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THE LOOKOUT
A lookout is a person detailed to observe everything
within an assigned sector and to report everything seen
in or heard from that sector to the officer of the deck
(OOD) and the combat information center (CIC) watch
officer. The safety and efficiency of the ship depend
to a great degree on the alertness and effectiveness of
lookouts.
Lookouts on watch are under the direct supervision
of the OOD. However, the OOD will usually delegate
this authority to the boatswain's mate of the watch
(BMOW). The BMOW assigns the lookouts to their
stations, making sure they are properly instructed,
clothed, equipped, and relieved. Lookouts are trained
in their duties by the CIC officer.
The chances are great that the lookout will be the
first to observe danger. A faint wisp of smoke on the
horizon may be the first indication of an approaching
enemy surface unit. A single flash of sunlight on a
wingtip may be the only notice of approaching enemy
aircraft that can attack at a speed of 500 yards per
second. A split-second glimpse of a periscope may be
the only warning of an impending submarine attack.
Failure to see a mere pinpoint of light on the horizon
may mean that a buoy has been missed and a ship
grounded.
LOOKOUT STATIONS
Lookouts man stations as assigned by the OOD and
perform duties under the ship's lookout doctrine. The
number of stations vary according to the type of ship
and whether in peacetime or wartime. Large ships
usually have more lookout stations than smaller ships.
More lookouts are required in wartime than in
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