SECTION I. GENERAL.

257. Service for Promotion.- The service required by- Flag Officers, Captains, Commanders, and Lieutenants, and other officers for promotion is regulated by the definitions of " Service " and " Service in a Ship-of-War at Sea," given in Chapter V.

Service for promotion will be calculated from 1st April 1899 under the rules given in Chapter V., and before that date under the former rules of the King's Regulations of 1899.

258. Numbers of Officers.- The numbers of officers and warrant officers of the Military and other branches of His Majesty's Fleet shall be determined by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, with the concurrence of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and under authority of His Majesty's Order in Council. . Any changes in the numbers of the various ranks will be published in the Quarterly Navy List.

SECTION II. MILITARY BRANCH.

259. Admiral of the Fleet.- Admirals of the Fleet will be selected by His Majesty from the Admirals on the active list who have served as Commander-in-Chief or who have commanded at sea as Flag Officer for two years.

260. Vice and Rear- Admiral of the United Kingdom.-The office of Vice-Admiral or of Rear-Admiral, of the United Kingdom shall not be held by Admirals of the Fleet ; nor shall any officer be appointed to either of these offices unless he shall have hoisted his flag.

261. Admiral.- Vice-Admirals will rise to the rank and title of Admiral on the active list according to seniority.

262. Vice-Admiral.- Rear-Admirals will rise to the rank and title of Vice-Admiral on the active list according to seniority.

263. Rear-Admiral.- To qualify a Captain whose seniority brings him in turn for advancement to the active list of Flag Officers, he must have served the following periods, - of which three years must in each case have been in command of a ship-of-war at sea :

The first two years of the service necessary to qualify for advancement to Flag rank must be in command of a ship-of-war at sea.

2. Captains who arrive at their turn for promotion without having completed the qualifying service will be retired.

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264. How Promotion is regulated.- The promotions of Flag Officers and Captains, when vacancies take place, or when additions are made to the Flag Officers' list, are also regulated by seniority. As vacancies occur in the active list, the Captain first in seniority who has served his time for his flag will be promoted, but His Majesty's undoubted right of selection is reserved.

2. Captain remaining in that Rank.- In the event of a Captain, whose seniority brings him in turn for advancement to the rank of Flag Officer, preferring to continue as a Captain, he may be placed on a retired list of Captains.

3. Ineligibility for Flag Rank.- No Captain who shall have declined service when called upon, or against whose character there may be anything affecting him as an officer and a gentleman, shall be considered eligible for advancement to the rank of Flag Officer.

265. Captain.- To qualify a Commander for promotion to the rank of Captain tin the active list, he must have completed two years' service as Commander, of which one year must have been in a ship-of-war at sea.

2. A Commander may be promoted to the rank of Captain for gallantry in action, provided he has completed one year's service in a ship-of-war at sea.

3. No Commander is eligible to command a stationary ship at home who has not had one year's service in a ship-of-war at sea.

266. Commander.- To qualify a Lieutenant for promotion to the rank of Commander on the active list, he must have completed four years service as Lieutenant, of which three years must have been in a ship-of-war at sea.

2. Lieutenants who have passed as Cadets into the "Britannia" or other training establishment in or after January 1903, will be required, at any time after attaining five years' seniority, to pass a qualifying examination for promotion to the rank of Commander, in the following subjects:

3. A Lieutenant may be promoted to the rank of Commander for gallantry in action, provided lie has completed two years' service, of which one year must have been in a ship-of-war at sea.

4. Supplementary Officers.- A Lieutenant on the supplementary list may be promoted to the active list of Commanders for distinguished service during war operations.

267. Lieutenant.- To qualify a Midshipman for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant he must have completed three years and four months' service in that rank.

The qualifying service required will include the time awarded on leaving the training cruisers.

2. When he has served three years after passing out of the cadet training cruisers he will be examined for the rank of Lieutenant. (See Appendix X., Part II.)

3. Before being granted a Lieutenant's commission every officer must serve for six months at sea as a Sub-Lieutenant. This service must take place immediately after he has passed all his examinations for the rank of Lieutenant.

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MILITARY BRANCH.

At the end of the six months he will receive from the Captain a certificate of efficiency, on the form provided in form E. 190, to the effect that :-

"He is fit to take charge of a watch at sea as a Lieutenant, and to perform efficiently the duties of that rank."

A duplicate of the certificate is to be forwarded to the Admiralty.

If it should be impossible to grant the certificate to any Sub-Lieutenant on account of inefficiency, a special report is to be made by letter.

This certificate is to be for professional proficiency only, and without it no officer will be promoted.

4. Accelerated Promotion.- After obtaining the certificate officers who may be qualified for accelerated promotion will be advanced to the rank of Lieutenant, at their Lordships' discretion and subject to the above provisions, in accordance with the following scale, provided that the officer's conduct has been satisfactory :

A first class in any subject counts two marks, a second class, one mark; and a third class, nil.

