Kings Regulations & Admiralty Instructions - 1913
Chapter XXVIII
Navigation and Pilotage |
SECTION I. GENERAL.
978. Ship observed standing into Danger.- If any officer in command in a fleet or squadron should observe a ship standing into danger, he is at once to act, or to make the same known, as the actual circumstances of the case may require.
2. Uncharted Dangers.- If a Captain should become aware of the existence of any danger in the ordinary track of shipping not hitherto charted, he is to cause careful examination to be made by soundings, &c., so as to show the nature, extent, position, and depth of water in respect of such danger, and is to report the same to the Admiralty, forwarding the angles and other means used to fix the position, &c., and, if possible, a plan of the locality.
3. He will not be justified in making an imperfect report of a newly-discovered danger, unless in very special circumstances ; and it is to be borne in mind that the necessity for accurate information is correspondingly greater when the danger lies in water frequently traversed by shipping, and that, consequently, time cannot be considered as mis-spent which is employed in remaining in the vicinity of such danger until the weather permit of the necessary information being obtained.
979. Duties of Navigating Officer.- The Navigating Officer under the direction of the Captain is to have the charge of the navigation of the ship ; and, whenever the ship is approaching the land or any shoals, the Captain is to take care that the Navigating Officer keeps a good look-out upon deck, and that deep-sea soundings are always taken in good time and continued until the safety of the ship's position is ascertained and secured. See 1018 (Instructions to Navigating Officer).
2. Junior Officers (N).- When making a passage from one port to another, officers for navigating duties, below the rank of Lieutenant, are to keep regular watch.
980. Night Observations by Executive Officers.- During the night all Executive Officers when on watch are to be required to ascertain the latitude by observations of the moon, planets, or stars, with a view to correct the reckoning, more especially when near land or shoals; the result is to be noted in the deck log, and when necessary immediately reported to the Captain and the Navigating Officer; but the Officer of the Watch is not necessarily, and to the neglect of his other important duties, to take the observations himself, nor is he in any case to go below to work them out, unless properly relieved.
2. Comparisons by Executive Officers.-The Navigating Officer is to give all Executive Officers, and specially those detailed to assist in the navigation of the ship, every facility, consonant with due precautions, for obtaining comparisons with the chronometers, in order that their reckonings may be entirely independent.
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981. Approaching Land during Darkness.- The Captain is to exercise a very careful discretion before endeavouring to make unlighted or dangerous land, or to get into or close to difficult unlighted ports during darkness. Except in cases of emergency or other necessity he should consider whether, instead, the service he is employed upon will not be more certainly performed by standing off until daylight.
982. Approaching Land and in Pilot Water.- On approaching land or in the vicinity of rocks or shoals, and when the ship is in pilot water, the Captain is to take care that soundings are invariably obtained by the hand lead, or the best method available at the time, not only as a guide for securing the safe conduct of the ship, but also as a precaution against any mistake in navigation. Such soundings are to be obtained even in the most frequented channels.
2. The information conveyed in the pamphlet, which will be found in all chart boxes, entitled "Notes on the Navigation of His Majesty's Ships," is to be most carefully considered, and the directions contained therein are to be followed.
983. Safe-Berth when anchoring.- When anchoring, the Captain will take care to place the ship in a safe berth, and in such a position as not to endanger ships already anchored ; also, that the bearings of headlands or other distinguishable objects, with the depth of water and the nature of the bottom, are ascertained and noted in the log. If there is no accurate chart of the place, he will cause the Navigating Officer to sound round the ship within a radius of at least three cables, to ascertain the fitness of the anchorage.
984. Touching Ground.- In the event of the ship touching the ground, the Captain and the Navigating Officer are, by the first opportunity, to transmit to the Commander-in-Chief or Senior Officer of the station, for the information of the Admiralty, a joint statement describing in detail all the circumstances in which the incident occurred, attaching also the information required by the following form :-
- The rate at which she was going over the ground at the time she struck. (2) The exact time she remained on shore.
- The nature of the bottom.
- The means taken to get her off.
- The injury they suppose she has received.
- The direction and force of the wind.
- The state of the weather, sea, and tide.
- The ship's draught, forward and aft.
- The least depth of water under the stern, under the bows, and amidships, obtained during the time she remained on shore.
This statement is to be accompanied by a copy of the log, a track chart, commencing from the date when the ship last left port, and, if possible, by a clear and comprehensive plan of the place where the accident occurred, and, in any case, angles between as many of such prominent objects as may be in sight as will suffice to accurately fix the position when aground. When possible, at least five such angles should be forwarded. Bearings taken from the standard compass, of the same objects, should also be given, stating the deviation of the compass.
985. Surveys and Chart making.- The Captain is to cause, when opportunity offers, and the charts supplied are imperfect, surveys to be undertaken and charts made of the harbours and coasts visited, by the navigating or other qualified officers, to whom every facility for this purpose is to be given, and who are always to affix their signatures to their drawings and remarks. Such surveys
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are to be noted in the remark book, but they should be transmitted as soon as executed, accompanied by the observations provided for in Article 1023 (Variation of Compass).
In Foreign Places.- In carrying out this instruction in foreign places the Captain and all other officers are to be very careful to avoid giving any ground of offence to the authorities.
