PURPOSE OF THIS TRAINING COURSE The purpose of this training course is to aid you in your efforts to advance in rating. It is based on the Boatswain's Mate requirements set forth in the Manual of Qualifications for Advancement in Rating and covers all the qualifications therein. The Quals Manual, however, specifies only the MINIMUM requirements for a Boatswain's Mate 3 or 2. This training course presents additional information of value to you as a Boatswain's Mate. If you know the contents of this course and the other material shown in the reading list and in NavPers 10052, you have little to fear from any examination in the subject. While the majority of duties performed by the Boatswain's Mate are relatively static, there are always areas in which changes occur-Rules of the Road or replenishment procedures, for example. New developments may in time render portions of this course obsolescent. The first lieutenant receives Navy bulletins, directives, notices and letters pertaining to deck seamanship, and related materials and equipment. These are kept on file in his office. He will, as a routine function, instruct the division in any new procedures. But make it a point to study this material yourself so that you may keep abreast of new developments in your rating. Complete coverage of all subjects in this training course is impractical because of space limitations. For example, there are many, many volumes written on seamanship alone. This text, therefore, will refer at times to other publications as a source of additional information. In such instances, read the applicable sections of the publications cited. This additional information, plus the contents of this training course, will ensure that you are adequately prepared for the last big obstacle between you and the next rate-the servicewide examination. HOW TO STUDY Good study practices are those that get the best results for you. Some suggestions for getting the most out of a book are included here, but, in the end, your study practices are what you make them. As in almost any endeavor you undertake, a little planning will increase effectiveness. Begin by setting aside a part of each day for study. It doesn't have to be a long period of time; you will be surprised at the results that 20 minutes of concentrated study daily will produce. Once you are underway, work at it steadily. It is better to study more often for shorter periods than it is to study occasionally for long periods. You shouldn't try to absorb too much information at a time. When you start to study, quickly go through the material you intend to study. Check the headings and perhaps read the first paragraph of each section to find out what the material is about. Pause for a moment to think about it, and phrase in your mind "I am going to study about so and so. Included in this are such things as blank and blank." Then quickly read through the entire unit. Next, carefully study each section. Pause frequently to summarize what you have read, restating the information in your own words. Try to tie it in with what you already know about equipment or procedures used in your ship. Make a point of discussing what you have learned with other Seamen or Boatswain's Mates. Test your progress by answering the questions at the end of each chapter. If there are any you can't answer correctly and with confidence, go over the textual matter again. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the leading Boatswain's Mates in your division. One of their primary duties is to instruct the men under them, and they will be pleased that you have shown enough interest to seek their advice. QUIZ 1. Name the BM service and emergency ratings. 2. How are the professional qualifications for advancement in rating divided? 3. Why is Nav Pers 10052 important both to the student and the examiner? 4. What is the relationship between a rate and a rating? 5. What are some of the ways of improving your knowledge in your specialty? 6. What are some of the ways you can set a good example for your section? 7. Properly utilizing all training opportunities produces what noticeable effect? 8. What is the purpose of this training course? CHAPTER 2 WATCHES AND DUTIES WATCH, QUARTER, AND STATION BILL The watch, quarter, and station bill shows the personnel duty assignments for a division as specified in the ship's battle organization manual and the ship's organization and regulations manual. Its purpose is to inform division personnel of their assignments. Every division aboard ship has its watch, quarter, and station bill. A small division may have a single bill indicating personnel assignments for all sections. A large division may have a separate bill for each section. The watch, quarter, and station bill is arranged in table form. Columns are provided for entering data from the battle organization manual and for the duties assigned under certain of the ship's bills. Titles for ship's bills are generally in the same order as in the ship's organization and regulations manual. Some ships will have additional columns to suit their special needs. An example of a watch, quarter, and station bill is shown in figure 2-1. Makeup Each man's billet number and his name appear in the two left-hand columns on the watch bill. A billet number is made up of a series of four numerals which indicate (in sequence) a man's division, his section, and his seniority in his section. For example, billet number 1204 would describe a man in the 1st division, 2nd section, and 4th in seniority. |