Accelerated Advancement.-Boys between the age of 17 and 18 who are serving in ships other than those of the training service, may present themselves for a fairly severe qualifying examination, From those who pass satisfactorily commanding officers may select the boys whom they consider suitable for early advancement, and rate them ordinary seamen, ordinary signalmen, or ordinary telegraphists, as the case may be, at 17�, or at any age between 17� and 18. Encouragement should be given to promising boys to take advantage of this early advancement.

Air Bedding.-If weather conditions permit, this should be done once a week. In a modern battleship it is not feasible to trice up the whole of the ship's company's blankets at the same time, and therefore this may, with advantage, be taken in turns by the various divisions. Arrange where each division's bedding is to be aired, hanging it over the guard rails, etc. Subordinate officers' hammocks should be included. Take advantage of the hammock bins being empty to clean them out.

Anchor Watch.-In bad weather it may be necessary to let go another anchor, and also to have a look-out watching the cable or bridles of the anchor or anchors by which the ship is then riding. Sufficient hands to let go and provide look-outs must be detailed. After seeing the spare anchor all ready for letting go and that no hammocks are triced up in the wake of the cable locker, detail hands to stand by the slip and cable holder, see that a maul and a light are available. Usually these hands are taken from the duty part of the watch and detailed every night ; they should sleep in a selected place.

Arms.-These are usually cleaned by the ordnance staff and gunner's party, but in some ships the men clean the rifles allotted to them. All seamen ratings armed with rifles should be drilled under arms once a week, and if possible landed. Signalmen, telegraphists, torpedo party and sweepers etc., once a fortnight, similarly for all stoker ratings except chief stokers. Certain daymen once a month. Ratings armed with pistols should receive instruction in the use of these weapons.

Articles of War.-These should be displayed in an accessible part of the mess deck. They should be read, as also should the last returns of courts-martial, to the ship's company quarterly.

Awnings.-Stations for spreading and furling awnings should be made out. Due precautions are required as to the care and maintenance of an awning when kept spread in bad weather. Hauling down jiggers should be hooked on to the earings and bowsed well down. In some cases using a 5-in. or 6-in. grass hawser flaked across the awning and secured down each side is recommended. Awnings should be sloped if it is raining, and as a precautionary measure before pipe down. As awnings become worn they will be found to have stretched. Do not attempt to get a taut spread with a wet awning, it should be re-spread when dry. Awning curtains are supplied to " house in " the quarterdeck or forecastle. Side screens are supplied to ships on certain stations.

Badges.-Badges for boats and for the ship will in future be supplied.

Bags and Hammocks.-Each man is supplied with two hammocks, one set of clews, head and foot lanyards, lashing, and also with one kit bag for his personal use during his time in the Service. Kit bags are made of brown waterproof canvas; their use in modern ships fitted with kit lockers is merely to act as a hold-all when joining or on discharge from a ship. Hammocks may be a khaki colour when new, but will become white after repeated scrubbings. Clean hammocks should be slung every fortnight. Before a requisition is made for marines to embark, ship's bedding and hammocks should be provided for them.

Bathrooms.-Modern ships are fitted with sufficient accommodation for the whole of the ship's company. A routine should be made out to regularise the times that the various bathrooms are allowed to be open, and this routine should allow for men washing their hands before meals. Bathrooms are fitted with ejectors and steam-heating tanks for hot water. Sweepers should be warned to shut off both of these before closing the bathroom.

Boatmen.-In capital ships a signal rating known as the boatman is stationed by day on the quarterdeck. His particular duty is to keep an eye on all boats, more especially those under sail. He works under the officer of the watch and reports all boats coming alongside.

Boats and their Crews.-The fleet or station orders usually contain special orders on this subject. They usually restrict the colours that may be used on the hulls and upperworks and the amount of bright work on the funnels of steamboats. A considerable latitude is, however, allowed for ship's individual taste.

Boats' crews should be dressed alike, i.e., if oilskins are necessary all should wear them, chinstays should all be up or down. Stokers in steamboats should wear white canvas jumpers of uniform pattern, with a silk handkerchief (not white working rig), clean fearnought trousers, flannel vests and boots; the engine hand may wear a blue overall suit, Caps and covers with ribbons should be worn (not cap covers only). Boats' crews should wear lifebelts in bad weather. Steamboats and motor-boats should always carry a lifebuoy, and these should always, with the exception of barges, carry their slings in the boat.

For handling of boats, see chapter on " Boat Work."