986. Compass Bearings.- Whenever compass bearings are taken, whether to be noted in the log or other document, or for any other purpose, they are to be corrected for deviation, and the correct magnetic bearing given.
987. Report on Navigating Officer.- When the ship is paid off, or when the Captain or the Navigating Officer is removed, a special report of the professional qualifications of the Navigating Officer is to be made by the Captain to the Admiralty, under the following heads:
- As to his general skill in navigation.
- As to the zeal or aptitude which has been shown by him in making himself acquainted with the pilotage of foreign coasts and harbours.
- As to his proficiency in chronometrical and other astronomical observations.
- As to the attention he has given to the various systems of winds, currents, &c.
- As to the particular coasts with which he is best acquainted.
- As to the Captain's opinion of his general trustworthiness as a pilot.
- As to his capabilities as an Executive Officer.
988. Turning Trials.- Captains are, when opportunities offer, to make the necessary trials at the specified speeds to obtain the turning powers of His Majesty's ships in accordance with the instructions printed on form S. 347.
2. The trials are to be made in fine weather, and, if possible, when there is neither wind nor tide to affect the results. It is of the: utmost importance that every care should be taken when making the trials, in order that the results may be obtained and recorded as accurately as possible.
3. The whole of the trials referred to on that form are to be made within six months of the ship being commissioned. Diagrams, and any necessary additional particulars, are to be furnished in every case. The results obtained, as recorded on form S. 347, are to be inserted in the Captain's ship's book (folio 4), and a copy forwarded to the Admiralty for information.
989. Hiring Tug.- When it may be absolutely necessary to hire a tug to assist or to tow the ship, and there is not time to obtain the previous authority of the Admiralty, a separate agreement in writing is, in the absence of special local arrangements, to be made in each case, with the permission of the senior officer present, the terms being reported to the Admiralty with a statement of the circumstances which render it necessary to employ the tug ; care is to be taken that the charges are not higher than the custom or the regulations of the port may sanction.
990. Approaching Powder Magazines, &c.- Ships are not to approach too near to powder magazine vessels, nor to vessels laden with explosives which are distinguished by a red flag at the masthead.
991. Continuous burning of Lights.- Whenever any light which has been hoisted or is being used on board His Majesty's ships, in compliance with the Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, is removed for the purpose of being trimmed, or for any other purpose, it should be immediately replaced
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by another, so that there may not be any interval during which a light is not exhibited.
992. Lights from Scuttles, Portholes, &c.- Care is to be taken to prevent the light showing from scuttles, portholes, &c., being mistaken for the ordinary navigation lights of the ship ; and, for this reason, neither red nor green shades are to be used for lights in cabins, and all curtains are to be of neutral colour. Blue curtains are not to be used over the scuttles on board His Majesty's ships.
SECTION II. PILOTAGE.
993. General Arrangements.- Under ordinary circumstances the Navigating Officer is the pilot of the ship.
2. By Pilot or Navigating Officer.- For ports and channels which are not easy of access, or for which the charts are not themselves sufficient guides, a pilot may be employed ; if the Navigating Officer pilots the ship he will be allowed for his services such remuneration as the Admiralty may think fit to award.
3. Places disallowed.- A list of places disallowed, which the Admiralty may, from time to time, consider easy of access, or sufficiently navigable by the charts, and for which any claim for pilotage is barred, will be found in the chart boxes supplied.
4. Limit of Payment.- The Navigating Officer will not be paid nor is a pilot to be employed, for more than six times in and six times out of any one port or channel during the period for which the Navigating Officer is borne continuously for service in a ship, as the pilotage thereafter becomes part of his ordinary duty.
The mere transfer from one ship to another does not itself entitle an officer to be paid more than the above-mentioned number of times.
5. When ordinary Limit may be exceeded.- A pilot may, however, be employed for more than six times for places where the shifting nature of the shoals may render such local assistance necessary for the safety of the ship, the reasons for such employment being noted on the certificate.
6. Pilot employed in easy Port.- If a pilot is employed for a port easy of access, an explanation of the reasons for so doing is to be forwarded with the certificate. If the explanation should not be considered satisfactory the expense may be charged against the Captain or the Navigating Officer. See clause 3 (Disallowed List).
7. Small Steam Vessels.- No pilotage allowance will be given for any services performed in steam vessels of less than 10 feet draught, except for difficult rivers, or in special circumstances.
8. When Pilot not to be employed.- In the absence of a Navigating Officer, a pilot is not to be hired to perform the ordinary duties of navigation, nor to conduct the ship into ports for which the charts and directions are a sufficient guide.
9. Claims by Navigating Officer.- A Navigating Officer is not limited as to the number of times he may claim for piloting ships other than his own into any place, and such claim may be made immediately.
10. Pilotage Certificates.- The pilotage certificates granted by the Captain to the Navigating Officer for services in his own ship are to be sent to the Hydrographer on the 1st January in each year.
11. Every pilotage certificate granted to a Navigating Officer should state whether a pilot was borne during the time the service was performed, and in the case of ports and harbours whether the ship was taken into the place or merely to the offing. In all cases, correct magnetic bearings of prominent
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objects from the ship's anchorage are to be given on the certificate, in default of which no payment will be made thereon. Certificates made out by Officers in Command in their own favour should be submitted for the approval of the Commander-in-Chief.
