the captain, navigator, or officer of the deck, and never touch  them. Although most binocular glass has been treated to reduce glare, there are times when the direct rays of the sun are so strong that even with treated glass, it is almost impossible  to  distinguish  shapes  and  colors.  To overcome  this  handicap,  binocular  glass  usually  has colored lens filters, which can be inserted over the regular lenses, greatly reducing the glare. Your efficiency with optical equipment, the same as with   anything   else,   will   greatly   improve   with knowledge  and  practice. The care of binoculars: Your binoculars are your most  important  single  piece  of  equipment.  They  will  do a top-notch job for you if you use them properly; otherwise, they will only hinder you. Here are some suggestions: Treat them carefully. They are fragile and will break or get out of adjustment if handled roughly. Keep them “short-strapped" around your neck when in use so that they do not dangle and get knocked against ladders or the rail. Do not leave them in the sun; and do not expose them to sudden changes in temperature. The cement between the lenses will crack if you do. Above all, keep your binoculars clean! You would not drive with a dirty windshield; likewise, you should not scan with dirty binocular lenses. Both situations are dangerous! To get best results in cleaning lenses, (a) blow off the loose dust; (b) breathe on the lenses to moisten them (never breathe on the glass in freezing weather); (c) use lens tissue, or other soft, clean tissue to wipe your lenses (never use your sleeve or your handkerchief or anything that has the slightest amount of grit or grease on it). With a circular motion, gently rub the surface of the lenses until they are dry and clean. To remove grease, moisten the cleaning tissue slightly with  alcohol. When your binoculars are not in use, see that they are  properly  stowed. FOUL  WEATHER  GEAR Under the best of conditions, the lookout's job is tough  enough.  But  in  rough  weather,  things  can  get really rugged. For this reason you have special types of foul weather gear. Navy issue on most ships is a special suit with hood and mask. In addition, you will have a life jacket. But the most important part of all is up to you: Make sure you dress warmly; you cannot perform your duties efficiently if you are cold and wet. BREAKDOWN   AND MAN-OVERBOARD EMERGENCIES LEARNING OBJECTIVE: List and identify shipboard  emergency  signals. Emergencies aboard ship can be dangerous to you and to your shipmates if the emergencies are not discovered and reported immediately and if each person does not know exactly what to do and how to proceed. For  this  reason,  breakdowns  and  man-overboard situations, although not watches in the strict meaning, could be considered permanent watches to be stood by all hands at all times. It is the responsibility of all hands-including you as a Seaman-to serve at all times as a lookout for either of these emergencies. The captain of your ship requires that all hands be trained by frequent drills to meet these situations. Do not look lightly on this training; loss of your own life and that of your friends could be the price of inattention. Breakdown and man-overboard situations require extremely rapid action on the part of the officer of the deck and assistants to the OOD. You should always consider yourself one of these assistants while aboard ship. Saving the life of a person overboard depends on the speed with which rescue action is taken. The captain, executive officer, and OOD must be notified immediately  of  either  emergency. BREAKDOWN SIGNALS The breakdown flag is the FIVE flag. It is kept made up for breaking at the foretruck, ready to be broken should any breakdown of equipment vital to the ship's running or steering occur during daylight hours. When broken (flying free), it warns other ships to keep clear  of  the  disabled  ship.  When  a  breakdown  is discovered  during  daylight  hours,  the  following procedure  is  put  into  effect  immediately: 1.   The five flag is displayed (Navy use only). 2. Two black balls are hoisted. 3. Six or more short blasts are sounded on the whistle. Two red lights in a vertical line are displayed to signal a breakdown at night, in lieu of the five flag and the two black balls. 2-20