The following points require attention:

1. Men belonging to duty boats and wishing to go on leave should inform the coxswain of the boat and regulating office as soon as possible after the word for leave has been passed, in order that their places may be filled up. Steamboats and motor launches being so much used, are generally worked with two crews, each crew working in turns of 24 hours.
2. The custom is that boats' crews away after 22.00 may lie in until " guard and steerage hammocks," with the permission of the officer of the first or middle watch.
3. Duty boats' crews rejoin their parts of the ship after their boats are hoisted. Should the boat be found to have a " waterline," due to oil, etc., the crew may with advantage be employed cleaning this off.
4. Boatkeepers should always be in their boats, except when moored up for the night, or in bad weather subject to permission from the officer of the watch. Boatkeepers should not loll about in their boats or read, and are to stand up and salute all officers passing the ship and the colours when hoisted and lowered.
5. Boats should be manned over the booms.

On arriving in harbour a routine of the boat service should be made out and all reasonable facilities given. This routine should be punctually adhered to. In home waters capital ships are generally supplied with a drifter, which is of great assistance in landing and bringing off libertymen.

Boatswain's Mates.-Their duties are to assist the officer of the watch and to pipe any necessary orders. In harbour, as a rule, they keep watch aft from the time the hands are called until " pipe down," and thus three should suffice. At sea they keep regular watches, in four watches, being stationed forward within hail of the bridge or compass platform. In small ships in harbour the duties of quartermaster and boatswain's mate are often combined. The chief boatswain's mate attends on the executive officer. At general drills all boatswain's mates not on watch are stationed about the upper deck to repeat pipes and pass the word. In harbour the boatswain's mates should always be handy to pipe the side, and should not, except when piping any order, leave the quarterdeck without permission. Whether at sea or in harbour he should keep his eyes open and at once report any irregularities or anything detrimental to the outside appearance of the ship. In order to avoid the common complaint of not hearing the pipe, good organisation is required so that the boatswain's mate's pipe is picked up and repeated smartly by the necessary call boys who are detailed for this purpose. The number of call boys must vary to suit the class of ship, but the number should be sufficient to provide reasonable means whereby all concerned can hear the pipe. Ships of recent construction are provided with " loud speakers " fitted throughout the ship. This greatly facilitates the piping of orders.

Butcher.-A selected and specially trained marine, drafted to the ship as such. He works under the victualling officer or chief victualling petty officer, and should be responsible in addition for the cleanliness of the beef screen, beef blocks, tarpaulins, etc. He should always be sent with the party who draw fresh meat. A battleship carries two butchers.

Buglers.-May be seamen ratings or marines. Most capital ships carry both. Bugle calls should be blown with simplicity, and strictly as laid down in the Gunnery Drill Book, Vol. II.

A routine for buglers should be made out. In harbour one bugler should be on watch on the quarterdeck from " hands fall in " in the morning until after rounds at 21.00 All buglers should fall in and sound off together such falls as " daylight," " divisions," " quarters," " sunset " and " first and last posts." At sea a bugler should be instantly available from the compass platform.

Cable Party.-This party is detailed equally from each part of the ship and is used for working cables on all occasions. ICI a capital ship it usually consists of two P.O.'s (captain and second captain of forecastle) and eight A.B.'s from each part of the ship equally divided between the watches. The side party work with them to assist in cleaning the cable.

Call Boys.-As the boys are all under instruction during working hours, ordinary seamen are as a rule told off for these duties; the term " call boy" is still, however, the customary one employed. Call boys work with the hands in harbour from " call the hands " to 21.00. At sea they keep regular watch. See also under " Boatswain's Mate."

Canteen.-Canteens in H.M. ships at home and abroad are conducted by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute, except under special circumstances. A rent is paid for the canteen on the turnover, the amount of rent or turnover being determined by the Admiralty and N.A.A.F.I. A list of prices charged should be exhibited.

Captain of the Head.-A selected rating, or ratings in a capital ship, whose duty is to look after. the ship's company heads. Officers' w.c.'s are, as a rule, kept clean by marines.

Captain of the Hold.-Usually in a capital ship, a petty officer with one A.B. as assistant, working with the victualling department. In general mess ships, the Captain of the Hold is in charge of the general mess victualling party.

Caterer of Mess.-Is the rating elected by his messmates who does the catering for each particular mess, keeps the accounts, takes up supplies. He may or may not be the leading seamen in charge of the mess, but in any case the leading seaman is held responsible for what goes on.

Central Store.-Under the central store keeping system, which is now in operation in all ships, from destroyers upwards, all Naval Stores (excluding fixtures and spare gear) are under the charge of the accountant officer. Stores are issued on signed requisition forms on the authority of certain officers. The value of consumable stores thus issued is charged against each department, viz. :-Executive, gunnery, torpedo and engineering. Each department has a valuation allowance and expenditures are scrutinised by flag officers when reported quarterly to the Admiralty. Permanent stores are issued on either permanent loan to departmental or divisional officers or on temporary loan, e.g., loan tools, direct to ratings.