994. Applications for Pilots.- At a place where there is a Superintendent or a naval officer in charge of the naval establishment, all applications for pilots are to be made to him.
995. Relations between Pilot, Captain, &c.- When a pilot is employed, the Captain is to order everything that relates to the navigating of the ship to be performed as the pilot shall require ; but, nevertheless, he and. the Navigating Officer are to attend particularly to his conduct ; and if, from his own or the Navigating Officer's observations, he shall have reason to believe the pilot not qualified to conduct the ship, or that he is running her into danger, the Captain is to remove him from charge, and to take all necessary measures for the safety of the ship, noting the time of the pilot being so removed, in the log. If the ship should at any time be damaged through the ignorance or negligence of a pilot, when a common degree of attention on the part of the Captain and Navigating Officer would have prevented the disaster, those officers will be deemed to have neglected their duty. This Article is equally applicable to the case of a ship in charge of a King's Harbour Master, or an Admiralty pilot.
996. Rights in regard to Pilots.- His Majesty's ships have the right to demand the services of any Trinity House or other pilot not otherwise engaged at the tune, but no pilot can claim the right of piloting any ship belonging to His Majesty.
2. In Foreign and Colonial Ports.- In French ports pilotage is compulsory for ships-of-war, but in other foreign ports and in colonial ports, with the exceptions mentioned in the pamphlet entitled " Lists of Ports and Anchorages for which pilotage is disallowed, His Majesty's ships are exempt from compulsory pilotage.
3. If on entering or leaving a French port the services of a pilot are refused, a certificate to that effect, if asked for, is to be given, but all claims on account of compulsory pilotage are to be left for settlement by the consuls at the ports.
997. Pilot for Temporary Service.- The Captain is to give a pilot, when employed, a certificate on form S. 21, which should show the exact position by bearings, of the anchorage or place to which the ship was piloted, and whether she proceeded to a harbour inside or merely to an outer anchorage or offing. A pilot for temporary service is to be borne as a supernumerary for victuals, and is to be discharged as soon as he has fulfilled the service for which he was engaged.
2. All certificates of pilotage at home and applications for payment, together with all communications on the subject, are to be sent to the Hydrographer.
3. Any money advanced to enable a pilot to return home is to be noted on the certificate ; but travelling warrants are not to be issued to pilots, as the present rates include travelling expenses.
4. At places abroad payment on the certificate should be made by the consul or naval accountant. Where there is neither the one nor the other, the Accountant Officer of the ship, under the Captain's authority, will make the payment.
5. Rates at Foreign Ports.- Pilotage rates at foreign ports, when depending upon the tonnage of the ship instead of on her draught, are to be paid on the register tonnage.
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6. Tonnage.- The register tonnage, according to British rule, is to be inserted in all pilotage certificates, and is to be the basis of all tonnage payment made at foreign ports by His Majesty's ships, except when entering Port Said and the Suez Canal, in which case the tonnage according to the Danube rule is to be used.
7. The Board of Trade tonnage certificate, which shows the registered tonnage according to both rules, is furnished to all ships as they are commissioned at the home ports.
8. The weight in tons, shown in the Navy List, is in no case to be used for the payment of pilotage, nor to be mentioned in pilotage certificates.
998. Unlicensed Pilots.- No unlicensed pilots are to be allowed to take charge of His Majesty's ships except in case of necessity when licensed or regular pilots cannot be obtained. When such an occasion arises, particular caution is to be observed by the Captain and Navigating Officer to guard against such unlicensed pilot running the ship into danger.
999. Engagement of Pilots.- Whenever it may be necessary to engage a licensed pilot for a lengthened service, or an unlicensed pilot, fisherman, or boatman for any service, the Captain will enter into a written engagement, if circumstances admit; but if not, a verbal agreement is to be made in the presence of a witness specifying the rate or sum to be paid in satisfaction of all demands, and if it is for a lengthened period, when the payments are to be made. If a written engagement is entered into, it is to be signed by both parties and the witness, and the terms are to be noted in the log ; if not in writing, they should be specially reported to the Admiralty. The stipulated payments are, under the authority of the Captain, to be made by the Accountant Officer as may be agreed on, and the vouchers are to show the whole of the services performed within the period.
1000. Berth for Pilot.- The Captain is to order a convenient berth to be enclosed for the pilot, and cause him to be furnished during his stay on board with a hammock and bedding, and lie will see that he is treated with proper attention and respect.
1001. Ships in Tow.- When one ship tows another, only one pilot is to be paid, except in extraordinary cases, the particulars of which are to be noted on 'the certificates; and the payment for pilotage will be made only to the Navigating Officer or pilot, of either of the ships, to whom the Senior Officer shall have thought fit to give the charge; such Navigating Officer or pilot may be directed by the Senior Officer to be in whichever ship he may consider most advantageous in reference to the service to be performed.
1002. Foreign Steering Orders.- In French, German, and Russian shipsof-war and merchant vessels, and in those of some other nations, orders to starboard or port, as well as the signs and signals used to confirm or repeat such orders, indicate, not that the helm is to be put over to starboard or port, but that the wheel is to be so moved that the ship's head may go to starboard or port. With a view to guard against collisions and other risks, this difference of practice is to be borne in mind when a French, German, or Russian pilot is engaged ; and if a pilot of any other foreign nation be engaged, care is to be taken, with the like object, to ascertain at once the rule in this particular, which his country adopts.