An officer who fails to pass in one of the subjects will not be allowed to count a mark towards promotion if he should subsequently obtain a first or second class certificate in that subject.

268. Sub-Lieutenant.- On passing the examination prescribed in Appendix X., Part II., in all the compulsory subjects, Midshipmen will be promoted to the rank of Sub-Lieutenant with seniorities according to the time awarded on passing out of the training cruisers, viz. :- An officer who is awarded four months' time will date iris seniority as Sub-Lieutenant three years after being rated Midshipman. An ofcer with three and a half months' time will serve half a month longer as Midshipman, and so on. The promotion of Midshipmen who have been deprived of time will be delayed by the amount of time lost.

2. Failure to pass examination.- Officers who fail to pass in any one or more of the five compulsory parts will be sent to sea and will present themselves on the next occasion for examination in the part or parts in which they have failed. They will lose two months' time in respect of each subject in which they fail. A second failure will entail liability to discharge from the Service.

3. The Sub-Lieutenants' list will be governed by the numbers required to fill vacancies on the Lieutenants' list ; the maximum period of service on the Sub-Lieutenants' list will be four years ; any Sub-Lieutenants, not passed over for misconduct, reaching four years' seniority without sufficient vacancies having occurred on the Lieutenants' list to permit of their advancement, will be promoted as additional to the list of Lieutenants, and absorbed as, vacancies arise.

4. Loss of Time.- A Midshipman who loses time through discharge to the shore on account of sickness, not attributable to his own fault, may be allowed

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by Admiralty order to present himself for examination on the date on which he would have been entitled to do so had he not lost time as a consequence of such sickness. Any Midshipman whose case comes under this order, and who wishes to avail himself of it, must apply through his Captain for the necessary permission, in sufficient time to admit of the investigation of his case and receipt of -reply before the date of the examination ; but it is to be clearly understood that officers who present themselves for examination will not be shown any special consideration should they fail to pass, or should they be classed lower than they might otherwise have anticipated.

269. Midshipman's Certificate.- Every Midshipman on going afloat will receive a copy of the established certificate (form E. 190), which is to accompany him from ship to ship, addressed to the Captain, and should finally be handed to the Midshipman for production by him when he presents himself for examination for the rank of Lieutenant.

270. Certificates of Proficiency.- On presenting themselves for examination for the rank of Lieutenant, Midshipmen must produce the following documents :

1. Form E. 190 complete, including the following certificates :-
1. Naval Cadet passing-out certificate.
2. A certificate as to professional qualities. This certificate is to be filled in by the Captain of each ship in which a Midshipman may serve for a period of more than three months.
3. A certificate showing that they have qualified before a board of three officers, of which the president must be of the rank of Captain, in the following subjects :
1. Handling of boats under oars and sail ;
2. Handling of boats under steam;
3. Semaphore and Morse.
4. A certificate showing that they have qualified before a board consisting of a Captain and two Engineer officers as to their practical knowledge of engine-room duties.
5. A certificate signed by the Engineer Officer of the ship in which they have last served, to show that they, have performed satisfactorily the duty of engineer officer of the watch, under the supervision of an experienced engineer officer, if necessary, as provided in the Steam Manual, Article 74, paragraph 2.
The watch-keeping certificate in form E. 190 is to be added to accordingly, if necessary.
6. A certificate signed by the Captain of the ship in which they have last served to show that they have completed the prescribed list of observations and that the book containing. the worked-out observations has been sent to the office of the Director of Naval Education for inspection.
2. The journal kept in accordance with Article 824.

2. If these certificates cannot be produced, a special report is to be made to the Admiralty.

271. Midshipmen about to be examined.- In due time before his examination for the rank of Lieutenant each officer is to be sent to England, so as to arrive at a convenient date for the next examination. Whenever possible passage is to be arranged by ship-of-war or transport.

2. The Commander-in-Chief is to report to the Admiralty and to the Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth the names of the officers sent home and the dates on which they will be due to arrive.

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3. On arrival in England each officer is to report- his arrival and his address to the Admiralty, and to the Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth.

4. He is to join at Portsmouth for the examination as he may be directed in accordance with the instructions contained in the periodical printed letter issued by the Admiralty.

5. While undergoing the examination Midshipmen will be borne on the books of the navigation school.

272. Midshipmen, leave after passing.- The amount of full pay leave to which a Midshipman is entitled on his return from foreign service is. to be noted on his transfer list by the Captain of the last ship in which he serves. Any leave granted to him after his return will be deducted from this amount, and the balance will be allowed on his finally passing his examinations for the rank of Lieutenant, provided he can be spared.

