SECTION I.-MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND INSPECTION.

351. Medical Examination.-All men and boys on first entry, whether for continuous, non-continuous, or special service, are to be medically examined under the direction, of the Captain, as laid down in Article 1312 and in the " Recruiting Instructions." All men and boys on re-entry are to be similarly examined, except in the case of men who re-engage without a break in their service.

352. Final Examination.-Newly raised men or boys who have. passed before a surgeon and agent, or civil medical practitioner, are not to be afterwards rejected solely on the opinion of the medical officer of the general depot or other ship ; but in all cases of alleged unfitness they are to be surveyed at the naval hospital, and their cases reported on separately by two of the principal medical officers ; great caution is to be observed in regard to defects or diseases that can easily be simulated.

2. In the case of newly-raised men or boys examined by naval medical officers either on board ship or in the recruiting departments on shore, the examination is to be considered final in all respects.

SECTION II.-RAISING AND ENTERING.

353. Religion and Precautions to be observed.-Officers entering or raising men or boys are to admit only such as are fit for the Service, but without any regard whatever to their religious creed ; they are also to be careful

1. That no person under the age of 18 is entered to fill a man's rating.
2. That, if under 17 years of age, the consent of their parents, or, if orphans, the consent of their guardians, is obtained on form B. 204, notwithstanding that such consent is not essential to the validity of the entry and the engagement.
3. That no apprentice is knowingly entered; if an apprentice should be entered, the master has no legal right to recover him, but every case of such entry will be dealt with by the Admiralty.
4. That in the case of boys the written proofs of age and parents' consent which are adduced are not falsified or forged, but the age as stated by the man or boy on entry is conclusive against him, and no alteration is to be made in the books without the sanction of the Admiralty.

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Should, however, an attempt at deception by falsification of papers be detected, the candidate is to be rejected.

5. That the candidate understands that the condition attaching to the award of a long service pension is that he shall, on completing his time and attaining his pension, join the Royal Fleet Reserve and serve in it until the age of 50, should his services be so long required.

354. Questions on Entry.-Whenever men and boys offer themselves as fresh entries, whether for continuous, non-continuous, or special service, they are to be asked the questions set out in forms S. 55, S. 56 and S. 56a.

2. A record of the questions put, and of the answers thereto, in addition to those recorded in the form, must be kept by the Captain or receiving officer in case of future reference becoming necessary, together with the signatures of at least two witnesses to the answers given, in order that evidence may be forthcoming in case a man should be proceeded against for making false statements.*

3. Suspected Deserter.-Should there be grounds for suspecting that a man or boy offering himself is a deserter or straggler from His Majesty's Service, the Captain should deal with him in accordance with Article 609.

4. From R.N.R.-The naval reserve certificate (R.V. 2) of a man entered from the Royal Naval Reserve is to be transmitted to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen with a report of his entry in the Navy, when his retainer ceases.

5. Army Reserve.-No man belonging to the Army Reserve is to be entered.

Should, however, an army reserve man be entered in error, and subsequently be found to belong to that reserve, particulars of the case, including proofs of his identity, are to be forwarded to the Admiralty for decision as to his disposal.

355. Date of Birth.-Unless otherwise ordered by the Admiralty, the date of birth as given by a man or boy on entering the Service shall be the date from which his age is to be determined so long as he is in the Service.

2. No alteration is to be made in the date of birth recorded on the service certificate of a man or boy without previous reference to the Admiralty.

356. Foreigners are not to be entered or re-entered without the sanction of the Admiralty, and in no case are they to be entered for continuous service. No foreigner entered after 24th April, 1900, is eligible for a pension.

* NOTE.-By the 16th section of the Act 16th and 17th Victoria, chapter 69, every person who, upon entering or offering himself to enter the navy, shall make any false statement, with intent to deceive any officer authorised to enter seamen or others for the navy, is deemed a rogue and vagabond, and liable to punishment accordingly, under 5 George IV., chapter 83, sec. 4, and the Prevention of Crimes Act, 1871, sec. 15. The wages due and effects of a person so convicted are not forfeited to the Crown, but as the committing magistrate may, out of his money or effects, recoup the cost of the expenses of his arrest and maintenance in gaol, the man's effects are to accompany him when taken before the magistrate, who should be asked in each ease to make an order to that effect.

Prosecutions for false statements cannot, however, be instituted after six months have elapsed since the date of the offence,(i.e., the date of entry in the Service). See 11th and 12th Victoria, chapter 43.

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Men of Colour, whether British subjects or not, have no claim to count their time towards pension unless they entered the Service before 1st January, 1904.

Those entering on or after this date may only count their time towards pension in exceptional cases that are considered to warrant the grant of a pension under the special sanction of the Admiralty.

In such cases this sanction is to be obtained through the Commander-in-Chief before the man is entered.

357. Officers' Stewards and Cooks.-Subject to the provisions of Article 356 (Foreigners) and Article 358, officers may nominate their own stewards, cooks and servants, with the approval in each case of the Captain.

358. Officers' Stewards, &c., Training.-In certain harbour ships and home establishments, youths between 16 and 18 years of age are to be entered as personal servants to ward-room officers and as mess waiters, and trained in the general duties of Officers' Stewards or Cooks. While under training they are to be borne on the books of the depot of the port to which they are attached, and paid, as Boy Servants (Appendix XV., Part I., No. 108).

2. Engagement.-Youths so entered are to sign a non-continuous service engagement, in order that they may serve a commission at sea. After serving for not more than two years in the depots, if considered fit for the rating of Officers' Steward or Officers' Cook they are to be drafted to sea as soon as possible ; if unfit they are to be discharged. They are not eligible for selection to fill vacancies in the complements of shore establishments or stationary ships until they have served for a period of 18 months in a sea-going ship.

3. Except in the case of serious misconduct, Officers' Stewards and Cooks who have been trained as Boy Servants are not to be discharged to the shore within their first five years' service without previous reference to the depot.

4. Roster.-A roster is to be kept at the drafting office at each port of all Officers' Stewards and Cooks available for draft, and so long as any depot bears disposable men of a class required, officers - except flag officers and officers in command of His Majesty's ships or naval establishments - are to take their servants from the number so borne. When the depots are unable to supply the necessary men, the special authority of the Commander-in-Chief at a home port for their entry from the shore is required in home waters. In the event of any such entry from the shore the Commander-in-Chief's approval is to be noted on the man's non-continuous service engagement and in the " Remarks " column of the ship's ledger.

5. A return in manuscript is to be forwarded from each port to the Admiralty monthly, showing the names of all Officers' Stewards and Cooks whose entry has been approved by the Commander-in-Chief, the dates of their entry, and the ships for which they have been entered.

6. Register.-A register of Officers' Stewards and Cooks who have already served in the Navy is to be kept at each home port, for the convenience of officers wishing to select a servant.

The register will be open to inspection by officers at any time.

The register will contain the names, ages, service, character, ability and addresses of the men, so far as known, and also a summary of private recommendations from officers, etc.

