United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps

Warrior Division

 

 

 

Standard Operating Procedure #1 – Quarterdeck Watch

 

1.      Background: Throughout naval history, the quarterdeck has been a place of special tradition and ceremony. On sailing ships it was the location where officers supervised the activities of the crew. In today’s Navy, it is the point of access to ships in port. It is the ceremonial command center of a naval unit. These traditions are maintained at quarterdecks of Naval Sea Cadet Corps units, including the Warrior Division.

2.      The quarterdeck is supervised by the Command Duty Officer (CDO), as designated by the Commanding Officer in the Plan of the Day (POD). The Executive Officer serves as the Command Duty Officer when a qualified CDO is not available or not assigned. Quarterdeck watch-standers report directly to the CDO and senior watch-standers. Orders given from outside this chain of command, except from the Commanding and Executive Officer, are not lawful.

3.      The primary watch-stander on the quarterdeck is the Petty Officer of the Watch (POOW). The POOW’s duties include maintain the quarterdeck in a smart fashion, announcing significant personnel arrivals the unit offices, maintain the unit deck log, and supervise the Messenger of the Watch (MOOW). The POOW is always present on the quarterdeck during the watch, except when properly relieved.

4.      The MOOW follows the instructions of the POOW only (orders to the MOOW must go through the POOW and the POOW is responsible for the actions of the MOOW). The MOOW is available on the quarterdeck except when performing the offsite orders of the POOW. Duties may include running errands, establishing and breaking down the ceremonial devices of the quarterdeck and unit office, carrying messages, and other general assistance.

5.      The POOW and MOOW will maintain their watch until properly relieved.

6.      The POOW and MOOW will be in the dress uniform of the day.

7.      The quarterdeck normally has the following material elements: desk or podium, deck log, carpet with the Seal of the U.S. Navy, chair for the MOOW, and national ensign and unit flag. The quarterdeck is located outside the unit offices. These physical setups must be made as soon as possible and preferably before the watch is assumed.

8.      At 0800, 1200, and 1600, the MOOW on the orders of the POOW and following consultation of the CDO, will make the following report to the Commanding Officer:

“The Command Duty Officer sends his respects and reports the hour of (0800, “Noon”, or 1600). There are ____ cadets and _____ officers on board. The battalion is currently ______________(name the significant evolutions occurring).”

9.      The MOOW litany of verbal messages will follow the above format.

10.  The POOW will announce to the unit office and quarterdeck “Attention on Deck” for the first arrival of the day of the Commanding Officer, the first arrival of the day of the Executive Officer if the Commanding Officer is not already present, any officer who outranks the Commanding Officer, other Commanding Officers, and all officers of the rank of Lieutenant Commander and above. These arrivals will be recorded in the deck log.

11.  Maintenance of the deck log is a primary function of the POOW. The deck log serves as the official history of the unit. Although further entries may be made, the following are required entries:

·        arrivals and departures of the Commanding Officer, the Executive Officer, significant guests and dignitaries, and the Command Duty Officer

·        the assumption of duties by the watch-standers

·        officers call

·        trainings/evolutions completed by the unit

·        significant events/activities of the unit (see POD)

·        musters

·        changes in command

·        masts

·        official reports such as muster results, loss of unit property, injuries, etc.

·        trips and movements of the unit

·        inspections

·        official visits to the unit

·        deck log review by the CDO

·        signature of the POOW as deck log maintainer

Other entries may be made, but in general are unnecessary and clutter the content.

12.  The POOW and MOOW will complete a Personal Qualification Standard (PQS) (when established) and be certified by the Senior Watch Officer. All other line items may be signed off by a qualified POOW or senior.

13.  Watch-standers should not engage other personnel except in an official capacity.

14.  Cadets only on official business will cross the quarterdeck to enter the office. Permission will be requested to come aboard and permission given by the Petty Officer of the Watch. The Petty Officer of the Watch will use discretion in determining when it is not appropriate to come aboard. During times of counseling, sensitive private administrative sessions, and disciplinary actions, permission is generally not granted. Regular and Reserve Navy personnel will normally be allowed entrance without hesitation.

 

SUBMITTED:                                                  APPROVED:

 

 

 

 

Executive Officer                                              Commanding Officer