273. Midshipman.- Naval Cadets will be rated Midshipmen on the date of " passing out " of the training cruisers with priority according to the classes awarded and position taken in the final examination, and a notification of the number of months' time gained will be placed in the Navy List.

2. The seniority as Sub-Lieutenant will be regulated after passing the necessary examinations according to the number of months gained as a naval Cadet.

3. Naval Cadets are not to be allowed to pass out of the training establishments until they can swim. A notation as to their ability is to be made on their passing papers.

274. Naval Cadet.- Candidates for admission as naval Cadets will pass such educational and medical examinations as may from time to time be required, of the nature of which they will be informed on application to the Secretary of the Admiralty.

2. The rules to which a Cadet will be subject during the period of training are embodied in the regulations respecting the entry of Cadets.

SECTION III - ENGINEER BRANCH.

275. Exceptional Promotion.- The qualifications required for engineer officers are set forth in the following Articles, but the Admiralty may in exceptional circumstances promote officers who have not attained the necessary qualifications.

276. Engineer-in-Chief.- The appointment of Engineer-in-Chief will be filled by selection.

277. Engineer Rear-Admiral.- The qualification for Engineer Rear-Admiral is long and meritorious service.

278. Engineer Captain.- To qualify an officer for promotion to the rank of Engineer Captain he must have served as Engineer Commander or Engineer Lieutenant (Senior List), in one or more ships on full pay for five years, including two years' service in sea-going ships as Engineer Commander, or Engineer Lieutenant (Senior List), in charge of engines.

279. Engineer Commander.- Eight years as Engineer Lieutenant (Senior List) is required to qualify an officer for the rank of Engineer Commander.

Until 31st December 1912, Engineer Lieutenants who entered the Service before 1st April 1900, will be promoted to the rank of Engineer Commander at the discretion of the Admiralty after four years on the Senior List: After

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that date promotions of such officers to the rank of Engineer Commander will be made as requisite, provided that they shall, at the latest, be granted Engineer Commander's rank on attaining eight years' seniority on the Senior List of Engineer Lieutenants.

In the case of officers entered after 1st April 1900, promotion to Engineer Commander is contingent also on the recommendation of the Engineer-in-Chief and Admiralty approval.

280. Engineer Lieutenant (Senior List).- To qualify an Engineer Lieutenant for advancement to the Senior List he must have eight years' seniority as Engineer Lieutenant (Junior List), with service as watchkeeper for not less than three years as Engineer Lieutenant or Engineer Sub-Lieutenant on board sea-going ships in commission; he must also have passed the examination specified in Appendix X., Part VI., and be selected by the Admiralty.

2. He cannot receive advancement to the Senior List until he has obtained the-requisite educational certificate.

3. Failures.- A second failure to pass the practical examination will render a candidate finally ineligible for advancement to the Senior List of Engineer Lieutenants.

281. Engineer Lieutenant.- To qualify an Engineer Sub-Lieutenant for promotion to Engineer Lieutenant (,Junior List) he must have passed the examination specified in Appendix X., Part V., and be selected by the Admiralty. See 299, clause 9 (Promotion of Artificer Engineer).

282. Provisional Examination.- An Engineer Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant who may, on the completion of the requisite service, be serving where the proper examining officers cannot be obtained, may be provisionally examined under the directions of the Senior Officer present, by one, two, or three Engineer Commanders or Engineer Lieutenants (Senior List), according as such officers may be available, in the presence of his own or any other Captain or Commander.

2. In case no engineer officers of the above rank are available, an Engineer Lieutenant may provisionally examine an Engineer Sub-Lieutenant for higher rank, but every engineer. officer passing provisionally must present himself before the proper officers for examination on the first occasion that offers.

3. Neither marks nor class are to be awarded at such provisional examinations.

4. Passing on arrival home.- An engineer officer who has passed provisionally abroad and returns to England with an acting appointment from the Admiralty as Engineer Lieutenant, Senior or junior List, shall be allowed four months from the time of his arrival to afford him the opportunity of passing the required examination before being deprived of his acting appointment.

283. Acting Orders and Confirmation.- No engineer officer is eligible to receive an acting order for a rank for which he has not passed, at least, a provisional examination, neither will he be eligible for confirmation in the rank until he has passed the established examination before the proper officers, when he will be confirmed by the Admiralty.

SECTION IV. MEDICAL BRANCH.

284. Surgeons- General will be selected from the Deputy Surgeons-General who have completed in that rank three years' full pay service, and who have not at any time declined foreign service, except for reasons which the Admiralty ,regard as good and sufficient.

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Promotion will be confined to officers who have proved themselves to be fitted both professionally and administratively for the higher rank.

