
lists the rates actually on board.
Often, cleaning stations are omitted, since they are
posted in a separate cleaning bill.
There are three columns under the BATTLE
STATIONSCondition I, Condition II, and Condition
III. Condition I is general quarters. Under Condition I all
battle stations are manned, and usually surface or air
action is imminent (about to take place). Condition I is
sometimes modified to let a few persons at a time rest on
station or to let designated personnel draw rations for
delivery to battle stations (condition IE). Condition II is
a special watch used by gunfire support ships for
situations such as extended periods of shore
bombardment. Condition III is the normal wartime
cruising watch. Normally, when cruising under
Condition III, the ships company stands watch on a basis
of 4 hours on, 8 hours off; about one-third of the ships
armament is manned in the event of a surprise attack.
Assignments to the SELF-DEFENSE FORCE vary
according to ship type. The purpose of the self-defense
force is to provide a capability for reacting to emergency
security situations aboard ship and at pierside to protect
the ship, its sensitive equipment, and its personnel.
The next column, EMERGENCY GETTING
UNDER WAY, is for use in-port when most of the crew
is ashore and the ship must get under way before
personnel can be recalled.
There are two columns under WATCH DETAIL. The
left column is for normal peacetime cruising, or
Condition IV. The number of watch sections depends on
the type of ship and the number of personnel aboard. The
right column lists the type of watch personnel will stand
in-port (Condition V). The time of the watch is posted on
a separate in-port watch list.
The SPECIAL SEA DETAIL is manned whenever
the ship leaves and enters port. Because of the critical
nature of mooring or anchoring, getting under way, and
maneuvering in restricted waters, only the most
experienced persons are assigned to these details. You
can expect to be assigned to a station, however, so that
you can learn what to do and how to do it.
The remaining columns of the WQS bill (except the
last one) show assignments to the ships emergency
bills. Always be prepared to man your emergency
station and know where to get the equipment you may
be required to provide.
For a MAN-OVERBOARD situation, you go to
quarters or some other designated place of muster if you
are not assigned a specific detail. The final column is for
assignments to such miscellaneous details as mess
cooking, MAA duty, and side boys.
Responsibilities
It is your responsibility to check the WQS bill daily.
You should check for any changes made in your
assignments and to refresh your memory for
assignments to seldom-used details (such as to a prize
crew). When abandon ship drill is held, for instance, you
should not have to take time to find out what your station
is and where it is located. A shipmates life may depend
on you to be where youre assigned to be.
WATCHES
Most of the watches in the Navy are of 4 hours
duration. Time off between watches depends on the
number of sections and the number of personnel in each
station. Normally, watches start on the even hours, such
as 0400, 0800, or 1200. However, you should arrive at
your station at least 15 minutes ahead of time to
receive any pertinent information from the person you
are relieving. Regardless of the type of watch you stand,
observe proper military bearing. Proper grooming
standards and uniform appearance is a must. Stand your
watch in strict adherence to the eleven general orders of
the sentry (covered later in this chapter). Know the
chain of command as it relates to watch standing. If
there is an emergency, its important to know who and
when to call.
Military Time
The Navy uses the 24-hour system of keeping time.
The day starts at midnight. Four numbers are used to
indicate the timethe first two digits indicate hours and
the last two show the minutes. Midnight is expressed
two ways0000 to indicate the start of the day, and
3-3
Student Notes: