Basic Watchstanding MIDN 3/C Sutton

Objectives Be able to identify the following Identify and State General Orders Recognize a Watch Bill Identify Duties of Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch Become familiar with log entry procedures Become familiar with roving procedures Importance of watch standing

General Orders Purpose To establish basic, universal guidelines for all watch standers to understand and follow

1st General Order “To take charge of this post and all government property in view.” Within the limits of your post, you have authority over all persons, regardless of rank.

2nd General Order “To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.” Similar to civilian mantra of “If you see something, say something.” Observe persons for suspicious activity

3rd General Order “To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.” Self Explanatory

4th General Order “To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse (or quarterdeck) than my own.” Ensure clarity and effectiveness of communication.

5th General Order “To quit my post only when properly relieved.” NEVER leave a post without a abandoned. Even if your relief is absent or late. Proper Procedures for Relief Sentry 1 passes all necessary information to new sentry (General Order 6) Sentry 1 stands at attention and Sentry 2 approaches. Sentry 2 salutes and says, “I have the watch.” Sentry 1 returns salute and says, “Very well. I stand properly relieved.” Sentry 2 assumes duty and Sentry 1 is free to depart.

6th General Order “To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and petty officers of the guard only.” Anyone not listed in this general order does not have authority over you while on watch. Obey orders from only those authorized to give them to watchstanders. Ensures proper communication.

7th General Order “To talk to no one except for in the line of duty.” Do not get distracted by others. Remain focused on your job.

8th General Order “To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.” “If you see something, say something.”

9th General Order “To call the Petty Officer of the Watch in any case not covered by instructions.” If instructions are not clear, ask for clarification.

10th General ORder “To salute all officers and colors and standards not cased.” Maintain proper military courtesies while on watch.

11th General Order “To be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.” Most suspicious activity happens at night due to lower visibility and fewer military members present or awake aboard ship. Do not let anyone past you without properly identifying them

Watch Bill A watch bill simply informs the command who has watch and when. A Sea Cadet Watch Bill should have The Date Time Shifts Names of those on watch OOD/POOW OOD: MIDN Sutton POOW: PO3 Schuler 28 MAR 15 0800-1000 SN Norris, Chuck SA Vader, Darth 1000-1200 SA Star, Patrick SA Cheeks, Sandy 1200-1400 PO3 Turtle, Neck SN Snow, John 1400-1600 SA Underwood, Frank SA O’Brien, Conan

Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch Command Duty Officer (CDO) CDO is eligible for command and is designated by Unit Commanding Officer to serve in his/her absence. (Typically not used in NSCC) Officer of the Deck (OOD) In charge of the ship and is responsible to Commanding Officer for safe and proper operation. Includes while underway and in port. Junior Officer of the Deck (JOOD) Assists Officer of the Deck in his/her duties. (Typically not used in NSCC) Combat Information Center Watch Officer (CICWO) Supervises the operation of CIC (Not used in NSCC)

Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch (Cont.) There are many other watch standers in the active duty Navy. Sea Cadets primarily only are concerned with the “Fire Watch” and “Barrack Security” duties. Fire Watch Two persons assigned. One stationary, one roving. Make sure nothing catches on fire. Barracks Security Maintained in all barracks for protection against fire or other dangers. Ensure the barracks is quiet after taps and before reveille

Roving Procedures While on watch, one sentry will remain at the quarterdeck and the other will walk around the assigned area. Rove every 15 minutes When “roving” look for: Fires Cadets awake/causing noise Any empty racks Etc.

Log Entry Procedures The log book can be used an official, legal document. Tracks personnel movements and other notable events. All entries are written in the following format 0800 SN Norris and SA Vader assume the watch. (Initial) Entries are made In all capital letters. In black ink ONLY Mistakes are crossed out with a single line with an initial underneath said line.

Deck Log Example

Questions?