Signalman 1 & C - Historic Naval Ships Association

SPOTTERThe spotter is the most valuable person inflaghoist communication. It is the spotter's job to getthe signal hoisted and to make sure it is correct. Tobecome a spotter, you must be able to recognize allflags in the flagbag without hesitation, know flaghoistterminology, and be able to read flaghoist in propersequences. Spotter's duties and flaghoist terminologywill be covered more in depth in chapter 5.SEARCHLIGHT OPERATORFlashing light is used daily on the signal bridge.To become a searchlight operator, a Signalman mustbe efficient in Morse code. He or she must beknowledgeable in all procedures when communicatingvia flashing light. Searchlight operators mustbe able to energize equipment and to spot anymalfunctions. Searchlight operator will be coveredmore in depth in chapter 4.SEMAPHORE OPERATORSemaphore is a rapid and secure means oftransmitting visual messages. It makes use of two handflags (PAPA or OSCAR) attached to staffs about 22inches long. This increases range of visibility.Semaphore may be used to send messages to severaladdresses at one time if they are positioned properly;because of its speed, it is better adapted for longmessages. See appendix II for standard semaphorecharacters and a few helpful hints. Semaphore will becovered more in depth in chapter 4.SIGNALMAN OF THE WATCHNo two signal bridges are run exactly the same;therefore, the duties of the Signalman of the watch willvary from ship to ship. The standard operatingprocedures (SOPs) on your signal bridge will defineyour duties as Signalman of the watch. In general,though, the Signalman of the watch, must be efficientin all forms of visual communication.BOAT SIGNALMANBoat Signalman is one of your most importantassignments; it usually comes in play to help savesomeone's life. Therefore, you must know all aspectsof being a boat Signalman, including the identificationof flares, directing boat by visual signaling, and beingable to operate a pyrotechnic kit. Boat Signalmanprocedures are discussed in chapter 8.EXPERT LOOKOUTOn every ship, the lookout has an extremelyimportant job. Even with today's radar, a good lookoutis one of the OOD's most valuable sources ofinformation. A Signalman’s duties by nature alsorequire keeping a sharp lookout. As a matter of pride,the Signalman should be the first to sight andidentify objects.An expert lookout has to be plenty sharp on a lotof things. Not only must lookouts be able to sight andidentify objects, but they must be able to report themcorrectly, using relative bearings, distances, targetangles, and in the case of aircraft, position angles.Lookout duties are covered in detail in chapter 8.IN-PORT DUTY SIGNALMANThe duties of the in-port duty Signalman includethe holding of colors, sunrise, routing of visualmessages, making preparations for getting under way,serving as a member of the rescue and assistancedetail, and maintaining the visual station file and log.The duties of the in-port duty Signalman will varyfrom ship to ship. Your SOPs will outline your duties.SIGNALMAN SUPERVISORThe Signalman supervisor is overall responsible tothe leading Signalman and/or signal officer for thecommunication and conduct of personnel on watch.Signalman supervisor duties are discussed in chapter 8.COMMUNICATIONS PUBLICATIONSLEARNING OBJECTIVES: List 12 importantcommunication publications and state thepurpose of each. State how publications may beobtained. Explain the importance ofpublication corrections and changes, and stateprocedures for making publication changes.A variety of special publications is necessary invisual communication. You will be using these pubsdaily, so you may as well familiarize yourself withthem at the start.1-5