Signalman 1 & C - Historic Naval Ships Association

CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL COMMUNICATIONYour choice to become a Signalman is a very goodone. The Signalman rating is one of the oldest in theNavy, and visual communication—the first form ofnautical communications—continues undiminishedin importance today. You will find your jobinteresting, rewarding, and full of the satisfaction thatcomes of service to the Navy and the United States. Atthe level of operating forces, communications, as youwill learn, is truly the voice of command in a visibleway. The communication organization aboard ship isunder the control of the commanding officer. In thetransmission and reception of signals and messages,communicators actively participate in the exercise ofcommand.The fleet needs capable personnel in all ratings,because an effective naval force is only as good as thepeople who man the ships. Even with the most modernequipment, the force is seriously handicapped withoutcompetent personnel to operate and maintain thatequipment. Good people are plentiful, but theircapability depends on their training.This manual contains the basic knowledge you needfor advancement in the Signalman rating. Skills inpersonnel advancement requirements (PARS), includinga performance test, also are required, but these can onlybe developed through practice and experience.Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS) is aqualification for officers and enlisted personnel toperform certain duties. The Signalman PQS booklet,Visual Communication, NAVEDTRA 43354B,contains the fundamentals, systems, and watchstations recognized by CNET as the minimumqualification for Signalman supervisor aboard U.S.Navy ships. Included are expert lookout, flagbagoperator, semaphore operator, searchlight operator,boat Signalman, amphibious Signalman, Signalmanof the watch, in-port duty Signalman, recorder/messenger, signal bridge spotter, and AN/KAS-1operator. This PQS will assist you in becoming a moreproductive member of the Signalman community.As a part of the Navy's training program, Signalman,is designed to help you meet the occupational standardsfor advancement in the Signalman rating.To become an expert is quite a challenge, and youwill derive considerable satisfaction from masteringthe art of signaling. Through your initiative, study,practice, and hard work, the time will come when yourshipmates will look upon you as an expert.THE SIGNALMAN RATINGLEARNING OBJECTIVES: State the purposeof a Signalman aboard ship. Identify five areasin which Signalmen must be proficient.All the planning, organizing, and training that gointo the makeup of a signal gang are designed for onepurpose—to perfect the Signalman’s ability totransmit and receive messages vital to the operationof the ship. The Signalman mans the visualcommunication link with semaphore flags, flaghoist,and searchlights.In addition to visual communications, aSignalman also must be proficient in navigation.Navigation duties include the reading, stowing, andcorrecting of charts; being able to help pilot a ship inrestricted waters; and being familiar with the Rules ofthe Road, navigational aids, and using navigationalequipment. (Navigational duties are discussed inchapter 9.) In addition, the Signalman must be skilledin voice radio operations and procedures; be able toproperly render honors and ceremonies; beexperienced in the principles of recognition and bequick to recognize personal flags and pennants of U.S.and foreign officers; be able to act as expert lookouts;and be able to demonstrate know how in many otherrelated skills.As a Signalman, you can expect to serve on avariety of ships—from the largest carrier to thesmallest patrol craft—and at various shore commands.Aboard some ships, you may have to help with thenavigation in addition to your visual signaling duties.On other ships you might practice only your visualsignaling skills.Now you know, in a general way, what isrequired of a Signalman. But you may ask, "Whatmust I do to become a Signalman?" The demandsare A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN and A1-1