Ceremonies.-On certain anniversaries, and on special occasions H.M. ships, when not under way, are dressed with flags overall. These dates in the case of the former are usually found in the fleet or station orders. If the occasion is a special one due notice will be promulgated. Orders for parading guards and bands, salutes, manning and illuminating ship, etc., are usually found in the fleet or station orders. The organisation of a ceremony requires considerable care and attention to detail, and should it be a public ceremony every care should be taken that the naval representatives act, and operations are carried out, to the credit of the Service.

Chests.-Subordinate officers are now supplied with service chests of drawers. Chief petty officers may or may not have chests. The usual custom is for chief petty officers to bring their kit in a Service bag and transfer the contents to a kit locker. Certain artisan ratings have tool chests in addition.

Church Parties.-Opportunities should be taken to allow the various denominations to attend their respective places of worship. It is customary for the flagship to signal the arrangements, except when lying in a port where special orders are in force.

Cinema.-Most ships now carry a cinematograph apparatus. A routine for showing the films should be made out. Precautions must be observed to guard against fire. Displays should take place on the upper deck, and on no account near any explosives. Celluloid films should not be allowed on board unless stowed in well-fitting iron boxes and only one film should be out of its box at a time.

Cleaning Ship.-Decks should always be thoroughly swept up before being wetted for scrubbing as, V this is not done properly a great deal of the dirt is scrubbed into the deck. Out of the total time allowed for the deck, sufficient time should always be allowed for drying it up. A wet deck will not look well and wet decks below are unhealthy. After the deck has been scrubbed, special men should be detailed to go round at once with fresh water and cloths to wipe off all sand and dirty salt-water marks that have been splashed on the paintwork, and others to dry up corners, etc.

The best way to clean a wooden deck is to holystone it. This, if done properly, takes considerable time and a large number of men, and will also, if constantly carried out, cause wear. It is therefore customary to holystone teak decks once a week, usually on Saturdays, although a start is generally made on out-of-the-way spaces on Friday afternoons; holystoning may also be carried out, if time permits, before inspections, etc. The best way to clean spars, oars, small wooden fittings, etc., is to use sand and canvas, though care must be taken with soft wood such as mess tables and stools, etc., soap and water being used for these. In oil-burning ships, depending on the nature of oil used, it is not uncommon for the decks to become temporarily spotted, and if holystoning cannot be done an application of lime may produce good results. The Service way to clean corticene is to use hard soap. Endeavour, if possible, to have all decks dry before inspection since wet decks detract considerably from the appearance of a ship. It is not necessary on Saturday, to keep the upper deck underwater all .the forenoon ; the decks should be dried up before breakfast. It should not be necessary in winter to scrub the mess deck and other living spaces every day if it is found that they do not dry up properly. A ship that is always damp below cannot be healthy, therefore, except once a week, the decks below should only be swept up and wiped over in places with a damp cloth. All cloths after use should be hung up in an allotted place, other washdeck gear being neatly stowed in the lockers and mustered once a week. Brooms, scrubbers, squeegees and buckets, etc., should all be marked with the sign for the part of the ship to which they belong. A ship is kept healthy and clean as much, if not more so, by stopping people making a mess, as by constantly clearing it up, and therefore whenever any unnecessary mess has been made, endeavour to find out who did it, and if successful make the offender or offenders clear it up. The disgusting habit of spitting on the deck, throwing the remains of food such as nutshells, orange peel, and other refuse anywhere, except into the proper places, viz., in the dirt barges or shoots, must be checked by the most vigorous means.

Opinions vary as to the necessity of deckcloths, some ships prefer to do without them, or only partially use them. It resolves itself into the question of transferring the dirt caused by traffic, etc., from the corticene to the deckcloth ; the former can be wiped over every morning and the latter scrubbed once a week, depending on the weather and the opportunities for drying. In some ships a compromise is used, deckcloths only being used on Saturdays. Sand must be obtained by the ship herself, as it is not a store article.

Coaling galleys and Steamboats.-A routine time should be arranged to coal galleys and to coal or oil and water steamboats. Galleys may with advantage be coaled whilst the ship is being cleaned in the morning. Coxswains of steamboats should report their requirements to the officer of the watch well in advance.

Commander's Office.-In many ships, the executive officer finds it convenient to have an office for regulating and telling off working parties, etc. It has nothing to do with disciplinary matters ; these are dealt with in the ship's police office. A commander's office is very suitable for the ships using the divisional system, and if used as such it is recommended that the orders for the following day be made out and issued to divisional officers and petty officers overnight, and also displayed on notice boards, so as to let those concerned know what their duties will be in advance.

Confined Spaces.-Before sending men to work in confined spaces there are certain precautions to be taken as to naked lights and ventilation and to ascertain that they do not contain explosive gases.

Cooks of Messes.-Two men from each mess, except those messes which are allowed messmen, are told off daily by the leading hand of the mess ; their duties are to keep the mess utensils clean and fetch the food, etc. The cook of the mess at any time is the cook belonging to the watch below.

Cooks to the Galley.-When this bugle or pipe is sounded, the cook of the mess goes to the galley, or lobby in general messing, and draws the dinners or other meals, lays out the mess utensils, and takes back any man's food to the galley or lobby who is absent on duty. Precautions should be taken to prevent unauthorised persons attending on the galleys or lobbies, and also to guard against such persons sitting down to their meals before it is piped. The M.A.A. and regulating petty officers should pay particular attention to this.

Copper Punt.-Service name " Balza Raft," derived from the native rafts used on the South American coast. It is supplied for the use of the side party for cleaning the ship's side.

Corporal of the Gangway.-Generally detailed from corporals or selected marines. They keep watch in four watches at the gangway used by the ship's company. Their duties are to see that no men leave the ship or come on board without the knowledge of the officer of the watch (or day), to take all offenders before the officer of the watch, to go rounds at night, and generally assist the regulating petty officers. In some ships they note the names of the officers leaving or returning to the ship.

Disciplinary Petty Officer.-Seamen chief petty officers and petty officers of the watch on board are detailed to assist in regulating duties out of working hours: All executive petty officers take this duty in turn, and wear patrol armlets while actually on duty. Certain exceptions are made such as captain's coxswain, quartermasters and coxswains of steamboats, etc.

Distributing Office.-All visual and wireless messages received or sent by the ship pass through this office, where they are logged, and in the former case sent out by messengers and in the latter case sent either to the flag deck or the W.T. office for transmission. Great scope lies in the organisation and orders for the proper distribution of all messages received ; certain messages should be treated as " action " signals and sent around immediately. The orders for the messengers should be clearly made out, and they should not be employed in chasing numerous people all over the ship.

Divers.-Most ships carry a certain complement of divers and the necessary apparatus. Divers should be exercised monthly and work under the commissioned gunner or gunner of the ship.

Divisions.-At about 09.00 (Saturdays excepted unless night clothing is aired) and again in the evening, the men are fallen in by their divisions and are then inspected by their divisional officers, who see that they are clean and properly dressed. All should be present with the exception of certain ratings who are excused. It also ensures the mess and other decks are 'clear for inspection. The evening inspection at divisions is called evening quarters.

Divisional Drills.-In addition to training classes: control parties, gunlayers, guns' crews, supply parties, torpedo parties, etc., require constant drill at their respective quarters or various appliances. The officers concerned should consult with the gunnery or torpedo officer, a list of the ratings required should be given to the executive officer at evening quarters the day before. No man should be excused from attending these drills, and therefore reliefs should be detailed for men likely to be away in boats or in special parties.

Divisional System.-This is a name given to a system of organising officers and men of the ship's company which aims at decentralising the ship into divisional units, the senior divisional officer of each unit being responsible for the training, organisation, welfare, cleanliness and smartness of his men, and for the cleanliness, upkeep, efficiency and tidiness of the part of the ship, and the quarters for which he is responsible. To assist the senior divisional officer he has the services of other junior officers, warrant officers and petty officers, to whom he should allocate the various duties connected with the control of his unit. It aims at bringing the divisional officers and petty officers into close 'touch with the men for whom they are responsible both in action and in peace time.

Double Bottom Party.-A party detailed to scrape and paint the double bottom compartments and other confined spaces. Ratings are detailed from all parts of the ship and work under the orders of the engineer and shipwright officers. They are usually excused everything except " clear lower deck."

Dress of the Day.-Usually signalled each morning by the senior officer present, and the word passed in each ship before the hands are piped to clean. It is customary for dutymen and duty boats' crews to dress in No. 3's except on general drill days and Sundays. No man, who is not in the rig of the day, should be allowed on deck when going in or out of harbour.

Drifters.-Are supplied to certain ships in home waters for general purposes, towing targets, landing or bringing off libertymen and drawing stores. Orders relating to their upkeep will be found in the fleet orders. The crew is provided by the ship to which they are attached.

Drying Room.-A specially fitted compartment, heated by steam; it is generally large enough to take the bulk of the ship's company's washing, clothes lines now only being used on exceptional occasions and in hot climates. It is generally open in the breakfast hour and also during the dog watches. A sweeper should be detailed, he should keep a book to note what clothes he receives and obtain the signature of the owner when the clothes are issued after drying.

Duty Watch, Part or Subdivision.-The watch on deck in harbour is the duty watch, and is changed each day at noon. The watch which keeps the afternoon on going to sea is the watch which would have taken on at noon had the ship been in harbour. On arrival in harbour, if before noon, the duty watch is the watch which kept the previous afternoon watch, and if after noon it is the watch which kept the afternoon watch. Modifications are required if the three-watch system is used in harbour. The parts and subdivisions are told off alternately as the duty part or subdivision, and are also changed each day at noon. The duty subdivision is reckoned by the day of the month, the first subdivision being duty subdivision on the first day of the month and the second subdivision on the second day of the month and so on in rotation,� thus in a 30-day month the third and fourth subdivision miss a turn at duty subdivision. The duty part of the watch is that part from which the duty subdivision is taken. A board should be kept in a prominent place on deck, showing the name of the duty watch, duty part or subdivision.

Duty Hands.-Consist of two hands from each part of the ship from the duty subdivision, who are told off in rotation by the petty officer of their parts, as first and second hands respectively. Leading seamen of the watch take it in turns, changing each day, to be in charge of the duty hands. Thus according to the work which has to be done, the duty hands (4), or the 1st and 2nd duty hands (8), are piped to do it. If more are required the duty subdivision, or part of the watch can be used. It should be a recognised rule that the watch below is the watch for leave, whether leave is given or not, and they should not be disturbed if possible after working hours, so that men in the watch below can settle down to read, write and wash, etc., with a feeling of security against being disturbed. If the work is more than can be done by the watch, the watch of the hands, i.e. clear lower deck of the watch on board, should be used. In silent hours it is customary to pass the word five minutes before any hands, except duty hands, are required for work.

Fresh Water Service.--The distribution of fresh water throughout the ship is effected by electrically driven pumps, the operation of which is under the control of the Engineer Officer, who provides a rating for this service, and assistance is given by one or more seamen ratings. The upkeep of the distribution system, including piping and ready use tanks, is the responsibility of the Shipwright Officer.

Galley.-Orders should be drawn up for the proper control of the galley. Where the general messing system is used it is advisable to place the galley, kitchens and lobbies, etc., directly under the charge of the accountant officer. Fires are generally lit at 02.30 and are drawn at 21.00, being reported " out " to the officer who goes the rounds. Where steam cookers and boilers, etc., are used, steam should be available from 04.00 throughout the day.

Gangway Books.-The following books are kept by the master-at-arms :

1. Gangway Victualling and Check Book.-This is now in the form of two separate books, one victualling, the other checks. They are printed in triplicate form, one sheet is sent to the ship's office, one to the victualling office and one retained in the book. On the victualling sheet is entered the name of any man joining the ship, returning from long leave, hospital, or who for any reason has to be revictualled on board, noting the time of his arrival. On the check street is entered the name of any man who leaves the ship, or for any reason is to cease being victualled on board.
2. Short Leave Book.-In this book are entered the names of all ratings proceeding on short leave, the names being ticked thus ,/, and on returning from leave ,X, ratings checked to absence ,d, and when 1.30 p.m., returned from absence ,$ , also men having 2 Feb. '31 leave which expires after noon should be marked " Yes " in the spirit stoppage column, otherwise ` No."
3. Spirit Stoppage Book.-The names of all men undergoing No. 10 or 14 punishments, also men on short leave returning after noon, are entered in this book and it is sent to the victualling C.P.O., in sufficient time to check the issue of these men's spirit ration from the spirit room.
4. Gangway Wine Book.-All wine, spirits, beer and tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes) of whatever description are entered in the gangway wine book when received or disembarked. The date of return of shipping bills is noted in red ink.
5. Mess Book.-Contains a list of all men according to their messes, showing number of badges, class for conduct and leave, men sick or under punishment, etc.
6. Daily Record.-Is a record of all summary punishments.
7. Captain's Request Book.-Contains the names of all men who request to see the captain, the nature of the request and the captain's decision thereon. All decisions that affect payment noted in the captain's request book are sent to the ship's office, to enable the decision given to be noted in the ledger.
8. Commander's Request Book.-Is a similar book to the above. Requests which it may be necessary to forward on to the captain are transferred from this book to the captain's request book.
9. Rough Report Books.-Are books kept both for captain's and commander's defaulters, and contain the defaulters' names, the offence for which they are charged, and the punishments that have been awarded; one of these books is issued to and kept by the corporal of the gangway.
10. Minor Punishment Book.-All men punished by the officer of the watch or day (lieutenant) or the senior engineer (engineer lieutenant) are entered in this book, signed by the officer awarding the punishment, initialled by the commander and signed weekly by the captain.
11. M.A.A.'s Open List.-Is an extract from the ledger giving the " Ship's Books'" number, official number, substantive and non-substantive rating, class for conduct, leave, and religion of all men in the ship.
12. Parcel Book.-A record of all parcels received in the ship by post or rail should be entered in this book and signed for by the recipient. Also records of all stores or luggage sent to the ship by H.M. Dockyard or ship for conveyance to another ship or H.M. Department, are to be entered.
13. Registered Letter Book.-A record of all registered letters and parcels received, should be entered in this book and signed for by the recipient.
14. Permission List.-A book should be kept of all ratings who have been granted permission to land provisions. Provision passes are made out by the M.A.A., according to the requirements of the ratings, and these are signed by the V.C.P.O., paymaster, officer of the watch and commanding officer. The provisions are drawn through the caterer of the mess who supplies the V.C.P.O., with a repayment chit for the necessary -requirements. `
15. Private Property Pass Book.-Contains passes to enable men to take their private property ashore.
16. Address Book.-Is a manuscript book giving the names and addresses of the next of kin of all men in the ship.
17. Alphabetical Book.-Is a manuscript alphabetical list of all men in the ship, with the date of their joining and discharge.
18. Leave Tickets.-Are for supplying all men who go on leave with an authority from the commanding officer to be free from arrest for the period of their leave, and ensure that libertymen know when their leave is up. On the back of the ticket is information concerning the procedure in the event of the holder going sick when on leave or of losing his leave or railway ticket.
19. List of Men having Sewing Machines, etc.-Is a manuscript list of all men who have permission to do tailoring, cobbling, or to work as barbers, etc.
20. Religion Book.-Is a manuscript book of men belonging to the different denominations.
21. Manuscript Boards are usually kept showing the following.-Men in hospital, second class for conduct, second class for leave, stoppage of leave, and men undergoing different punishments.
22. Mail Book.-A book should be kept when on foreign stations recording mails received, date on letter bill, and number of bags. For mails despatched, it should record date sent, place sent from, where sent, and number of bags.
23. Re-address Letter Book.-Records of all letters belonging to ratings who have left the ship for other ships or establishments, should be entered in this book stating to where the letters have been re-addressed.