SECTION III. COMPASSES, CHRONOMETERS, AND CHARTS.
1003. Deviation of Compasses.- The Captain and the Navigating and other executive officers of the ship are to keep a constant watch over the
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deviation of the compasses, and they are to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with and be guided by, the practical rules relating thereto, supplied in every chart box, in which will be found all details of the precautions to be observed.
2. Positions of Compasses.- The exact positions of the standard and steering compasses will be determined by the Superintendent of Compasses, and no change is to be made without authority from the Admiralty.
3. Keys of Binnacles.- The keys of the doors of the compass binnacles are to be in the charge of the Navigating Officer.
4. Stowage of Compasses.- For the proper preservation of the compasses, in every ship a closet is constructed in a dry place, fitted to receive the ship's establishment of compasses and the spare compass gear, the key being kept by the Navigating Officer, who is to be held responsible that the compasses and gear are properly stowed.
1004. Swinging Ship.- The ship is always to be swung on commissioning, after repairs, or lying long in one position in harbour, and regularly once in each year ; also immediately on her arrival on a foreign station, or if there has been any great change in her geographical position since the compass errors were last observed.
2. In addition to the usual course of swinging, all classes of vessels in which the heads of the boats' davits when turned in approach to within 14 feet of the standard compass, are to be swung to ascertain the deviation with the boats turned in.
3. At Home Ports.- The Captain will, if practicable, give the Commander-in-Chief at the home ports four days' notice in writing of the time when the ship will be ready to be swung to ascertain the errors of the compasses.
4. Observations at Sea.- When under way, azimuth and amplitude observations are to be taken, if possible, at least once a day, and on every change of course.
5. Deviation of Standard Compass.- Whenever a ship is swung, a notation of the circumstance is to be made in the ship's log, the compass errors observed being noted in the compass journal. A return c f the deviation of the standard compass, on form S. 374a, and its comparison with the other compasses, is to be transmitted to the Admiralty every year on the 31st December.
6. Compass Correctors.- The position of the various compass correctors should always be inserted in the compass return sent into office.
7. Compass Journal.- A compass journal (form S. 381) is to be kept as directed in Article 1024.
1005. Electric Lighting of Compasses.- The electric lighting of compasses as fitted by dockyards is not to be altered without Admiralty authority, and in all cases of repair the greatest care is to be taken that the wires leading to and from any lamp in the vicinity of the compass shall be coupled closely together in every part of the circuit, as any departure from this principle causes disturbance of the compass.
2. Care is to be taken that electric installations are so arranged that no disturbing effect is produced on the compass.
Sentries near Compasses.- Sentries posted near compasses, and those on duty in the proximity of electric machinery, are not to wear side arms.
1006. Precautions when moving Compasses.- Whenever it is necessary to move the compass bowls and cards to or from the shore, or from ship to ship, it is always to be done in the presence of the Navigating Officer or some other commissioned officer, and also when they are drawn from or returned to the dockyard.
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On such occasions the cards of all dry compasses are to be stowed in their special boxes.
1007. Compasses when preparing for Battle.- In preparing for battle the Captain is to decide upon the number and position of the compasses which he may consider necessary to retain in their ordinary places, and he is to send all others, with their binnacles, below.
In all ships where no compass is fitted below in a protected position, at least one compass with its binnacle is to be sent from the upper deck to be used as a reserve.
1008. Standard Barometers and Thermometers.- Standard barometers,. tested thermometers, and other meteorological instruments, will be supplied from the dockyard to the Navigating Officer on demand. The maker's numbers of these instruments are to be entered in the log and the Navigating Officer's. remark book, so that the known corrections may be applied when meteorological data are extracted for compilation.
Printed registers, with the necessary instructions, will also be supplied in the same manner to any officer who may be disposed to record the meteorological observations with greater minuteness than is imperatively required. These registers are to be forwarded to the Admiralty at the end of each year by such officer through his Captain.
2. The barometer or aneroid supplied is to be carefully suspended in some secure and accessible part of the ship, which is to be specified in the beginning of the log, and the readings, together with the temperature of the air and sea by the thermometer, are to be correctly observed and registered in the log daily at 4 and 8 a.m., at noon, at 4 and 8 p.m., and at midnight; in stormy weather every hour.
3. As there are occasionally conditions of weather, not only in the hurricane regions, but in the most tranquil seas, when a knowledge of the various movements of the barometer may become of great value, on these occasions additional observations are to be made and recorded, with such particulars of the corresponding changes in the wind, as well as of any remarkable appearances in the weather, as may seem to indicate any connection between them.
1009. Chronometers and Watches.- At as early a date as possible, the Navigating Officer of a newly-commissioned ship, or of a ship about to be commissioned, will apply by letter to the Commander-in-Chief for the supply of chronometers and watches allowed, so that their rates may become steady before sailing.
2. Winding.- The Navigating Officer is to wind up the chronometers and watches daily at a fixed hour, and is to take care that the same is reported to the Captain. In the absence of the Navigating Officer, these duties are to be performed by such officer as the Captain may appoint.
1010. Chronometer Comparison Book.- The daily comparisons of all the chronometers and watches are to be noted by the Navigating Officer in the book supplied for the purpose (form S. 384).
Chronometer Return.- A return on form S. 379 of all the rates of chronometers and watches obtained, accompanied by supply and receipt voucher on form S. 383, is to be rendered to the Hydrographer on the following occasions :
- Annually on 31st December;
- On closing accounts, either :
- on final return of chronometers and watches to a depot, or
- (ii) on the supersession of the Navigating Officer.
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In cases b (i) and (ii) the return is to be signed by the officer taking charge as a certificate that the instruments are in a serviceable condition.
Form S. 384 is to be kept by vessels having one or more chronometers or hack watches, and form S. 379 is also to be rendered by them, rates being inserted.
2. A receipt is to be forwarded direct to the Astronomer Royal for all chronometers and watches received from the Royal Observatory, and an advice is to be forwarded to him of all instruments returned to the Royal Observatory, giving in all cases the maker's name and number, and indicating the route by which they have been sent.
Transactions between ships are to be reported immediately to the Hydrographer.
3. Time-expired Chronometers.- Chronometers and chronometer watches which have been issued from the Royal Observatory over 4z years,* or have become unserviceable, are to be exchanged for others on the first visit to a port where there is a chronometer depot, or, if not likely to visit such a port, application is to be made direct to the Hydrographer for supply from Royal Observatory.
NOTE.-The labels at present affixed to boxes containing chronometers and watches indicate the date of last repair, and this date is to be considered as equivalent to the date of issue from the Royal Observatory.
4. The instructions contained in the Pamphlet, "Notes on Navigation," relating to the management, repair, and transmission of chronometers and watches are to be strictly observed.
5. Care of Watches.- Chronometer watches are delicate and expensive instruments and, if properly used, give results equalling in accuracy the performances of the best box chronometers : hack watches are less expensive and not so reliable ; both, however, are to be handled with the greatest care in winding and when being carried, and they are invariably to be kept in a place of security when in use on deck.
6. Damage to Chronometers.- In the event of any chronometer or watch sustaining damage, a full report of the circumstances is to be immediately rendered to the Hydrographer and notations made on form S. 379.
1011. Chronometers when preparing for Battle.- When preparing for battle the chronometers are to be removed to the war position in all ships where such a position has been selected for them, or if no definite position has been arranged, to some place of safety.
1012. Charts, demands.- As soon as the destination of the ship is known, the Navigating Officer is to demand from the chart depot, charts for the station or special service on which the ship is to be employed, including the charts for the use of the Admiral or Commodore in the case of a Flag or Commodore's ship.
2. Re-commissioning Abroad.- For ships re-commissioning abroad, charts should be similarly demanded from the depot on the station ; but, should there be no depot, fresh sets of charts will be sent from England.
3. Chart Sets, Age limits.- The sets of charts issued to His Majesty's ships should be effective for the undermentioned periods from the date of issue, as marked, via. :
| |
Years. |
| Sets issued to His Majesty's ships (other than torpedo boat destroyers) |
4 |
| Sets issued to torpedo boat destroyers |
3 |
| Sets of other stations supplementary to those of the station on which a vessel is serving |
6 |
* After April 1914 the period will be 4 years
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4. Cancelled Charts.- As new charts or new editions of charts are supplied to a ship, they are at once to be put into their respective chart sets and the cancelled charts destroyed.
5. Chart Sets transferred.- Whenever a set of charts is transferred to another ship, to the charge of another officer, or returned to a chart depot, the Navigating Officer of the ship transferring the set is to certify on the supply note (form H. 74), which should accompany the set, the number of the last notice to mariners used in the correction of the set, and is to forward direct to the Hydrographer a certificate of transfer (form H. 81) as soon as such transfer has been effected.
1013. Chart Sets for Officers.- The Navigating Officer is to demand from the chart depot an officers' chart set containing a selection of charts of the station on which the ship is to be employed, which is to be placed in charge of the junior Military Branch officer of the ward-room. If the ship has a gun-room mess, another set is to be demanded, which is to be placed in the charge of the senior Military Branch officer of that mess.
2. These officers' chart sets are supplied to enable officers to make themselves familiar with the coasts and harbours of the countries they visit. A box is to be fitted on board for their reception.
3. For Ship's Company.- Each sea-going ship will be supplied with extra general charts for the information of the ship's company, and when on passage, the chart of the locality, fitted in a glazed frame made for the purpose, is to be exposed in a convenient situation accessible to the crew; and the Captain is to cause the Navigating Officer, or such other person as he may select, to. daily mark thereon the position of the ship. These charts are not to be used' for navigating purposes, and to prevent their becoming soiled should not be exhibited uncovered.
4. For Instruction of Junior Officers.- The Navigating Officer of a ship in which junior officers are borne is also to demand from the chart depot, for their instruction in practical navigation, a set of selected charts and plans of harbours of the station to which the ship is proceeding. The Naval Instructor will have charge of this set.
5. For ships re-commissioning abroad, new officers' and junior officers. chart sets may be demanded from the Hydrographer if necessary.
6. None of the charts referred to in this Article are to be considered, or used, as the navigating charts of the ship; hydrographic matter for their upkeep will not be supplied.
