subordinates to further delegate signature authority. Subdelegated signature authority may be delegated to the  lowest  responsible  person  whose  position  is reasonably related to the function involved. The CO must delegate signature authority in writing and should delegate to titles rather than names. When delegating signature authority, the CO should include a brief outline of the types of documents involved. The CO may delegate signature authority in the unit organization manual or instruction. Authorized personnel may sign correspondence  that  falls  within  their  areas  of responsibility, unless good judgment calls for the signature of a higher official. When subordinates sign documents under delegated authority, they usually sign “By direction.”  The following are a few examples of signature authority that may be delegated to the leading petty officer.    Signing or initialing of all service record pages except Page 1 (DD Form 4 or NAVPERS 1070/601) and DD Form 214    Signing  of  special  request  chits  recommending or not recommending approval    Signing of various 3-M documents, such as the weekly  schedule,  the  automated  work  request (AWR), and requests for repair parts The   Department of the Navy Correspondence Manual gives specific guidance on signature authority. Watch Standing 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:    Assist  the  OOD  and  the  junior  officer  of  the watch   (JOOW)   and   supervise   and   instruct sentries and messengers.    Wear   the   prescribed   uniform   and   ensure orderliness of watch-standing equipment during each morning watch.    Carry  out  the  daily  routine  and  orders  as  the OOD may direct.    Notify the OOD and the JOOW of any changes in the weather or changes in barometric pressure readings  of  0.04  inch  or  more  in  any  one  hour. The quartermaster of the watch, when assigned, will assume this responsibility.    In all classes of submarines, hourly observe and log   draft   readings.   Ensure   draft   readings   are reviewed periodically by the in-port duty officer.    Make  entries  in  the  deck  log  for  all  events  of interest as directed by the OOD. Erasures should not be made in the deck log. The quartermaster of  the  watch,  when  assigned,  will  assume  this responsibility.    Ensure  the  messenger  makes  the  calls  listed  in the   call   book   kept   on   the   quarterdeck.   The quartermaster of the watch, when assigned, will assume this responsibility.    Return  salutes  and  carry  out  the  watch  routine for the OOD or the JOOW when neither is at the gangway. 8-3 Q1. What is the minimum number of paragraphs for a unit of information in naval correspondence? 1. One 2. Two 3. Three 4. Four Q2. The CO, OIC, or person acting in either position is not required to personally sign which of the following documents? 1. Those which establish policy 2. Those which change policy 3. Ship’s deck log 4. Special liberty chit REVIEW QUESTIONS