Before paying off, all Officers' Stewards and Cooks are to be required to leave the necessary information at the depot for record in the register.

7. Great care should be taken in assessing each man's capabilities in the various roles of cook, steward, valet, &c., on paying off, or on his leaving the

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ship. No man. should be discharged from a ship without the reasons for such discharge being clearly reported to the depot. This is especially necessary in the case of men discharged for misconduct or incapacity.

8. Leave.-Officers' Stewards and Cooks discharged from His Majesty's ships, whether in commission or on paying off, are eligible, unless discharged for misconduct or incompetence, or at their own request, for the same amount of full pay leave as continuous service ratings.

9. Bearing as Disposable after Discharge.-As a convenience to the Service and in order not to lose touch with men of good character and ability, all Officers' Stewards and Cooks (except Maltese, foreigners, and men of colour) who are discharged from His Majesty's ships after having served continuously for not less than six months in such ships (or on return cured from hospital or sick quarters after invaliding from abroad) may, if they desire it and are recommended by their commanding officers, be borne on the books of the depot for a limited period as disposable for further service in the Royal Navy, provided they re-engage and sign the undertaking referred to in clause 17.

10. The period of retention on the " Disposable List " is in no case to exceed 91 days, and all time during which men are borne as disposable on the books of the depot is to be reckoned as part of the period, whether they have been lent for temporary service elsewhere or not.

11. No man who has been discharged from the books of the depot to any employment (however temporary) before the expiration of this period of 91 days is to be replaced on the books of the depot as disposable until he has again completed six months' service in a ship. If he has not completed such service, his name should be placed on the register referred to in clause 6, provided that his character and ability are satisfactory.

12. In the case of men who have leave due to them on discharge from their ships, the period in question is to commence from the date of expiration of such leave.

13. Men specially entered for service in the manoeuvres are not entitled to be borne as disposable under this regulation.

14. Any man retained on the books of a depot under this regulation who declines employment when offered is to be at once discharged to the shore.

15. Boy Servants drafted to sea on completion of their training in shore establishments are to be placed on the " Disposable List " on leaving their first ship, unless discharged for misconduct, and the condition of six months' qualifying service is not applicable in their case.

16. When Officers' Stewards and Cooks are discharged from ships to their depots the following particulars are to be inserted on their transfer lists :

1. The number of days' leave to which they are entitled.
2. Whether desirous of being borne as disposable on the books of the depot, and, if so, whether eligible and recommended.

17. Non-Continuous Service Engagement.-On the expiration of their period of leave, or on return cured from hospital or sick quarters, and before being re-entered on the books of a depot to await re-employment, all Officers' Stewards and Cooks are to be required to sign the usual non-continuous service engagement under Article 365, and also an undertaking (a) that they will accept no private shore engagement outside the Service while so borne, and (b) that they will take whatever naval employment is found for them.

18. Dress Gratuity.-Officers' Stewards and Cooks employed as personal servants to officers, or as mess waiters in certain naval establishments at home, are, when the Admiralty so direct, to be paid a dress gratuity of 21. a year, as provided in Article 1439. See 1426 (Pay of Officers' Stewards and Cooks sent Sick from Abroad).

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359. Officers' Stewards and Cooks, Age for Rating.-The Commander-in-Chief's approval of the entry of an Officers' Steward or Cook from the shore under the preceding Article will, as a rule, only be given when the candidate for entry is over 18 years of age. If, as an exceptional case, it is desired to enter a person under 18 the circumstances are to be fully explained when the case is submitted, and if the Commander-in-Chief approves the entry, the person entered is to be rated Boy Servant, and paid at the rate of 1s. a day until he attains the age of 18. See 1433 (Natives entered to Fill Naval Ratings).

2. If a person under the age of 18 should be entered with the Commander-in-Chief's approval to fill a vacancy for a Second or First Class Officers' Steward or Cook, he is to be shown on the ledger as a Boy Servant borne in lieu of Officers' Steward or Cook, Second or First Class.

360. Port Divisions of all Men.-All men entered from the shore, including Officers' Stewards and Cooks, and boys on completing their course of instruction, are to be appropriated to one of the three naval ports, namely, Portsmouth, Devonport, or Chatham, according to the locality in which they have been recruited, so far as it is consistent with the requirements of the ports. They will belong to that port division during their service, unless for sufficient reasons they be allowed to be transferred to another, on application (form S. 1298).

Commodores of depots will regulate these transfers under the approval of the Commander-in-Chief.

See 1594, clause 5 (Annual Return of Ratings appropriated to Home Ports).

361. Newly-raised Men, Information to be given.-Newly-raised men are to be informed that they are responsible to the officers of their divisions for the condition of their kits. The usages of a lower deck, the customs and routine of the Service, and the pay, pensions, and badges to which seamen are entitled, must be explained to them. They are to be told to apply to the officer of their division, and not to the ship's office, in the event of their requiring advice or information; and that if they should have a complaint to make, they must represent it to the officer of the watch, and, if necessary, through him to the Captain of the ship.

362. British Seamen from Foreign Ships.-Should any British seaman serving in a foreign vessel arrive on board one of His Majesty's ships, and demand the right to enter His Majesty's Service, and should it be proved that when he entered on board such foreign vessel he stated that he was a British seaman, he is entitled to be received and protected, notwithstanding any contract or agreement he might have entered into with the commander of such foreign vessel ; but His Majesty's officers are not authorised to send on board a foreign ship to take from her any British seaman against the will of the foreign commander; nor, in the case of a British seaman having found his way on board one' of His Majesty's ships, and having been received into the Service, are they authorised to insist on the payment of wages or delivery of clothes to such seaman against the will of the foreign commander, he (the foreign commander) having full right to take on the spot his own view of the forfeiture he deems the seaman to have incurred (according to the law of the nation to which the vessel belongs) by his breach of contract in leaving her. And if the foreign commander act unjustifiably in that respect, he can be sued for reparation on his return to such country; but His Majesty's officers have no right to interfere with him regarding it, nor indeed to go on board the foreign ship against the will of the commander for any such purpose. While affording the authorised protection to any acknowledged British seaman arriving on board His Majesty's ships, anxious to return to his allegiance to his Sovereign, the officers in command of

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such ships are to be most careful not to molest or interfere with any foreign vessels or authorities, so as to give the slightest ground for offence or complaint on any of the points alluded to. See also 805 (Recovery of Deserters from Foreign Ships).

SECTION III. CONTINUOUS, NON-CONTINUOUS AND SPECIAL SERVICE.

363. Engagement and Re-engagement.-Men or boys entered in any of the ratings marked C.S. in column 1 of Appendix XV., Part I., must engage for continuous service as directed in clause 2 of this Article, form S. 55, provided that no person be engaged, unless he is in every respect desirable, form S. 508. No applicant for first entry who is over 28 years of age is to be allowed to engage for continuous service without Admiralty authority, and no non-continuous service man over 38 years of age or who has served over 10 years as such, is eligible for continuous service.