285. Deputy Surgeons.- General will be selected from the List of Fleet Surgeons. Promotion will be confined to officers who have proved themselves to be fitted both professionally and administratively for the higher rank. To be eligible for advancement two years' sea service in the rank of Fleet Surgeon will be required, or five years' combined service at sea in the ranks of Fleet and Staff Surgeon.

2. Officers on the list on the 8th August, 1911, who may be unable for Service reasons to complete the qualifying period of sea service, may be exempted at Admiralty discretion.

286. Fleet Surgeon.- Subject to the approval of the Admiralty, rank as Fleet Surgeon will be granted to Staff Surgeons at the expiration of eight years from the date of promotion to Staff Surgeon provided they possess the following qualifications :

1. Have served three years at sea in that rank;
2. Are recommended for advancement by the Medical Director-General ;
3. Have never declined service except for reasons which are accepted as satisfactory by the Admiralty.

Officers on the list on the 8th August, 1911, who may be unable for Service reasons to complete the qualifying period of sea service, may be exempted at Admiralty discretion.

2. Special Promotions from the rank of Staff Surgeon to that of Fleet Surgeon will be made, at the discretion of the Admiralty, in cases of distinguished service or conspicuous professional merit. Special promotions for professional merit will be exceptional, and will not exceed the rate of one in two years ; the total number at any one time of Fleet Surgeons holding that rank by such promotions is not to exceed six. Promotions for gallantry in action will not be limited to any specific number.

287. Staff Surgeon.- Subject to the approval of the Admiralty, rank as Staff Surgeon will be granted to Surgeons who are qualified as follows :-

1. Have completed eight years from date of entry (except as provided for in clause 2 and in Article 289)
2. Have served three years at sea ;
3. Have undergone the course and passed the qualifying examination before the medical examining board in London prescribed in Appendix X., Part VII. ;
4. Are recommended for advancement by the Medical Director-General.

Officers on the list on the 8th August, 1911, who may be unable for Service reasons to complete the qualifying period of sea service, may be exempted at Admiralty discretion.

2. Accelerated Promotion.- Accelerated promotion to the rank of Staff Surgeon will be granted to Surgeons who obtain a special or a first class certificate in the qualifying examination for promotion, as follows, viz. :

1. An officer obtaining a. special certificate will be eligible for an advance of 18 months' seniority
2. An officer obtaining a first class certificate twill be eligible for an advance of 12 months' seniority.

Accelerated promotion will not be granted on examination results alone, and an officer must also be recommended as deserving of advancement. It will be open to their Lordships to reduce the amount of seniority allowed if considered advisable by the Medical Director-General.

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3. Special Promotion.- Special promotions to the rank of Staff Surgeon will be made, at the discretion of the Admiralty, in cases of distinguished service or conspicuous professional merit. Special promotions for professional merit will be exceptional, and will not exceed the rate of one a year. The total number, at any one time, of Staff Surgeons holding that rank by such special promotions shall not exceed eight. Promotions for gallantry in action will not be limited to any specific number. No officer will be specially promoted unless he passes the examination prescribed for other Surgeons.

4. Failure to qualify as Staff Surgeon.- A Surgeon who fails to obtain a pass will be allowed a second trial, but will not be granted accelerated promotion on the results of the second examination. Should an officer fail to pass at the second attempt he will be compulsorily retired on attaining eight years' seniority, with such gratuity as the Admiralty may see fit to grant, but not exceeding 5001.

The case of a Surgeon who entered prior to 9th August, 1911, and did not elect the new scale of pay introduced by Order in Council of that date and whose promotion to the rank of Staff Surgeon has been retarded by failure to pass the qualifying examination, will be dealt with as follows, should he subsequently pass and be promoted:-

1. He will be granted the seniority as Staff Surgeon he would have received had he passed in ordinary course;
2. He will reckon service for increase of full and half pay only from the date of appointment to full pay as Staff Surgeon;
3. If on half pay, or if placed on half pay when promoted, he will receive the lowest rate of half pay of the new rank from the date of passing the qualifying examination;
4. Where delay in passing the qualifying examination may be due to unavoidable circumstances, special consideration will be given.

288. Entry of Surgeons.- A candidate successful at the. examination for entry into the Medical Branch of the Royal Navy will be appointed as Acting Surgeon, and will be required to pass through such courses as the Admiralty may decide.

At the end of the courses the Acting Surgeon will be examined, and, after he has passed, will be given a commission as Surgeon in the Royal Navy. The commission will date from the day of passing the entrance examination. An Acting Surgeon who fails to qualify at the above examination-that is to say, who fails to obtain 50 per cent. of the marks in each subject at the examination at the end of the courses referred to-will, if he so elects, be allowed a second trial at the next opportunity, and should he then qualify, he will be placed at the bottom of his list ; should he again fail, his appointment will not be confirmed, and he will be required to withdraw. The period between the two examinations will not be counted as service for either promotion, withdrawal with gratuity, or retirement after 20 years' service, nor will the candidate be allowed pay from Naval funds for this period.

2. Seniority of Surgeons.- The seniority of Surgeons on entry will be determined by the sum total of the marks they obtain at the London examination, and those at the conclusion of their probationary period as Acting Surgeon. Their names will then be placed in the Official Navy List. Candidates who hold or are about to hold a post as resident medical or surgical officer to a recognised civil hospital will retain the position in the list which they obtained on entry, and when their period of service as resident officer is over, they will join the next Acting Surgeon's-course, and will be required to obtain qualifying marks. Surgeons entered without competition will take seniority next after the last Surgeon entered at the same time by competition.

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289. Civil Hospital Appointments.- Earlier promotion to the rank of Staff Surgeon may be granted to those Surgeons entered prior to 1st January, 1910, who before entry held the post of legally qualified resident medical or surgical officer to a recognised civil hospital of not less than 100 beds for a period of not less than six months, provided their conduct and professional abilities have been favourably reported on during the time they have served in the Navy. They may be granted from six months' to one year's seniority according to the time they held their civil appointments, but in no case will more than one year's seniority be granted. The eligibility of the appointment to count for time will be decided by the Medical Director-General. This only applies to officers who entered by competition.

2. A candidate who, at the time of passing the examination for entry into the Medical Branch of the Royal Navy, holds, or is about to hold, an appointment as resident medical or surgical officer in a recognised civil hospital, may be allowed to serve in such civil appointment, provided that the period of such service after the date of entry into the Royal Navy does not exceed one year.

Pay from naval funds will be withheld from officers while thus serving, but the time concerned will reckon for increase of full and half pay while on the active list, and retired pay or gratuity on retirement or withdrawal, except that no officer will be allowed to retire on a gratuity until he has completed four years' service exclusive of the time spent as resident medical or surgical officer.

The eligibility of this appointment to count for time will be decided by the Medical Director-General.

SECTION V.- ACCOUNTANT BRANCH.

290. Secretaries.- To qualify an officer to receive an appointment as Secretary to a Flag Officer or Commodore of the First Class, he must be on the list of Secretaries, Paymasters-in-Chief, Fleet or Staff Paymasters, or Paymasters, or in the case of a Commodore First Class or a Flag Officer, not being a Commander-in-Chief, must be an Assistant Paymaster of four years' seniority.

2. To qualify an officer to receive an appointment as Secretary to a Commodore of the Second Class, he must be on the list of Secretaries, Paymasters, or Assistant Paymasters.

3. On completing eight years' service in the rank of Secretary to Flag Officers or Commodores of the First Class; the officer will be placed on the permanent list of Secretaries, but his naive will also be continued on the list of Paymasters.

291. Paymaster-in-Chief.- To qualify an officer for the Active or Retired rank of Paymaster-in-Chief he must have completed 20 years' service, which is to include not more than four years' time as Assistant Paymaster, and all the time as Acting Paymaster, Paymaster, and Secretary.

292. Fleet Paymaster.- To qualify an officer for the rank of Fleet Paymaster he must have four years' seniority as Staff Paymaster.

293. Staff Paymaster.- To qualify an officer for the rank of Staff Paymaster he must have four years' seniority as Paymaster.

294. Paymaster.- To qualify an officer who entered the Service prior to the year 1909 for the rank of Paymaster, he must have served as Clerk to the Secretary of a Flag Officer, or as a Clerk in the Navy, or in those capacities

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combined. He must be 21 years of age, and he must have passed the required examination.

2. Assistant Paymasters who entered the Service in or after the year 1909 will not be eligible for promotion to the rank of Paymaster or for appointment as Assistant Paymasters in Charge until they have passed the required examination (see Appendix X., Part IX.), which may not be taken until three years after passing for Assistant Paymaster.

295. Assistant Paymaster.- Clerks will be examined, as prescribed in Appendix X., Part VIII., for Assistant Paymaster at the end of 3� years from date of entry as Assistant Clerk, provided that they produce a certificate from the Accountant Officer of their ship approved by the Captain that they are in all respects deserving of promotion (form S. 433b).

296. Clerk.- Assistant Clerks are to be rated Clerks 12 months from date of entry, or as soon afterwards as they are certified by the Accountant Officer of the ship as likely to make good accountant officers. The certificate (form S. 432) is to be attested by the Captain of the ship, and a duplicate is to be sent to the Admiralty.

In the event of an officer not being considered as qualified for advancement to Clerk on attaining one year's seniority, a special report is to be made to the Admiralty stating the reasons.

2. If an Assistant Clerk fails to obtain his certificate for advancement to Clerk within 18 months of his date of entry, application is to be made by the Captain to the Commander-in-Chief for an inquiry to be held. The result is to be reported to the Admiralty, and if it is unfavourable to the officer he will be liable to discharge from His Majesty's Service.

297. Entry of Assistant Clerks.- Candidates for admission as Assistant Clerks wall pass such examination as may from time to time be required; they will be informed of its nature on application to the Secretary of the Admiralty. They must produce certificates of proficiency in swimming before they are permitted to enter His Majesty's Service.

SECTION VI.-- COMMISSIONED WARRANT AND WARRANT OFFICERS.

298. Commissioned Warrant Officers will be selected from the respective ranks of warrant officers, at the discretion of the Admiralty.

299. Promotion to Lieutenant.- Chief Gunners, Chief Boatswains, Chief Signal Boatswains and Commissioned Telegraphists, Gunners, Boatswains, Signal Boatswains and Warrant Telegraphists are eligible for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, for long and zealous service.

2. Chief Carpenters and Carpenters are eligible for promotion to the rank of Carpenter Lieutenant, for long and zealous service.

3. Chief Artificer Engineers and Artificer Engineers are eligible for promotion to the rank of Engineer Lieutenant, for long and zealous service.

4. Commissioned warrant officers and warrant officers of exemplary conduct who may distinguish themselves by acts of gallantry and daring in the Service shall be eligible for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, Carpenter Lieutenant, or Engineer Lieutenant.

5. Promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, Carpenter Lieutenant, or Engineer Lieutenant, under clause 4, is restricted to officers who are under 45 years of age. See 245 and 252 (Time for Pay served before Promotion).

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300. Candidates for Warrants.- All candidates for warrants must pass such examinations as the Admiralty may from time to time direct.

2. Character.- They must be recommended by officers commanding His Majesty's ships, and their character must be such as would, if continued, qualify them for the Good Conduct Medal. The award at any time of a character inferior to " Good " will, however, disqualify a candidate.

The cases of candidates who are considered exceptionally deserving or who have distinguished themselves by meritorious or special services, but who have not attained to the foregoing standard of character, may be submitted to the Admiralty for consideration.

3. Recommendations.- The following candidates must be recommended for warrant continuously on the half-yearly returns

In the case of candidates for Warrant Armourer the return is to record the candidate's ability as a mechanic, his capacity to design and modify articles from ideas given him, and his powers of controlling men and organising work.

4. In all cases of the first recommendation of a man for warrant rank a copy of his service certificate is to accompany the recommendation, with the column of ability as Seaman or Artificer, etc., carefully filled in.

5. Misconduct.- If a qualified candidate for warrant rank should misconduct himself in a manner which would disqualify him for the Good Conduct Medal his misconduct is to be reported to the Captain of the " Excellent " in the case of a candidate for Gunner or Warrant Armourer; to the Captain of the " Vernon " in the case of a candidate for Torpedo Gunner, Warrant Telegraphist, or Warrant Electrician ; to the Superintendent of Signal Schools in the case of a candidate for Signal Boatswain ; and to the Admiralty in other cases ; and his name will be removed from the roster for promotion.

6. Acting Rank.- Except in the cases of Head Schoolmasters and Head Wardmasters, candidates for warrant rank will be given acting rank only on promotion. At the expiration of one year's service an acting warrant officer will be eligible for confirmation in rank, provided his conduct and qualifications have been satisfactory, and he is recommended from the ship in which he is serving; his seniority to reckon from the date of his acting appointment.

301. Gunner and Gunner (T).- A candidate for Gunner or Gunner (T) must be not more than 35 years of age. Before he can undergo the examination for promotion he must have held a rating not lower than that of Leading Seaman of two years' seniority. He must have passed for petty officer and have served seven years at sea as boy or man ; the actual period served in seagoing ships is to be stated in his passing certificate. He must produce his service.

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certificate and certificate as Seaman Gunner or Seaman Torpedo Man, and must state whether he elects to pass for Gunner or Torpedo Gunner. He must pass the prescribed examination in seamanship as laid down in form S. 440, and hold the gunnery and torpedo certificates required by Article 337.

2. Educational Test.- If the candidate for Gunner or Gunner (T) is not a Gunner's Mate or Torpedo Gunner's Mate he must pass the educational test provided for in form S. 440. This test is to be held in the ship in which the candidate is serving and is to be carried out by the Naval Instructor when available, otherwise by a Lieutenant appointed for navigating duties.

3. Seamanship.- The seamanship examination is to be held in the presence of a Captain or Commander by a navigating officer and three Chief or other Gunners, Torpedo Gunners or Boatswains.

4. Gunners' Course.- After passing the examination in seamanship the candidates for Gunner are, if recommended and in all respects eligible, to be sent home for the Gunners' course as soon as practicable.

Where a candidate has failed to pass for a higher gunnery or torpedo rating within three years of his passing in seamanship, and is thus ineligible under Article 399, clause 3, to qualify at once for warrant rank, the fact is to be noted on the passing certificate (form S. 440) in the space provided for further remarks, and he is not to be sent home for the Gunners course until qualified.

5. Before being eligible for promotion to Acting Gunner or Acting Gunner (T), a candidate must be a petty officer or acting petty officer with not less than one year's service in the actual performance of the duties of such rating as laid down in Article 337, and must hold the certificates required by that Article.

6. Whenever passed candidates for the rank of Gunner or Gunner (T) are discharged from any ship or depôt, a return on form S. 515 is to be forwarded to the Captain of H.M.S. " Excellent " or of H.M.S. " Vernon," showing the disposal of the candidates.

302. Boatswain.- A candidate for a Boatswain's warrant must be not more than 35 years of age. Before he can undergo the prescribed examination the candidate must have held a rating not lower than that of Leading Seaman of two years' seniority. He must have passed for petty officer and have been seven years at sea as boy or man ; the actual period served in seagoing ships is to be stated in his passing certificate. He must produce his service certificate and his certificate as Seaman Gunner or Seaman Torpedo Man. He must also pass the prescribed examination in seamanship as laid down in form S. 440.

2. Educational Test.- If he has not passed the petty officers' educational test, or an educational examination of equal value, he must also pass the educational examination as laid down in form S. 440.

3. Seamanship.- The seamanship examination is to be held in the presence of a Captain or Commander by a navigating officer and three Chief or other Boatswains, Gunners or Torpedo Gunners.

4. Before promotion the candidate must have served one year as a petty officer, or acting petty officer, and must pass the further examination laid down in Article 337.

Leading Seamen after passing for warrant rank will be given the rating of acting petty officer in time to ensure their having served in that capacity for a year before their turn for promotion is expected to arrive.

5. Gunnery Course.- A candidate for Boatswain before obtaining his acting warrant is to go through the course of gunnery and torpedo instruction provided by Article 337. ,

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303. Signal Boatswain.- A candidate for a Signal Boatswain's warrant must be not more than 35 years of age. To be eligible to undergo the prescribed examination the candidate must have held a rating not lower than that of Leading Signalman of two years' seniority ; he must have passed for petty officer and have been seven years at sea as boy or man ; the actual period served in seagoing ships is to be stated in his passing certificate. He must produce his service certificate. He must pass the examination and obtain the marks for first or second class, given in detail in the passing certificate of qualification, form S. 445. He will retain this class during his whole service.

2. Before promotion to warrant rank the candidate must have served one year as a petty officer or acting petty officer. Leading Signalmen after passing for warrant rank will be given the rating of Acting Yeoman of Signals in time to ensure their having served in that capacity for a year before their turn for promotion is expected to arrive.

3. Failure.- If a candidate should fail to pass, he will not be re-examined until after an interval of at least six months, and will only be entitled to obtain a second class certificate.

4. Examination Abroad.- On foreign stations the examination for Signal Boatswain is to be held in the presence of a Captain. The examiners are to be three officers, two of the rank of Commander or Lieutenant who have made signalling a study and are specially selected by the Commander-in-Chief for their knowledge of signal duties (one being if possible a Lieutenant and qualified in signalling), and the other a Signal Boatswain.

Examinations held abroad will be provisional only. Acting Signal Boatswains will be required., on their return to England and before being confirmed in rank, to pass the prescribed examination in the signal school at Portsmouth.

5. Examination at Home.- Candidates on the home station and officers who have returned to England after passing provisionally abroad will be examined at the school of signalling at Portsmouth, by the Commander in charge of the school, assisted by a Lieutenant specially selected by the Commander-in-Chief for his knowledge of signals, and a Signal Boatswain.

304. Warrant Telegraphist.- A candidate for Warrant Telegraphist must be not more than 35 years of age. To be eligible to undergo the prescribed examination (see Article 338) the candidate must have served seven years at sea as boy or man, and must have served at least one year as Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist or Petty Officer Telegraphist. The actual period served in seagoing ships is to be stated in his passing certificate.

305. Chief Master-at-Arms.- A candidate for Chief Master-at-Arms must be not less than 35 years of age and must be a Master-at-Arms with five years' service as such.

306. Carpenter.- A candidate for a Carpenter's warrant must be not more than 35 years of age. To be eligible to undergo the examination prescribed in Appendix X., Part XIV.(1), for a Carpenter's warrant, he must have attained the rating of Shipwright and have served for not less than twelve months in all in one or more of His Majesty's ships.

2. Examining Officers.- The examination is to be held in the presence of a Captain or Commander by a navigating officer not below the rank of Lieutenant and by three Chief or other Carpenters.