1014. Notices to Mariners.- When a notice to mariners of a newly discovered shoal, rock, or other danger, or of a new or altered light, buoy, beacon, or landmark, is received on board, the Navigating Officer is to note the information in the register of hydrographic documents (form H. 41), as therein directed, and is at once to insert the particulars in all charts, sailing directions, &c., to which they refer, in accordance with the uniform system of correction of charts, as described in "Notes on Navigation," affixing his initials in the register on completion of this duty.
2. The register of hydrographic documents (form H. 41) will be supplied with each chart set and will remain with that set until it is finally returned to the chart depot or to the Hydrographic Department.
It is to be presented to the Captain monthly, and initialled by him; it is also to be produced at inspections and signed by the inspecting officer.
1015. Correction of Charts.- All corrections, additions to, or erasures on charts are to be neatly made in red (except as explained later in clause 6). In every case the recognised chart abbreviations are to be used.
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2. The number and date of every notice to mariners, from which corrections, &c., as above have been made, are to be entered at the lower left-hand corner of the chart in the following manner, viz. :
07.123, 1145, 1503 ; 08.232 ; 10.1506, 1721 ; 11.34, &c.
3. The amount of the substance of a notice to mariners inserted on the chart should, as a general rule, be limited to what is likely to be engraved on the chart plate when corrected in office, and it should also be inserted as far as possible in a similar. style, attention being given to the following points:
- The amount of information to be inserted depends on the scale of the chart, and should be in accordance with that already engraved on the chart. On the largest scales will generally be found all the details of lights and their sectors, buoys, &c. On the smallest scales buoys are seldom inserted, and lights are only briefly described as Lt. F., Lt. Grp. Fl., Red, &c., &c., without any details as to height, visibility, periods, &c. ;
- When inserting corrections, care must be taken not to obliterate any of the other information already on the chart ;
- Wrecks are shown thus
and on large scales the " year " is added ;
- When " Notes " are to be inserted (such as cautionary, tidal, &c.) they should be written in a convenient but conspicuous place, where they will not interfere with any other details.
4. The numbers and dates of notices should not be entered on the charts except as required by clause 2, as if entered in any other way they tend to render the chart illegible.
5. Erasures, when necessary, should consist of a single line made with a pen. A knife or ink eraser should not be used.
6. Temporary or intended changes should be inserted on the chart in pencil, and in the latter case finally inked in, in red, when further notice has been received confirming the previous one.
7. One copy of all notices to mariners should be pasted into the sailing directions in its appropriate place, so that, if fuller detail is required than what the scale of the chart permits to be given, it may be found on the proper page referring to the given locality or subject.
1016. Hydrographic Information.- The particulars of all information which may from time to time be obtained affecting charts, sailing directions, and other publications placed in the chart boxes, are to be forwarded, on form S. 378, direct by the Captain to the Hydrographer of the Admiralty, a duplicate being sent at the same time to the Commander-in-Chief of the station. A quarterly return, on form S. 377, is to be sent through the Commander-in-Chief to the Admiralty, giving an abstract of the information thus reported.
SECTION IV. NAVIGATING OFFICER.
1017. Books and Instruments.- On appointment to a ship the Navigating Officer is to provide himself with a sextant (except as provided in clause 2), and a telescope, and with such nautical books and instruments necessary for the purposes of navigation as are not supplied at the public expense.
2. Sextant for Warrant Officer.- When a warrant officer is appointed to one of His Majesty's vessels for navigating duties, a sextant for his use will be included in the allowance of naval stores for the ship.
1018. Responsibilities generally.- He is to have the charge, under the direction of the Captain, of navigating the ship ; he is therefore to point out
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to the Captain every possible danger in or near the ship's course, and the way to avoid it ; and if it be imminent, to report it to the Officer of the Watch with a view to immediate action. Whenever the ship is approaching the land or shoals he is to be upon deck and keep a careful look-out, and he will attend to the soundings until the safety of the ship's position is clearly ascertained and secured.
1019. When Ship conducted by Pilot.- He is always to be very attentive to the manner in which the ship is conducted by a pilot ; he is to see that continuous soundings are obtained even should the pilot not require it, and that preparation has been made to anchor the ship at the shortest notice.
If he perceives the ship to be running towards danger, or if he has any reason to think that the pilot is not properly qualified to conduct her, he is immediately to inform the Captain of his suspicions.
1020. Daily Reckoning.- When at sea, every day, immediately after 8 a.m., noon, and 8 p.m., and at such other times as circumstances may render necessary, he is to deliver to the Captain, on forms S. 375 and 3 75a, an account of the latitude and longitude the ship is in, the variation of the compass, and all other particulars regarding her position which the Captain shall require.
1021. Passing Lights.- On passing a light, the Navigating Officer is to compare it with the Admiralty list of lights, or the latest official information on the subject, and if it should not agree with the description there given of it, or if the light be inefficient, he is to make a report thereof. See 1016 (Information to Hydrographer).
1022. Ship's Qualities.- He is to watch attentively the ship's qualities at sea, that he may be able to suggest, if necessary, any alterations calculated to improve them.
1023. Variation of Compass, &c.- He is to make use of every opportunity of obtaining observations of the variation of the compass on shore, and also by a careful swinging of the ship in deep water ; for this purpose he is to adopt the system given in the instructions for making such observations, issued with the compass journal. A return of the results is to be sent to the Secretary of the Admiralty (Compass Branch) as soon as any series is complete.