General Messing.-A system of General Messing is now in force in the majority of ships in commission. The general principle is, that the standard ration and messing allowance are combined at a money value decided on by the Admiralty. The accountant officer of the ship caters for the ship's company, keeping within this allowance. Practically all the food issued (except bread and tea, etc.) is drawn and prepared by the galley staff, supplemented by a special victualling party of seamen ratings.

In battleships the general mess party usually consists of one leading seamen and 6 to 8 seamen. They work under the captain of the hold (a P.O.) and the Sy. C.P.O. (V). Each rating is responsible for the cleanliness and stowage of one or more holds, they assist in getting up all victualling stores and in getting all general mess stores inboard. Thus the cook of the mess is only required to draw the cooked dishes from the lobby, do the washing up, and wet the tea for the mess. In the case of men on watch their meals are returned to the lobbies to be kept warm. Before cooking their suppers it is necessary to know the numbers required, since in harbour the libertymen may have landed. The Regulating Office should, therefore, inform the Victualling Office of the numbers in each mess who are remaining aboard. To avoid waste it is most important that the victualling staff be kept informed well in advance of any expected movements of men. For example, if working parties employed out of the ship and told to take their dinners, are not told off until the raw provisions have been weighed off, separate meals have to be provided with consequent loss to the general mess. Similarly, unless due notice is given, men should not be piped to get their meals early.

It is recommended that the engine-room staff, ward-room servants and band, should go to dinner at 11.30, engine-room ratings to relieve at noon; otherwise the forenoon watch, having first to clean, would not get their dinners until well on in the afternoon.

Guard.-A certain portion of the marine detachment, or seamen if marines are not available, are detailed as guard and to provide the necessary sentries, according to the size and nature of the ship. Orders for sentries should be submitted to the commanding officer by the marine officer. One sentry is detailed to the post outside the Admiral's or captain's cabin, and in addition is generally in charge of the keyboard. Other sentries are posted as requisite, one being detailed for the supervision of rifles and pistols, etc. At sea, a sentry is placed on the lifebuoys ; in dock or alongside the jetty, one is posted at the outboard end of the brow ; under certain circumstances a sentry is posted on the forecastle when in harbour to prevent irregularities taking place; in war time he should be armed with a rifle and carry ammunition. Sentries are generally in four watches, those not on watch being available to form the guard. The orders for the guard will be found in the fleet or station orders.

Guard Rails.-The responsibility for maintaining these in an efficient state rests on the shipwright officer. Men should not be allowed to sit about on the guard rails, numerous accidents having been caused by neglect of these precautions.

Guard and Steerage Hammocks.-Gun-room and warrant officers who do not have cabins, and certain men, are allowed to lie in until the " guard and steerage hammocks " are piped up in the morning. The men concerned are usually chief petty officers, watchkeepers, excused daymen, band, marine servants who are on duty after 22.00 the previous night, and boats' crews if away from the ship after that hour.

Gunner's Party.-A party of seamen and marines, or either of these two, who work under the commissioned gunner or gunner for keeping the magazines, shell-rooms, spare parts and other gunners' stores, clean and in good order; they also assist in getting up practice ammunition.

Hammock Men.-Officers not provided with cabins are allowed hammock men, who receive extra pay from the officers. Certain chief petty officers may also have the option of employing hammock men.

Hawsers.-Wire, hemp and coir hawsers, boat ropes and stern fasts are allotted to the various parts of the ship.

Helmsman.-It is customary in large ships to detail special helmsmen to steer the ship, the other able seamen steering only for instructional purposes. In smaller ships all able seamen are told off in rotation by the captains of the parts of the ship to take the wheel. They steer the ship under the quartermaster. A helmsman's " trick " is usually two hours.

Hoses, Canvas. The present type high pressure unlined canvas hose is for fire service and all other purposes on board. Fire hoses should be marked with a red band, with the words " fire only " painted on, fresh water hoses should be marked with a blue band, and wash deck hoses with a white band. Hoses should be drained and thoroughly dried before being stowed, they should be made up on the bight, care being taken not to double them in the same place every time.

Instruction.-All instruction should be closely supervised by officers. Instructional petty officers, although generally well up in their particular subject, are frequently unable to distinguish between the essential and the unimportant. Lieutenants should as much as possible be employed on this duty ; it will also be of benefit to these officers, since the best way of obtaining a thorough grasp of any subject is to have to teach it. Efforts should be made whereby likely men can better themselves and be encouraged to pass for higher rating both professionally and educationally. See also under " School."

Issue of Clothing.-The custom now is for clothing to be issued during the dinner hour. It is a good plan to detail off the various days of the week for different ratings. For example:

Mondays ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...All C.P.O.'s and P.O.'s.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays ... .Seamen.

Thursdays.. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...Engine-room ratings.

Fridays ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..Marines, and miscellaneous ratings.

Procedure before Issue.-A rating requiring clothing makes out a casual note and takes it to his divisional officer for signature. All chits are sent to the clothing office the day before the issue. Clothing is paid for in cash at the time of the issue.

In the case of boys it is customary for special arrangements to be made whereby an issue is made once a month. Instead of the boys paying in cash, an advance of pay to cover the amount of clothing taken up is signed for by each boy, the necessary charge being made in the ledger.

Loan clothing, i.e., special clothing allowed for men in severe weather and in exposed positions, can be made at the commanding officer's discretion.

Issue of Provisions.-In ships which are not fitted for general messing, provisions are issued as follows:

(1) Standard ration.            (2) Repayment.

(1) This consists of a fixed scale of provisions which with some exceptions are issued weekly, usually during the dinner hour on one day of the week; the exceptions are fresh meat, vegetables and bread, which are generally issued daily.

(2) This consists of a daily rate of money allowance, which is available for the purchase of all sorts of service provisions (spirits and lime juice excepted). Any mess can take provisions to the full extent of the money allowance of the mess for the month.

Issue of Soap and Tobacco.-Usually done once a month at the same time as ship's company are being paid. In home waters the maximum amount of tobacco allowed is 1 lb., in foreign waters 2 lbs. There are no restrictions as to the amount taken up of soap, though the custom is to limit it to 3 Ibs. per man.

Issue of Spirits.-Spirits are issued in accordance with Art. 1827 K.R. and A.I.

Keys.-The instructions relative to the custody and issue of magazine keys are found in the naval magazine regulations. These keys are kept on a board, other important keys are kept on a similar board. Both keyboards are capable of being locked, and are under the charge of a sentry who is responsible that the keys are only issued to authorised persons. As regards magazine and shell-room keys, a list of these persons is kept in the magazine log. Similar list of persons authorised to have access to other important keys should be made out and should be kept by the sentry.

Lamp-trimmer.-This duty is carried out by a Central Store rating.

Laundry.-This is now ordered to be fitted in a number of ships.

Leading Hand of the Tanks.-Generally a leading stoker with a stoker assistant. They look after the fresh-water supply, start the pump as necessary for filling drinking tanks, bathroom tanks and supplies to galleys, etc.

