| |
Each member of the crew is assigned to a watch
section. The number of sections varies with the number
of personnel assigned and the ship's commitment.
When word is passed that the first section (or the
second, and so on) has the watch, each member in that
section reports to his or her assigned watch station.
Watches must be relieved in ample time. Usually,
this means 30 minutes before the next watch. This time
difference is essential so the relief can receive
information and/or instructions from the person on
watch. In the case of night lookouts, this extra time
allows your eyes to adjust to night vision.
When reporting directly to the person being
relieved, a relief should say, “I AM READY TO
RELIEVE YOU.”
The person to be relieved then
passes on to the relief any pertinent instructions or
information relating to the proper standing of the watch.
When the conditions and instructions are understood by
the oncoming watch, he or she reports to the OOD,
saying “I REQUEST TO ASSUME THE DUTIES OF
(MESSENGER, PETTY OFFICER OF THE WATCH,
ETC.).” The OOD may question the relief as to the
instructions, and once satisfied, will grant permission.
The offgoing watch then reports to the OOD that he or
she has been properly relieved.
CONDITIONS OF READINESS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify the
conditions of readiness aboard ship. Explain
the duties of the messenger, including general
rules and the handling of incoming messages.
Six conditions of readiness govern the type of
watch aboard ship. Following is a brief description of
these conditions of readiness.
GENERAL DEGREES
CONDITION
OF READINESS
WATCH
1st
2nd
2nd
2nd
Special
3rd
3rd
Complete readiness for immediate
action
I
Temporary relaxation from 1st degree
for rest and for meals at battle stations
Readiness to conduct amphibious
assault operations
IE
IA
Readiness to conduct ASW operations
Readiness for limited action
Part of armament ready for immediate
action, remainder on short notice
Readiness to conduct ASW operations
for prolonged periods with all sensors
and control stations and some weapons
manned
IAS
II
IIAS
GENERAL DEGREES
CONDITION
OF READINESS
WATCH
4th
Part of armament ready for immediate
III
action, remainder at prolonged notice
5th
Peacetime cruising, no armament
IV
manned
6th
In port, peacetime, no armament
V
manned
DUTIES OF A MESSENGER
Most messenger duties are as messenger to the
officer of the deck, commonly called the OOD
messenger.
When given a message to deliver, be sure you know
exactly where to go and what to say. When you arrive at
your destination, repeat the message in the exact words
that were told to you. Always carry the messages
directly and quickly.
Before returning to the sender to report delivery of
the message, wait for a reply or until you are told there
is none.
MESSAGES
Messages for the captain of the ship or the admiral
should be delivered to the respective officer or to his or
her orderly if one is assigned.
Develop resourcefulness in tracking down people
who are not easy to locate. Report your return to the
officer of the deck; and if there was a delay in delivering
the message, tell him why.
GENERAL RULES FOR A MESSENGER
The general rules for a messenger are as follows:
1. Be in the prescribed uniform of the day at all
times.
2. Be attentive to all calls.
3. Deliver messages directly and quickly. Return
at once to the sender and report the delivery of the
message.
4. If unable to deliver a message, report this fact
at once to the sender.
5. If you are sent to an officer's or chief petty
officer's room, knock. Do not enter until you are told to
do so.
6. Before going to meals or to the head, obtain
permission from the petty officer of the watch.
1-2
|