2. Deviation of Standard Compass.- The deviation of the standard compass is to be determined as provided for by Article 1003, and special attention is directed to the necessity for observing, when possible, the errors of the standard compass for each course upon which the ship may be steered at the time.
1024. Compass Journal.- He is to keep a compass journal (form S. 381) according to the instructions therein appended, in which the results of all observations for error of the standard compass are to be entered. The journal will form a useful record during the commission ; it is to be produced on all occasions of the ship being inspected, and is to be forwarded to the Admiralty (Compass Branch) on paying off.
2. When, however, a ship is paid off and re-commissioned the next day, the compass journal is to be retained on board for the first six months of the new commission, in order that the information contained therein may be available for the use of the Captain and Navigating Officer. The journal is then to be transmitted to the Admiralty (Compass Branch) as already directed.
1025. Ship's Log.- He is to have charge of the ship's log book (S. 321) ; he will take care that it is compared daily with the deck log (S. 322) to ascertain that no entries made in the latter are omitted ; he will send it to the Officers
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of the Watch to place their initials against their respective watches, while the facts are fresh in their memories ; and he will present it daily soon after noon for the Captain's inspection.
2. Alterations.- After having been signed by the Officers of the Watches he will allow no alteration however trifling to be made in the log book without the concurrence of the Officer of the Watch concerned, who should initial the alteration, and the sanction of the Captain.
3. Entries.- He will be careful that all the particulars required by the established form of log are correctly entered in the log book, in addition to the following circumstances and all other occurrences of moment :
- Lighting fires; weighing and proceeding; putting out or banking fires, and getting up steam in steamboats.
- The arrivals, departures, the meeting at sea, or finding at anchor of all His Majesty's ships, and ships-of-war of all nations-Salutes and ceremonies.
- Every occurrence connected with the navigation of the ship and with discovered dangers ; the set and velocity of the currents or tides ; the results of all observations made, and angles or bearings taken to ascertain the ship's position ; besides the currents between noon and noon when at sea, those experienced on leaving and making the land, or when running along the land are to be recorded, giving the numbers of hours between the observations.
- Peculiarities of the weather, sea, and other atmospheric and natural phenomena, and other circumstances worthy of note. The height of the barometer and thermometer every four hours, at 4, 8, and 12 ; in stormy weather the barometer should be noted every hour. Occasional notation of roll.
- In fleet sailing the position of the leading ships is to be recorded, and the necessary particulars as to the ship herself and the other ships if out of station, specially at night.
- The anchoring or mooring the ship, giving depth of water, amount of cable, and position by bearings, or the securing the ship to a wharf or buoy.
- Evolutions, exercises, landings, and the practice of the crew in closing water-tight doors.
- The employment of the crew.
- The embarkation and disembarkation of all passengers.
- The entry and discharge of officers.
- The circumstances of injury to masts, guns, boats, or other important articles of store or fitment, also the circumstances of the loss of all important stores. It will be sufficient to specify in the log only the description of the important articles, making reference to the complete list entered in the expense book, where alone the details need be shown.
- A statement of the receipt, supply, survey, and return of all stores and provisions, and the exact quantity of fresh beef and vegetables received on board.
- Every alteration in the allowance of provisions, and by whose order; all extra and gratuitous issues.
- The particulars of the hire of any vessel, boat, wharf, or building for the service of the ship.
- All general payments.
- All punishments requiring warrants.
- Births and deaths on board. See 185! (Births and Deaths to be reported to Registrar-General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages).
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1026. Disposal of Log and Monthly Copy.- At the end of each calendar month, the Navigating Officer is to transmit, through the Captain to the Commander-in-Chief, a complete copy of the log book for the period signed by himself. He is to deliver the original log book, signed by himself, to the Captain, when it is filled up, to be kept by him until the ship is paid off, and then to be sent to the Deputy Cashier in Charge, Royal Victoria Yard, Deptford, for custody as a permanent record. If the Navigating Officer is superseded, he is to sign the original log book then in his possession, and deliver it to his successor, who is to give him a receipt for it ; and the Captain is to give him a receipt whenever he delivers the log book to him. These receipts are to be retained by the Navigating Officer for six months.
1027. Remark Book.- He is to keep in the form established (S. 380), and in accordance with the instructions appended thereto, a remark book, in which all the hydrographic information he can obtain is to be carefully inserted.
2. Inaccuracies in Charts.- In his remark book, he is to note carefully any inaccuracies in the charts supplied to the ship, so that the requisite alterations may be made ; for this purpose his remarks should be so distinctly expressed as to admit of no ambiguity, and they should be accompanied by a written explanation of the amendments he proposes to make, either in the configuration of the coast, in the latitudes and longitudes, in the soundings, or in the position of dangers, and he is in all cases to forward the evidence he possesses of the existence of change, and the angles, bearings, or other observations he has employed to determine the true position.
3. Important Inaccuracies.- If the inaccuracies he may have detected in the charts are of importance he is to report them immediately to the Captain in order that they may be transmitted to the Admiralty by the earliest opportunity, so that no time shall be lost in making the necessary corrections. See 978 (Discovery of Dangers, &c.) ; 1016 (Particulars affecting Charts).