2. The first continuous service engagement of a man on first entry, or with previous non-continuous service, shall be for 12 years; that of a boy shall be to serve until he attains the age of 30.

The second continuous service engagement shall be to complete time for pension.

3. Re-engagement after completing time for pension will only be allowed in the case of men whose retention is specially desirable, and in all such cases the special sanction of the Admiralty is to be obtained prior to re-engagement. Application for the requisite permission to re-engage is to be made sufficiently early before the expiration of time for pension to allow of information as to the decision arrived at being received before completion of time.

4. Except as provided in Article 1428 continuous service men who are permitted to continue to serve after completing their continuous service engagements must execute re-engagements ; those who have not completed time for pension re-engaging as required by clause 2, and those who have completed time for pension re-engaging for five years, or to serve to the limit of age allowed by the Regulations. See 1842 (Retention after completing time for Pension).

5. The engagements and re-engagements of men must never be so worded as to appear to commence at a later date than the date of their being signed.

364. Continuous Service.-Each man or boy who enters for continuous and general service must sign an agreement to that effect (form S. 55), which, when completed, is to be sent to the Accountant-General, who will assign his official number, and every man or boy so entered or borne is to be distinguished in the ledger, in all pay documents and certificates, and in the conduct book, by the letters C.S., and the official number against his name. The date of commencement of his continuous service engagement is to be noted under the name of each boy on the ledger where he first appears for pay, but it need not be repeated on subsequent ledgers. It is important that the date in every case should be copied on to the ledger direct from the boy's service certificate, and not from any other document.

2. The " Consent Paper " (form B. 204), and the certificate of birth or. sworn declaration of age, mentioned in Article 353, are to accompany each boy's engagement when sent into office. Where documentary evidence of men's age is produced it should be similarly forwarded.

3. The first continuous service engagement of a man with non-continuous service is to commence on the date of his actually volunteering to engage.

4. Re-entry.-Time-expired continuous service men discharged on paying off, if they rejoin within the period of their paying-off leave, may re-engage

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from the date of paying off, and receive their pay and count time from that date. No man is to be re-entered in a higher rating than the one held when discharged from the Service. See 873 (Non-continuous service Men).

365. Non-continuous Service.-Men and boys entering from the shore for non-continuous service are to be required to answer the questions and sign the declaration set out in form S. 56, which is to be forwarded to the Accountant-General with the return on form S. 52. They may be required to serve for a period not exceeding five years from the date of their entry.

2. Remaining Abroad.-Non-continuous service men who volunteer to remain abroad, on their ships being ordered home, or to continue serving after being paid off or after completing their current engagements, are to be called upon to sign a fresh engagement (form S. 56) for a further period of five years which will date from the day of its execution.

3. Leave.-Non-continuous service men discharged on paying off are not entitled to any paying-off leave, except as provided for in Articles 873 and 358, clause 8.

366. Special Service.-Men entered for special service are required to serve under the conditions stated in Appendix XV., Part II., of these Regulations. They must sign an agreement to that effect (form S. 56a) which, when completed, is to be sent to the Accountant-General, who will assign his official number. Every man so entered or borne is to be distinguished in the ledger, in all pay documents and certificates, and in the conduct book, by the letters " S.S." and the official number against his name.

367. Duties of Special Rating.-No man or boy, when it can be avoided, is to be employed in performing the duties of any special rating other than that which he holds. ,See 1432 (Men doing duty in higher rating).

368. Re-entry after Invaliding.-Continuous service men, who, after being invalided, are allowed to re-enter, will resume and complete their original engagements, reckoning from the date they were entered into, provided they present themselves for re-entry within 12 months from the date of the last medical survey held upon them. If they do not re-enter within that period, they are to execute fresh engagements on re-entry in the same manner as men who re-enter after discharge by purchase.

2. Invalided men, whether continuous, non-continuous, or special service, who remain absent from the Service for five years or more, are not to be re-entered until the special authority of the Admiralty has been obtained, with a decision in each case as to whether the man may or may not resume his former time towards pension, badges, &c. See 744 (Time that does not reckon).

3. Re-entry after Discharge by Purchase.-Should a person who has purchased his discharge before completing 12 years' continuous service be allowed to re-enter, his previous service will count in every respect as if no break in the original engagement had occurred, provided it be within five years of discharge ; and such service will reckon as part of the first term of 12 years' continuous service, for all purposes, unless otherwise specially provided, on the following conditions :

1. On re-entry, a fresh engagement must be entered into for 12 years.
2. On completion of the first term of 12 years' continuous service, including the service previous to discharge by purchase, a further engagement " to complete time for pension " may be entered into, and that executed on re-entry cancelled.
3. In the event of a man declining to enter into this further engagement he will continue to serve under that which he executed on re-entry.

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369. Period of Engagements.-The period for which a petty officer, seaman, or boy can be compelled to serve is to be reckoned from the date upon which he entered into the engagement under which he is serving, without regard to any break in its continuity that may have been occasioned by desertion, invaliding, imprisonment, or any other cause.

2. Passage of Time-expired Men Abroad.-Men serving on foreign stations, who have not undertaken to remain out for the ship's commission and who upon the expiration of their engagements decline to re-engage, and men whose time for pension is complete, are to be sent home if they desire it.

3. Special Service Men Abroad.-Special service men serving on foreign stations are to be sent home so as to arrive before they complete five years' service in the fleet, and a notification of the names and ratings of those sent home for transfer to the Royal Fleet Reserve is to be forwarded to the Commodore of the depot stating the ship in which passage has been provided. (See Appendix XV., Part IL)

4. If the exigency of the Service should require the retention of men, as provided for in Article 428, when they have declined to re-engage, they are to receive their full pay and allowances until they are discharged in England, and also the extra 2d. a day allowed for detention in Article 1448. Whenever a man is so detained the reason is to be reported on form S. 221.

5. The Commanders-in-Chief on foreign stations are to receive from the ships under their orders quarterly returns of the men who will complete their engagements within the following six months, in order that they may be sent home by the most convenient opportunity of one of His Majesty's ships or transports. In special cases when there is no likelihood of such an opportunity occurring for a considerable time, or in the case of special service men, in order to avoid keeping them over their five years' engagement, Commanders-in-Chief may order their passage by contract packet or otherwise, in accordance with Article 1533.

6. The numbers and ratings of men who have completed their engagements and are so detained are to be shown on the return of numbers required to complete complement (form S. 597).

370. Renewal of Engagements Abroad.-At the discretion of the Senior Officer, time-expired men serving abroad desirous of renewing their engagements, will be allowed leave proportionate to the time they have been absent from home, but not exceeding four weeks ; they are to be permitted to volunteer for any other ships on the station for the period of their commission, subject to the following restrictions, viz. :

1. They cannot be allowed to continue on the station after the return to England of the ships to which they are transferred;
2. Although allowed to volunteer for a particular ship, they are to be made clearly to understand that they are liable to be put into any ship the Commander-in-Chief may direct, and they will only be allowed the privilege of selecting their ship when no inconvenience to the public service will be occasioned thereby;
3. The re-entry of men to remain on the station is only to be permitted when there are vacancies in the aggregate, and not when there are supernumeraries on the station sufficient to fill the vacancies.

371. Time-expired Men remaining. - Continuous and non-continuous service men serving abroad who may be entitled to claim their discharge in consequence of the expiration of their engagements, if they desire it, and their services be required, may be allowed to remain and retain all the advantages as regards pay, and badge pay, until discharged abroad or brought home, as

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though their engagements extended to that time. See 1945 (Men who have completed their time for Pensions) ; 1428 (Time-expired men).

2. When such men have been discharged invalided, or for passage to England in consequence of their services being no longer required, they will continue to receive the same pay until their discharge at home. See 1617, clause 8 (Paying-off abroad).

372. Transfer to another Ship.-No man or boy, whether entered for continuous, non-continuous, or special service, is to be prejudiced in his rating or emoluments by being discharged to another ship; should there be no equivalent rating open to him in the ship to which he may be sent as part complement, he will be borne as supernumerary, until the directions of the Commander-in-Chief are received; nothing in this Article is to affect the power to disrate for punishment or for proved incompetency under Article 777.

373. Supernumerary Ratings. Whenever men or boys are transferred from a supernumerary list to the ship's complement or to another ship, they are to be taken from the top of the list in the order in which they stand thereon unless directions to the contrary are received from superior authority.

374. Drafting Regulations.-The Drafting Regulations are to be observed as the authority on all questions connected with the drafting of men and boys.

375. Qualifications and Examination generally.-The ratings in the Royal Navy for which men and boys are eligible and the qualifications and examinations for each rating are given in detail in Appendix XV. Before a man or boy is given any one of these ratings he must possess the qualifications and pass the examinations therein specified.

2. On the completion or receipt of the certificate in the form prescribed for the particular rating, or, if none is required, upon the candidate being found qualified, he may be rated accordingly into an existing vacancy, if not contrary to the regulations applicable to the case at the time.

3. When not otherwise provided for, the Captain, should he see fit, will order the examination to take place, and in all cases in which the advancement is not obligatory he must satisfy himself that the candidate is of good character before he is allowed to present himself.

4. Special Promotion for Distinguished Conduct.-The Admiralty may advance any rating specially in such cases as they may consider warrant special promotion for distinguished conduct, notwithstanding any rule as regards qualifying service laid down herein.

376. Boys under Training.-When boys are under training, the instructions laid down in the " Training Service Regulations " are to be followed.

2. Exemption from Instruction.-Ship's Steward's Boy's and Boy Writers are exempted from instruction in seamanship; but no man or boy doing duty as Bugler is so exempted.

377. Instruction of Ordinary Seamen.-Ordinary Seamen are to be continuously instructed in the qualifications required for an A.B. Their systematic instruction is to be part of the routine of every ship, and is to be carefully inquired into at inspections. On the first Thursday of each month, or more

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often if the Captain should see fit, every divisional Lieutenant is to prepare a list of such of them as desire to pass for higher ratings, and the Captain will cause the candidates to be examined as laid down in Appendix XV. See 486 sub-clause (d) (Signalling).

2. While under instruction in the use of tools, and in stokehold work (see Appendix X., Part XVIII.), Ordinary Seamen are to be considered in every respect as attached to the engine-room complement.

3. The progress of Ordinary Seamen and Boys in seamanship is to be recorded in the book established for that purpose.

378 Recommendations for Promotion:-Captains of ships ordered to pay off are to prepare, on form S. 507, lists of men of all classes who are qualified and recommended for advancement to superior ratings, including petty officers for promotion to higher classes. The exact rating for which these men are recommended is to be specified. In addition to new recommendations, form S. 507 should always contain the names of men who have been already recommended if they are still deserving, as a proof that they remain worthy of advancement.

2. Separate lists are to be made out for the depots at each of the ports to which the men will return at the expiration of their leave.

3. Promotions.-If the higher ratings should be required at once at any depot the men recommended may be immediately promoted, otherwise they are to be noted for consideration as vacancies occur with others who may already be on the list for advancement. This record is to be referred to when ratings not available at one port are asked for from another.

4. The Commodores of the depots are responsible for the selection of men for promotion, and are to take care that, as far as practicable, the men best entitled by character, ability, and service are advanced.

5. Ships abroad.-In the case of ships paid off and re-commissioned abroad, similar lists are to be forwarded direct to the depots to which the men will return after their leave, &c.

6. Seamen should not be promoted to petty officer ratings unless recommended by Captains of sea-going ships.

379. Petty Officers and Leading Seamen.-Leading Seamen are to be rated from qualified Able Seamen who have passed the examination, and Seaman Petty Officers from Leading Seamen,

2. In ships commanded by officers below the rank of Commander, petty officers are only to be rated as acting, application being made on the first opportunity to the Commander-in-Chief that they may be examined as to their fitness for their ratings.

380. Petty Officers' Educational Certificate.-All men of the seaman and signal classes before advancement to Petty Officer (NS.), in addition to possessing the qualifications set forth in Appendix XV., Part I., must have passed the educational examination detailed in Appendix X., Part XVII, for which they may present themselves on attaining the rating of A.B. or Signalman.

2. Successful candidates will be given an educational certificate, which is to be kept with their service certificate and handed to them on their leaving the Service.

3. Other ratings of and above the rank of Leading Seaman may qualify for and obtain the certificate. This privilege is also to be accorded to Stokers 1st Class.

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381. Gunnery and Torpedo qualification for Petty Officer.-In addition to the other qualifications required for Petty Officer (N.S.) a man in the seaman class must hold at least an Acting S.G. or S.T. rating before advancement. On receiving the Petty Officer rating he must cease to hold the paid rating of S.G. or S.T., but may retain that of Diver Petty Officers (N.S.) who have held the rating of S.G. or S.T., acting or confirmed, on subsequently passing through the gunnery or torpedo school, are to be placed in separate Petty Officers' classes with the object of fitting them for employment as Gunnery or Torpedo Petty Officers [P.O. (G) or P.O. (T)]. The case of any Petty Officer who fails after a second trial to attain the standard laid down for the Petty Officers' course is to be dealt with by the Commander-in-Chief of the port, any exceptional case being submitted to the Admiralty.

382. Signal Ratings.-A seniority list (form S. 1300), which includes all the signal ratings borne in ships at home and abroad belonging to the respective port divisions, is kept at each of the home ports. All changes in the supernumeraries and men under training in harbour ships and establishments by entry, discharge, advancement, or disrating, and continuous service engagements are to be shown on form S. 172a. Recommendations for advancement are to be noted on a man's signal history sheet and shown in the half-yearly return (form S. 507).

2. All signal ratings above Signal Boy are to go through a re-qualifying course in one of the signal schools every three years as provided in the Drafting Regulations. The fact of their having done so is to be noted on their. signal history sheets.

3. Signal Boys and Ordinary Signalmen at sea are to be instructed in buzzer signalling for half-an-hour a day, and in elementary wireless telegraphy for one hour a week.

4. Signalmen are to continue their training in aural signalling at sea. The number of exercises to be carried out during the week will depend upon the percentage obtained in the previous week, on the following scale :

One hour a week is to be devoted to fleet wireless exercises.

383. Telegraphist Ratings.-The ratings of Petty Officer Telegraphist and Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist are to be subject to the same rules as regards appropriation, re-qualification and advancement as the higher gunnery, torpedo, and signal ratings. The ratings below Petty Officer Telegraphist are to be dealt with in this respect as general service ratings.

2. The courses of instruction and examinations for Telegraphist and Leading Telegraphist (see Appendix X., Part XIX.), are to be carried out on board ship, and those for Petty Officer Telegraphist at the torpedo schools.

3. Petty Officer Telegraphists are to re-qualify each time they return to their port division, if possible, but in any case at the expiration of four years.

4. Boy Telegraphists and Ordinary Telegraphists at sea are to be instructed in the subjects shown in Appendix X., Part XIX. In order that this training may proceed without interference with the signalling arrangements of the fleet, a general routine of instruction is to be prepared by the signal officer in conjunction with the officer borne for wireless telegraph duties, and submitted for the approval of the Commander-in-Chief.

384. Acting Ratings.-Advancements to acting substantive ratings are not to be made in vacancies of a temporary nature or such as will be filled

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ultimately by men appointed from the home ports or from other ships. See 1432 (Men doing Duty in Higher Rating).

385. Ship's Steward Ratings.-Advancement of Ship's Steward's Assistants and Ship's Stewards to higher rates of pay is dependent on good conduct and qualifications, and is not to be granted without the approval of the Commodore of the depot to which they are attached. Applications for such advancement are to be transmitted to the Commodore of the depot.

2. No Ship's Steward's Assistant is eligible for increased rate of pay on completing three years' service, until he has passed for the rating of Second Ship's Steward.

3. Should circumstances not permit of a man passing for Ship's Steward or Second Ship's Steward on completion of the qualifying service, the fact is to be stated on form S. 442, when the examination actually takes place; his rating is then to be antedated for purposes of increase of pay and promotion to the date on which he became eligible for advancement.

4. Ship's Steward's Assistants who qualify for Second Ship's Steward but do not attain the standard necessary for Ship's Steward may be advanced to Second Ship's Steward in vacancies, but they must qualify for the rating of Ship's Steward at a subsequent examination before further advancement.

5. Ship's Steward's Assistants who fail to pass for Second Ship's Steward are to be examined again not later than 12 months after the date of the first examination. In the event of a man failing to pass at the second attempt his case is to be specially reported to the Admiralty for decision as to his retention in His Majesty's Service.

6. A Ship's Steward's Assistant who fails to pass the examination for Second Ship's Steward is to continue to receive the pay of a Ship's Steward's Assistant under three years' service, and also rank as such until he passes the necessary examination.

7. Promotions to Ship's Steward are in all cases to be acting until the duties of a Ship's Steward have been carried out for 12 months in a ship allowed that rating in the complement, at the end of which period a special report is to be forwarded to the Commodore of the general depot to which the man is attached, before each case is considered for confirmation.

8. Promotions, and confirmations of acting promotions made as above, are to be regulated as far as possible by seniority, provided that the reports on the candidates are satisfactory, and that they are recommended by their superior officers.

9. Disrating.-Ship's Stewards and Second Ship's Stewards disrated to Ship's Steward's Assistants are to be placed on the rate of pay for which they are qualified by length of service.

10. In regard to any offence for the punishment of which a warrant is required in the case of a Ship's Steward rating, a copy of the warrant is to be transmitted to the Commodore of the depot to which the man is attached.

11. All promotions and appointments of Ship's Steward ratings will be communicated direct to the ships affected, by the Commodore of the general depot to which they are attached.

386. Artisan Ratings.-Advancements of the undermentioned artisan and sailmaker ratings in any vacancies which may occur in ships on sea service (see Drafting Regulations), except ships in the home fleets, other than those caused by men whose time on the station has expired being sent home, may be made by the Commander-in-Chief, or Senior Officer, provided fit men are serving in the ships under his command:

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A roster is to be kept on board the flag-ship for this purpose, and a quarterly return of these ratings is to be forwarded to the Commander-in-Chief from each ship on the station, giving information as to their character and qualifications.

Should a suitable man not be available on the station, application is to be made to the Admiralty for a man to be sent from home.

2. When vacancies occur in ships on home service (see Drafting Regulations) and in ships of the home fleets they are to be filled by promoting the most deserving men available in the port division, who may be serving in the depots or in other ships on home service.

Rosters are to be kept at the depots at the home ports, and, when a vacancy occurs in a ship at home, application is to be made to the Commodore of the depot for a man to fill it. Should there be a man serving in the ship where the vacancy occurs, who is specially qualified for advancement, a representation to that effect is to be made in the application, and in the event of the Commodore of the depot considering that there is a man in the depot or other ship on home service with a stronger claim to advancement, the Commander-in-Chief is to decide which man should be promoted.

3. In order to keep the number of higher ratings in the port division complete, Commodores of depots are from time to time to advance the senior men on the roster who have passed and are recommended, due consideration being given to the date of passing. Those who are serving in ships on home service are to be advanced under the authority of the Commodore of the depot to which they are attached, who will also approve of the advancement of those serving in ships on sea service, provided their Captains still consider them deserving. In the latter case the Commodore of the depot will inform the Commander-in-Chief under whom the man is serving of the advancement. Men so advanced are to be retained in lieu of the lower rating until relieved.

Return S. 507 is always to show the names of artisans, etc., recommended for advancement, in order that Commodores of depots may have the necessary information at their disposal.

387. Sick Berth Staff.-The examinations for promotion of sick berth ratings are to be held at Haslar, Chatham and Plymouth hospitals. The examination for promotion to Second Sick Berth Steward is also to be held at Malta hospital when necessary.

2. They are to be held monthly on fixed days, which are to be announced in the local Port Orders. Notice of candidates who desire to present themselves is to be given to the hospital 48 hours before the day of examination.

3. Second Sick Berth Stewards and Sick Berth Attendants who may be away from an examination centre on completion of three years' service in their rating are to be allowed to pass a provisional examination for advancement at a foreign hospital, or on board a flag-ship if there should not be a hospital on the station, but they must pass at one of the recognised examination centres before being confirmed in rating.

4. Increase of pay is not to be granted until the final examination has been passed. It is then to be ante-dated to the date of completion of three years'

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service, or, if the man fails at the first attempt, to the date of successful provisional examination.

5. Particulars of provisional examinations of sick berth ratings are to be noted on the certificate of examination (forms S. 1236 and S. 1237) and on the ledger.

6. No sick berth rating is to be allowed to re-enter or re-engage without the approval of the Commodore of the depot.

388. Swimming Instruction.-In all ships instruction in swimming is to be given under proper supervision, either from the ship or from boats, for half-an-hour daily whenever the state and temperature of the water permit; and advantage should be taken when the ship is in a suitable locality of sending parties of non-swimmers away for instruction. Economical arrangements may also be made in suitable localities, if considered necessary, for the use of swimming baths when available. The payments on this account should be shown in the cash accounts, under the head of Vote 11 Z, " Miscellaneous Payments."

2. Bathing in the sea should not take place when the temperature of the water is below 53 � Fahrenheit, and the men under instruction should not remain in the water more than 10 minutes at any one time, unless the temperature is over 60� Fahrenheit.

3. As a test of ability to swim all men must swim 100 yards with clothes on (duck suit as a rule).

4. Life-saving should be taught to the more proficient, advanced classes being formed for this purpose as opportunity offers.

5. The record of instruction in swimming (S. 406), showing the number of men who have passed through a course of instruction since the last inspection, and the number of non-swimmers remaining in the ship, distinguishing those still under instruction, is to be produced at all inspections and is to be examined and signed by the inspecting officer.

6. In a fleet where a Lieutenant is borne for physical training duties, it is part of this officer's duties to encourage the practice of swimming, and to supervise generally the swimming instruction of the fleet. For this purpose the record of instruction in swimming is to be examined by him whenever he visits one of His Majesty's ships in connection with his physical training duties.

389. Naval Schoolmaster.-The Captain will take care that the Naval Schoolmaster shall

1. Instruct seamen, marines, and boys, under the Chaplain's direction, and assist at examinations when required;
2. Assist the Chaplain by playing the harmonium or other suitable instrument, and instructing the choir, if competent to do so ;
3. Act as librarian and superintend the arrangements for the ship's company to read and make use of the library.

2. The Naval Schoolmaster is not, however, to be employed in any of the police duties connected with the boys.

3. Substitute.-When no Naval Schoolmaster is borne the Captain may direct any competent person to undertake the duties who may be willing to perform them ; and for so doing such person shall be entitled to receive pay as directed in Article 1451, under the following conditions :

1. The average length of a lesson over the period for which payment is made to be not less than one hour;
2. The average number of names on the school register for the same period to be not less than 10 in ships with complements of 350 and over, and not less than six in ships with complements of less than 350.

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390. School.-In sea-going ships the afternoon school is to be open to all the boys, and to any petty officer, seaman or marine desirous of attending it, but the attendance is not to be compulsory.

2. The Naval Schoolmaster is to keep a register (form S. 396), in which the attendance of the men and boys and the duration of each attendance is to be regularly entered. This register is to be forwarded annually on 31st December by the Captain to the Commander-in-Chief for the Admiralty.

SECTION V.-TRANSFERS.

391. Transfers Generally.-Transfers from one rating to another will be allowed only when the transfer is in the interests of the Service and the applicant has been recommended by the Captain of his ship or the Commandant of his division and possesses the necessary qualifications for the new rating.

2. To Unskilled Ratings.-All applications for transfer to unskilled ratings, in the case of seamen or marines serving at home, are to be referred to the Commodore of the depot or Commandant of the division to which they are attached, for final decision by the Commander-in-Chief or the Deputy Adjutant-General, Royal Marines. Similar applications from men serving abroad are to be dealt with by the Commander-in-Chief or Senior Naval Officer, but are to be allowed only in vacancies on the station.

3. To Skilled Ratings.-A roster is established at each home depot and marine headquarters on which are noted the names of men who are recommended for transfer to a skilled rating, i.e., a rating in which certain trade knowledge and experience are necessary qualifications. Men whose names are placed on the roster are to be considered available for transfer in vacancies at any of the home ports, irrespective of their proper port divisions. Applications to be placed on the roster from seamen or marines serving at home or abroad, are to be referred to the Commodore of the depot or Commandant of the division to which they are attached, for final decision by the Commander-in-Chief and Deputy Adjutant-General, Royal Marines.

4. Qualified men serving abroad who are recommended for transfer to a skilled rating may be authorised by the Commander-in-Chief to perform the duties of the new rating should a vacancy exist, and receive the advantages of pay prescribed by Article 1432, but no acting rating is to be conferred.

5. Marines.-In the case of marines transferred under the foregoing rules, the date when the men cease pay as marines is to be notified to the Deputy Adjutant-General, Royal Marines, in order that the necessary discharge documents may be prepared and transmitted.

6. See also Appendix XV., Part II., as to transfer of special service men, to continuous service.

7. Transfers between Seamen, Stoker, Officer's Steward and Cook and miscellaneous classes of ratings are to be reported to the Accountant-General on form S. 52, as provided in Article 1593, clause 4.

392. Signalmen incapable.-If an Ordinary Signalman or Signalman should be reported by his Captain as incapable of performing his duty efficiently the Commander-in-Chief may order his rating to be changed to any rating in the Seaman class for which he may be qualified.

SECTION VI.-NON-SUBSTANTIVE RATINGS.

393. Courses in Gunnery and Torpedo.-The courses of instruction for officers and men qualifying and re-qualifying in the gunnery and torpedo schools

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are laid down in the handbooks of " Courses of Instruction in Gunnery and Torpedo " issued from time to time by the Admiralty."

394. Seaman Gunner and Seaman Torpedo Man.-Able Seamen rated at sea and recommended for Seaman Gunner (S.G.) or Seaman Torpedo Man (S.T.) are, on paying off, to be sent to the gunnery and torpedo schools respectively to qualify as such.

2. About one-third of the Seamen who do not hold gunnery or torpedo ratings should be recommended to qualify as S.G., and about one-quarter to qualify as S.T., but these proportions are to be considered as a guide only.

3. Captains of sea-going ships will have the power of making acting S.G.'s and acting S.T.'s, but additional pay will only be allowed in the case of men actually filling a vacancy in the complement.

4. The examination for Acting S.G. is to be conducted by the Gunnery Lieutenant of the ship, or of another ship if no Lieutenant (G) is borne.

5. The examination for Acting S.T. is to be conducted by the Torpedo Lieutenant or Torpedo Gunner of the ship, or of another ship if no Lieutenant (T) or Gunner (T) is .borne.

6. Acting S.G.'s and Acting S.T.'s are, on paying off, to be sent to the gunnery and torpedo schools to qualify as S.G. and S.T.

395. On Completing Course.-At the completion of the course in the gunnery and torpedo schools men who pass will be rated S.G. and S.T. respectively. Men who fail to qualify will be discharged to the general depot.

2. The regulations for the re-qualification of S.G.'s and S.T.'s are given in the " Courses of Instruction in Gunnery and Torpedo."

3. Re-entries in G. and T. Ratings.-Subject to any revised regulation which may have been issued since their discharge, men who have been out of the Service over a year, including those who have served in the Coast Guard and those reverting to a seaman class rating after service in a non-combatant rating, may re-qualify in the gunnery or torpedo schools in their former non-substantive rating, but they are not to receive non-substantive pay until they have successfully re-qualified.,

4. Subject to any revised regulations which may have been issued since their discharge, men who have been out of the Service for not more than a year may return to the general depot and be available for service with the non-substantive rating they held before leaving. They must re-qualify as in clause 2.

