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General Duties of the QMOW, Continued
Duties While at
Anchor
QMOW in Port
The rules for relieving the watch at anchor are the same as when under
way except that night orders aren’t signed. The OOD may be stationed
on the bridge or at the quarterdeck. An anchor watch stationed on the
forecastle reports how the anchor is tending and the amount of strain on
the anchor chain.
Fixes are taken from available objects. A combination of visual and
radar fixes are used when suitable lighted aids are unavailable. Fixes
are normally taken on the hour and l/2 hour. However, once again the
navigator is responsible for determining the frequency of fixes. On
many ships, fixes are taken every 15 minutes when winds of more than
30 knots are present. The anchor watch report is obtained at the time of
each fix and reported to the OOD. You are also required to maintain a
close watch of any shipping traffic in the area. If any ship anchors
within 2,000 yards of your own ship, make a report to the OOD.
If, at any time, the ship plots outside of the drag circle or you suspect
the anchor of dragging, immediately inform the OOD. You must begin
fixing the ship’s position continously until directed to resume normal
fixes by the CDO or navigator.
Radio Communications: You may be required to monitor R/T and
VHF circuits. You should receive specific directions on which circuits
you must guard. Always take appropiate action as required on any
messages received over the circuits, and properly maintain the required
logs.
While in port, your major responsibility is to hold morning and evening
colors and turn on and off inport lights. To start the day, you observe
sunrise and secure inport lights. At 0745, arrive on the bridge to
execute morning colors. At precisely 0755, SOPA will hoist PREP at the
Dip, you will announce over the 1 MC "FIRST CALL, FIRST CALL
TO COLORS." At 0800 SOPA will close up PREP and sound one
whistle blast over the one MC, you will do the same. After the
National Anthem is finished playing, SOPA will haul down PREP and
sound three whistles and once again you’ll do the same. Immediately
after evening colors is executed, turn on inport lights. The duty SM is
responsible for posting PREP on your ship.
You may be tasked from time to time with gathering weather or
navigational data for the CDO.
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