3. Confirmation.- No Carpenter shall receive a confirmed warrant as such until he passes a final examination before a board of dockyard officers

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[for details see Appendix X., Part, XIV.(2)], notwithstanding that he may have already passed in the subjects as a skilled Artificer. Prior to passing this examination, and at the first opportunity after his promotion to Acting Carpenter, he is to undergo a course of instruction in a dockyard for a period of six months: If a candidate is rejected, he must present himself for re-examination within six months of such rejection.

307. Artificer Engineer. Artificer Engineers will be selected from Chief or other Engine-Room Artificers who have passed the prescribed examination (see Appendix X., Part XIII.), are recommended, have served four years in seagoing ships in commission and have served for eight years with continuous " Very Good " character with previous character not inferior to " Good " in time counting for pension. In the case of candidates entered as Boy Artificers, service prior to being rated Acting Engine-Room Artificer 4th Class will not be reckoned. The examination and promotion of candidates will be subject to the condition that nothing in their previous records points to their being unfitted for advancement.

2. Candidates will not be allowed to present themselves for examination unless they are eligible as regards service and character, and are recommended.

3. Certificates:- Before examination every candidate must produce the following certificates :

1. That he is capable of taking charge of the machinery of a small ship ; and
2. That he is considered fit in every respect for advancement to warrant rank; the certificate is to be signed by the Captain and Engineer Officer of the last ship in which he served.

308. Warrant Mechanicians will be selected from Mechanicians who have passed the prescribed examination (see Appendix X., Part XIII.), and who have served not less than five years in that rating (acting and confirmed), three of which must have been in a ship-of-war at sea.

2. Certificates.- Before examination a candidate must produce certificates from the Engineer Officer of the ship, approved by the Captain, to the effect

1. That he is capable of taking charge of the entire watch in the engineroom department of a large ship under way;
2. That he is considered fit in every respect and is recommended for advancement to warrant rank.

309. The Candidates for Artificer Engineer or Warrant Mechanician will be informed whether they have qualified or not. If successful, their names will be placed on a roster for promotion at the Admiralty, and the following notation is to be made on their service certificates : " Qualified for Artificer Engineer " (or Warrant Mechanician, as the case may be), and noted for promotion " (Q.A.E.) or (Q.W.M.), and also in the report on Engine-Room Artificers and Mechanicians, form S. 189, in which it should be added if they are recommended for promotion,

2. Any case of grave misconduct or inefficiency on the part of a man placed on the roster is at once to be reported to the Admiralty with a view to his name being removed from the roster and the notation on his service certificate is to be cancelled.

310. Warrant Electrician.- Warrant Electricians will be selected from Chief or other Electricians who have served not less than eight years from date of entry, of which four must have been at sea, and have passed the examination prescribed in Appendix X., Part XV.

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2. Certificates.- Selected candidates must produce certificates :

1. From the Captain of the torpedo school at the port to which they belong that they are recommended for advancement. This recommendation will be based on the marks obtained by the candidates in their previous examinations in the torpedo school and their general ability as workmen ;
2. From the Captain of the-ship in which they are serving that they are considered fit in every respect for advancement to warrant rank.

311. Warrant Armourer.- Warrant Armourers will be selected from Chief Armourers who have passed the examinations prescribed in Appendix X., Part XVI., and have served not less than five years as Chief Armourers, of which two years must have been in a fully-manned ship at sea. Candidates must be not less than 35 years of age.

2. To be eligible for the provisional educational test [see Appendix X., Part XVI.(1)], the candidate must hold the confirmed rating of Chief Armourer. From Chief Armourers who have passed the provisional test a selection will be made by the Captain of H.M.S. " Excellent " of candidates to undergo, after paying off, the instructional course and final examination in the gunnery school. [see Appendix X., Part XVI.(2)].

312. Chief and Head Schoolmasters will be appointed by the Admiralty on the recommendation of the Director of Naval Education.

313. Head Wardmasters will be appointed by the Admiralty on the recommendation of the Medical Director-General, and will be selected from Chief Sick Berth Stewards who have had adequate experience in that rating, and are not less than 35 years of age.

314. Warrant Writer.- To be eligible for Warrant Writer the candidate must be a Chief Writer with five years' service as such, and must be not less than 35 years of age.

315. Head Steward:- To be eligible for Head Steward the candidate must be a Ship's Steward with five years' service as such, and must be not less than 35 years of age.

2. Acting Head Stewards must undergo a meat and victualling course at the first opportunity after promotion, and they will not be confirmed until they have passed through the course successfully.

316. Instructor in Cookery.- To be eligible for Instructor in Cookery a candidate must be a Chief Ship's Cook, with five years' service as such, and must be not less than 35 years of age.

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