4. Remark Book, examination and disposal.- When required, he is to present this remark book to the Captain for examination, and on 1st January in each year he is to deliver it to him accompanied by all the charts, plans, and views of the coasts and headlands which he has made during the past year, if not previously transmitted, as well as by his proposed corrections for the engraved charts, and by all the sailing directions he may have drawn up ; all of which the Captain will transmit by the first safe opportunity to the Commander-in-Chief to be forwarded to the Admiralty; or if he is not under the orders of one, to be sent direct to the Secretary of the Admiralty ; and when the ship is paid off, or before the Navigating Officer leaves her at any time, he is to deliver to the Captain similar documents for the broken period, in order that they may be forwarded in like manner.
5. If no hydrographic information of interest has been obtained during the year, the remark book should not be sent into office, but a certificate stating the fact and approved by the Commanding Officer should be rendered instead.
1028. Work Book.- The Navigating Officer is to keep, in the work book provided for that purpose, the results of all observations and calculations connected in any way with the navigation of the ship. He is also to record in the note book supplied, all angles, bearings, &c., connected with navigation. These books are to be examined by the Captain whenever he may think fit to call for them, and are to be produced at inspections and on such other occasions as may be found necessary.
1029. Instruction of Midshipmen.- The Navigating Officer is to carry out the instruction of Midshipmen as laid down in Articles 328 and 561, and in
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Appendix X., Part I., so as to prepare them for examination in the subjects laid down in Appendix X., Part II., par. 13 (b).
1030. Boats to sound or survey.- The Navigating Officer is to apply to the Captain whenever the Service will admit of it, for boats to sound and survey any shoals or harbours which may not have been correctly laid down in the charts, and the results are to be projected on a large and intelligible scale. In forwarding the result of such surveys he is strictly to follow the directions laid down in the Instructions to the remark book as to furnishing necessary information on the methods used. See 985 (Surveys and Chart making).
1031. Navigation Instruments, demand and charge of.- He is to indent for, and have the exclusive charge of, all the compasses, spare cards, &c. He is to demand a station pointer and an artificial horizon when these are allowed by the establishment, and when superseded or paid off he will account for them, on form S. 122, to the Director of Stores. He is also to see the log-lines and lead-lines correctly marked, and that they, as well as sounding machines and patent logs, are at hand and in good order whenever they may be wanted.
2. When ships are ordered to be paid off, the Navigating Officer is to see that the compasses and gear are in serviceable condition for the ship's immediate re-commission, and he is to obtain a certificate that such is the case from the officer in whose charge the compasses, &c., are placed.
The certificate is to be transmitted with the account of compasses (form S. 122).
1032. Charts, Barometers, Chronometers, &c.- Under the control of the Captain, he is to have charge of the charts, meteorological instruments, chronometers and watches, deck clock, and all instruments that may be supplied for navigating the ship.
1033. Responsibility for Rigging.- The Navigating Officer is responsible under the Captain for the efficient condition of the standing and running rigging, derrick purchases, and boat's falls, &c., of the ship, and he is to frequently examine them, and report to the Captain if he should find any of them inadequate or defective.
For Helm Signals.- He is also responsible for the efficient working of that part of the helm signals system from the drum or wheel which receives the wire halliards, upwards.
2. Cables.- He is to be careful that the inner ends of the cables are properly secured.
3. Hawse when moored.- When the ship is moored he is to see that proper measures are taken to keep the hawse clear (particularly with regard to turns below the ram). Should the hawse become foul, he is to make the necessary representations to the Captain that it may be cleared as soon as practicable, and he is also to cause the Officer of the Watch to be informed. See 619, clause 18 (Duties as Officer of Watch).
1034. Plan of Ship below.- He is to insert a correct plan of the stowage of the ship below, in the log book, specifying the number and sizes of the tanks and of the articles, with their total weight, which form the contents of each provision and store room.
1035. Stowage of Ship.- He is to observe the stowage of the ship authorised in the plans supplied by the Admiral Superintendent on commissioning, which are not to be deviated from without express authority.
Water Tanks and Provisions.- He is to see that no injury is done to the water tanks, that their screws are kept in good working order, and that the
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lids are properly secured to prevent waste; and he is generally to follow all the directions and regulations contained in the Victualling Instructions, Chapter XLIV., so far as they relate to his duties.
1036. Defective, &c., Stores.- He is to inform the Captain whenever stores or provisions of any description, on being received on board, appear to him to be defective in quality or short in quantity.
1037. Provision Rooms.- He is to be attentive to the state of the ship's provision rooms or holds, so that they may be at all times kept as dry and as clean as the nature of the service on which the ship is employed will admit. He is to keep himself acquainted with the place of stowage of all provisions or stores, so that there may be no delay in finding them when they are required.
1038. Sails and Canvas.- The Navigating Officer is to see that any sails on the establishment and all canvas gear are properly fitted and are ready for use. He is frequently to inspect the canvas or sail-rooms to see that they are dry, and that the canvas gear is in good order.
1039. Store-rooms.- He is to visit the Gunner's, Boatswain's, and Carpenter's store-rooms to see that they are kept as well ventilated as practicable, and that they contain only ship's stores, which are so arranged as to admit of any of them being readily found.
When a Gunnery or Torpedo Lieutenant is borne, this duty as regards the stores of their department will be performed by them.
1040. When no Navigating Officer is borne, the duties laid down in this Chapter are to be performed by the officer whom the Captain may direct to, take charge of the duties of Navigating Officer.
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