5. Petty officers and men holding gunnery or torpedo ratings who are within two years of completing their continuous service engagements are not to be sent to the gunnery or torpedo schools to re-qualify unless they are allowed to re-engage to complete time for pension.

396. Gunner's Mates and Torpedo Gunner's Mates.-Men selected to qualify as Gunner's Mates (G.M.) or Torpedo Gunner's Mates (T.G.M.) must hold a rating not lower than that of Leading Seaman passed for Petty Officer and be of very good character.

2. The only other non-substantive gunnery rating which Gunner's Mates are allowed to hold is that of Gunlayer 1st Class.

3. Torpedo Gunner's Mates are divided into two classes for pay, the proportion of Torpedo Gunner's Mates with the higher rate of pay to the total number of Torpedo Gunner's Mates being so regulated as to be approximately the same as is the proportion of Gunner's Mates holding the rating of Gunlayer 1st Class to the total number of Gunner's Mates. To be eligible for the higher rate they must have served as Torpedo Gunner's Mates in a sea-going ship for at least two years subsequent to leaving the torpedo school, be Petty Officers or Chief

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Petty Officers, and be strongly recommended. The selection of the Torpedo Gunner's Mates to receive the higher rate of pay is to be made by the commanding officers of the torpedo schools at the expiration of each re-qualifying course. Men receiving the higher rate are to be distinguished as " T.G.M. (H.S.)."

4. Captains may give the paid acting rating of Gunner's Mate, or Torpedo Gunner's Mate with the lower rate of pay, to suitable men in actual vacancies occurring abroad.

397. Gunlayers 1st Class, L.T.O.'s and Torpedo Coxswains.-The rating of Gunlayer 1st Class (G.L. 1 cl.) is to be held only by Petty Officers and Leading Seamen. Except in the case of Gunner's Mates and Acting Gunlayers 1st Class, trained afloat, men are not eligible for the rating who have not been to sea as Gunlayer 2nd Class (G.L. 2 cl.) or Gunlayer 3rd Class (G.L. 3 cl.).

2. The rating of Leading Torpedo Man (L.T.O.) may be held by Able Seamen and all higher ratings.

3. Petty Officers (G) not holding a higher Gunnery rating are eligible to qualify for Torpedo Coxswain (T.C.). When Torpedo Coxswains are sent to ships in their Petty Officer capacity only, they may continue to draw the pay attached to the non-substantive rating.

4. Torpedo Coxswains are to cease to hold any other non-substantive rating, except Diver.

398. Acting Gunnery and Torpedo Ratings.-As soon as practicable after being placed in commission with a full crew, every sea-going ship is to train and keep in hand a proportion of (unpaid) Acting Higher Gunnery ratings, both Seaman and Marine. The number of Acting Gunlayers 1st Class to be thus trained is to be 50 per cent. of the total number of confirmed ratings allowed in the complement, but this percentage may be increased to 100 at the discretion of the commanding officer. The numbers of Acting Gunlayers 2nd Class and Acting Gunlayers 3rd Class to be trained are not to exceed in each case 15 per cent. (but with a minimum of 1 of each class) of the total number of these confirmed ratings actually allowed in the complement.

2. The men to be trained are, as a rule, to be taken from those gunnery ratings in the complement next below the rating for which they are intended, but Gunlayers 3rd Class and Acting Gunlayers 3rd Class are eligible for training as Acting Gunlayers 1st Class provided that in the case of Seamen they have passed for Leading Seaman.

3. Men so trained are to be given a course of instruction with shooting apparatus at the guns for which they are being trained, and are also to carry out from these guns the following firings:

4. In ships on sea service (see Drafting Regulations) vacancies for gunnery and torpedo ratings, except those caused by the periodical relief of men whose time on the station has expired, may be filled by the Captain, who may confer the acting rating upon trained Seamen and Marines who satisfy the prescribed conditions.

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If no suitable man is available for the acting rating, application should be made, through the Commander-in-Chief or Senior Officer, for a man to be sent from England.

5. In ships on home service vacancies for higher gunnery or torpedo ratings are only to be filled by acting ratings, if qualified men are not available to fill them from the port to which the ship is attached for manning.

6. All acting ratings are to be held only so long as there is a vacancy in the complement for them and in any case men are to cease to hold the higher acting ratings when they leave the ship in which the rating is given.

7. The fact of a man having held an acting rating is to be noted on his gunnery and torpedo history sheet. The reason for his ceasing to hold the acting rating is also to be stated.

8. Men holding acting gunnery and torpedo ratings are to receive the pay of the rating only while borne on ship's books for the duty.

399. Higher Gunnery and Torpedo Ratings.-No man who has qualified for a higher gunnery rating shall be eligible for training for a higher torpedo rating and vice versa.

2. Gunlayer 3rd Class is to be considered a higher gunnery rating, and Leading Torpedo Man a higher torpedo rating.

3. Failure to Qualify.-Any man who fails to pass for a higher gunnery or torpedo rating shall not be eligible to qualify for a higher rating in either branch until three years have elapsed since the date of failure.

4. In the case of men failing as in clause 3, a notation to this effect is to be made on their gunnery and torpedo history sheets, with a special notation by the Captain of the school in which they failed as to what was in his opinion the cause of failure, and in such case the above notation is to receive full weight when the question of the men's advancement to higher substantive rating is considered.

5. Until the opportunity is given to men to re-qualify in one of the gunnery or torpedo schools their gunnery or torpedo pay is to be continued; but should they fail to do so, their pay is to be reduced to the pay of the rating for which they have re-qualified a notation to that effect being made on their gunnery and torpedo history sheets.

6. Marines.-The allowances attached to higher gunnery ratings, Royal Marines, are payable continuously so long as a man remains efficient and available for sea service, but are to lapse should he fail to re-qualify at the proper time after due opportunity, or should he obtain a permanent appointment on shore whilst occupying which he is noted " not available " on the roster for sea service. Where failure to re-qualify is due to want of opportunity, payment may be continued.

7. With the exceptions stated, payment for all non-substantive ratings is to be continuous, commencing from the date on which the rating is given.

400. Physical Training Instructor.-Men showing proficiency are to be encouraged to volunteer for the rating of Physical Training Instructor, and those selected by the Superintendent of Physical Training to qualify as such are to be discharged, on paying off, to the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, for the school of physical training, if vacancies exist at the time.

An advanced class of such men should be formed when practicable, in order that they may assist in the daily exercise of seamen.

2. Men appropriated to qualify as Physical Training Instructors are to be selected by the Superintendent of Physical Training from candidates who possess the qualifications specified in Appendix XV., Part III., Nos. 65 and 66.

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3. Physical Training Instructors (N.S.) other than Staff or Senior Staff Physical Training Instructors, will be allowed to hold the rating of Diver and the following gunnery and torpedo ratings under the regulations applying to such ratings :

Petty Officers.-Gunlayer 2nd or 3rd Class.

Leading Seamen.-Gunlayer 2nd or 3rd Class, S.G., S.T.

4. Re-qualification.-All Physical Training Instructors are to re-qualify as such every three years, but not at shorter intervals (see Note to No. 66c of Appendix XV., Part III.). If within two years of completing their continuous service engagement, they are not to be allowed to re-qualify, unless they are allowed to re-engage to complete time for pension.

5. Petty officers or men who are within two years of the expiration of their first engagement are not to be appropriated to qualify or re-qualify for Physical Training Instructor, unless they have been permitted to execute re-engagements to complete time for pension. Petty officers or men who have completed their first engagement are not to be appropriated to qualify.

6. Volunteers recommended.-On the arrival at a home port of a ship not under orders to pay off, a return is to be rendered to the Commander-in-Chief for transmission to the Superintendent of Physical Training, showing what volunteers recommended for Physical Training Instructor are serving on board.

7. When a ship is to be paid off a similar return is to be rendered showing the disposal of such men on paying off.

401. Non-substantive Ratings, Cancellation, &c.-If any man holding a non-substantive rating, acting or confirmed, should evince a decided want of knowledge of any of his duties, or show himself unfit for his position, the Captain may order an inquiry by officers of the ship. If the man is found to be incompetent the Captain may at his discretion reduce his non-substantive rate to a lower grade, or cancel it altogether.

2. A man holding a non-substantive rating acting or confirmed, who is disrated below the lowest substantive rating allowed to hold the non-substantive rating, is to have the pay of the latter stopped, and is not to wear the distinctive badge of the non-substantive rating until he regains a substantive rating which qualifies him for it.

3. Men who may be reduced to the second class for conduct whilst qualifying or re-qualifying in one of the schools may be allowed to complete their course in the case of gunnery and torpedo ratings, but not if qualifying for Physical Training Instructor. If the Captain of the school considers the conduct of men qualifying or re-qualifying for gunnery or torpedo ratings is such that their removal from the establishment is desirable, he is to make application to the Commander-in-Chief accordingly.

4. Men who are discharged from a school as unfit to qualify, or for misconduct during the course, are not to be allowed to rejoin for a second trial for a period of at least two years, during the last year of which they must have been in the first class for conduct.

5. Non-substantive pay, being conditional on the due efficiency and diligence required for the rating, will not be payable, should the Captain so decide, where such efficiency and diligence are not maintained. Such break in the continuity of non-substantive pay, however, is not to exceed a month at any one time.

This provision is not to apply to cases of actual incompetence which are to be dealt with under clause 1.

6. Stoppage or reduction of non-substantive pay is not to be recorded as a punishment.

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402. Rifle and Field Exercises.-All Stokers 2nd Class, Sailmaker's Mates, and Blacksmith's Mates are to receive instruction in rifle and field exercises on joining the Service, and, as regards the former, a fair knowledge of the subject is one of the qualifications for advancement to Stoker 1st Class.

403. Armourer's Work.-The Captain is to detail the following proportions of Seamen or Marines for continuous work with the Armourer's staff of the ship, preference being given to volunteers who have shown skill in mechanical and stokehold work :

Special service vessels, such as instructional ships, to be excepted.

2. The period of training is to be six months in the case of men who have previously undergone instruction in mechanical and stokehold work, and twelve months in the case of men who have not previously undergone such instruction.

3. At the expiration of their period of training the men are to be examined, and, if found efficient, the notation " Qualified in Armourer's work " (" Q.A.") is to be made on their certificates.

4. Men who have so qualified are to be employed for three months during a commission, in order to keep up their knowledge, but are not to be granted extra pay while so employed.

5. Seamen and Marines who have qualified in armourer's work in the above manner may be employed as Armourer's Assistants in vacancies under authority of the Captain, or under the special authority of the Commander-in-Chief, when required to assist the Armourer's staff in any special or unusually heavy work. When employed in either capacity they are to receive extra pay at the rate laid down in Article 1468 clause 3, Class II.

SECTION VII. QUALIFICATION FOR AND SERVICE IN COAST GUARD.*

404. A seaman whose character has been assessed as " V.G." during the last four years and who has not been previously awarded a lower character than " Good," whose ability for the last five years afloat is " V.G.," and who has completed ten years of continuous service, is eligible for entry in the Coast Guard, subject to the following conditions:

1. He must be recommended by his Captain on form S. 233.
2. He must possess at least one good conduct badge.
3. He must not exceed 37 years of age.
4. He must be able to swim.
5. He must be prepared if necessary to execute a re-engagement for continuous service to complete time for pension, such re-engagement commencing on date of execution. He must be able to read and write.
6. He must have a good knowledge of semaphore and Morse (by day and night) and a fair acquaintance with flags and their meanings-naval and international codes.

2. There is no restriction as to the number of candidates who may be recommended from any particular ship, but the admissions will depend upon the number of vacancies.

3. Men holding gunnery or torpedo ratings are not allowed to retain their non-substantive pay after admission to the Coast Guard, except when specially

* Entries into the Coast Guard of signal, telegraphist, and carpenter ratings are suspended until further notice.

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provided for in the case of Instructional rates, but all men except Divisional Carpenters are allowed to receive gunnery pay of 1d. a day.

4. All Coast Guard men are liable to be embarked in turn for such cruises as the Admiralty may appoint, and if found unfit for active service at sea, they will be discharged with such pension or gratuity as they may be entitled to from their service.

5. The age for absolute discharge from the Coast Guard, whether fit for service or not, is for:

6. A limited number of Stoker Petty Officers, Leading Stokers, and Stokers 1st Class, will be admitted provided they are eligible under clause 1 of this Article, except that only nine years' continuous service will be required instead of ten, and no Signal qualification will be necessary. Knowledge of signals will, however, be taken into consideration in selecting candidates for appointment. Stoker ratings who have previously held other ratings will be eligible with one year less than the qualifying period as Stoker in force at the time of application. Not more than two years as Stoker 2nd Class will be allowed to reckon towards the qualifying period.

7. Divisional Carpenters of the Coast Guard will be appointed, as vacancies occur, from artisans of the carpenter class who have served for 10 years in the fleet with Very Good character and hold the qualifications stated in clause 1, except as regards continuous service and sub-clauses (b) and (g) of clause 1.

8. Lists of volunteers for the Coast Guard (form S. 233), showing their names and ratings, and accompanied by copies of their service certificates, are to be transmitted from all ships paying off, whether at home or abroad, but only from such other ships as may from time to time be directed.

405. Coast Guard men embarked.-A Coast Guard man when embarked will retain his actual or equivalent rating ; but when discharged into a sea-going ship for misconduct; or at his own request, he will be rated A.B., unless the District Captain shall note on his transfer list that his original rating afloat was superior to A.B., and that he is worthy of being allowed to resume it, when he is to be rated accordingly.

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