LTO. or S.T. of the Watch-In harbour.-A duty LTO. or S.T. is detailed to attend to all requirements for electrical light and power during silent hours. The duty LTO. usually has orders to go the rounds of all running electric machinery at least once in each watch, and to make good any urgent electrical defects reported or discovered. In the larger ships there is usually a duty S.T. in addition. In the event of large requirements or defects the duty LTO. refers to the duty T.G.M. or E.A. At sea-In the larger ships there are usually two L.T.Os. and one S.T. of the watch. One L.T.O. attends to requirements of the bridge and upper deck and the other to those occurring between decks. The L.T.O.'s and S.T.'s should always keep their watch in a place where they can easily be found, and if called away on duty should leave word where they are working.

Leadsman.-A.B.'s are told off for one-hour tricks in the chains whenever leadsmen are required. In going in or out of harbour it is customary for quartermasters to be in the chains in addition to the leadsmen.

Leave.-Ratings and marines are divided into two classes for leave, " first and second class." All ratings, except boys, on first entry and on re-entry into the Navy are placed in the first class. Ratings and marines received from other ships, or from headquarters, are placed in the class for leave last noted on their conduct sheets or company conduct sheets. Men in the second class for leave do not get the same privileges as the rest of the ship's company. Boys should not be allowed night leave unless under special circumstances; the same rule applies to young men under 20 years of age. The annual amount of leave granted will be found in Art. 650 K.R. and A.I.

Leave Cards.-These have been introduced in some ships, but are not supplied by the Service. Cards are coloured according to the watch the holder is in, and are required by all leading rates and below, including Royal Marines. They contain details of the holder's name, official number, rating, mess, grog or temperance, religion, locker number, duty and part of the watch. On libertymen being inspected before landing, these cards are collected, thus saving much time in ticking off in the mess book. While libertymen are ashore, the short leave book is written up, and the cards sorted by messes and served out to the men as they return from shore. If collected by the Corporal of the Gangway on men leaving the ship for working parties, patrol duty, etc., they form a simple record of men out of the ship. They can also be collected by the M.A.A. from ratings on the sick list or under punishment, thus stopping their leave.

Log.-The deck log is an official document and under certain circumstances is produced to verify statements made at courts-martial and courts of inquiry. The officer of the watch or day, is responsible that the log is kept correctly and should see that all the notations necessary for navigation are entered, together with every other occurrence worthy of notice and all accidents occasioning loss of stores. At the end of his watch or " day on " he should initial the deck log. The custom is for the midshipman of the watch, or in his absence the quartermaster, to write up the log under the supervision of the officer of the watch.

Lifebuoys.-The commissioned gunner or gunner is responsible that the lifebuoys are in efficient working order; they are tested by him once a week and always before going to sea the result of the test being entered in the deck log. At sea there is always a sentry on the lifebuoys ready to let them go if required ; they are reported to the captain at evening quarters by the gunner.

Look-outs and Mastheadmen.-There are generally two look-outs, one on each side of the forebridge ; they are placed on watch at sunset and the mastheadman called down at the same time; they are relieved every hour, and remain on until daylight, when they are taken off and the mastheadman sent aloft. Seamen are told off in rotation for this duty, the part of the ship to provide any trick being regulated by the chief boatswain's mate.

In a fog extra look-outs are placed on each side of the bridges by day, in the eyes of the ship, also right aft, and these two latter should be provided with megaphones. The duty of the lookouts is to report to the officer of the watch by hailing or voice-pipe, anything that may come in sight or be heard and the bearing on which it is sighted or heard; they should continue to make their report until answered by the officer of the watch.

Main Derrick.-The Organisation of the torpedo staff should allow for the main derrick and motors to be manned at short notice. A bugle call may with advantage be used to get power on the main derrick, as it may entail starting another dynamo or taking off circuits; moreover, it is a useful call to warn officers and men concerned that the main derrick will be required shortly.

Make and Mend Clothes.-Wednesday afternoon when in routine, or Saturday afternoon when in dockyard routine, is usually set apart for this, the men being allowed to smoke, etc. ; instead of the hands being piped to fall in they are piped to " make and mend clothes." All doors which are closed at night in harbour should be closed by noon on this day, to prevent men sleeping in unauthorised places.

Mess Decks.-Regulations for the good order and discipline of the ship should be made out and hung up in conspicuous places, as early as possible in the commission. These regulations should serve as a reminder of certain customs of the Service and should include the following :-Men are not allowed to leave work without permission; they should fall in and be reported by the senior rating in charge on completion of work; should show the customary respect when an officer passes them; course to be pursued if suffering from any injustice; method of forwarding requests and complaints; spitting; card playing and gambling; going aloft without permission; smoking regulations ; throwing articles through side scuttles ; trafficking ; excused list ; reporting losses of stores ; patent matches ; pets ; economy in water ; economy in electric lighting; finding or losing articles or money; visitors and ship visiting, etc.

The officers whose duty it is to inspect the messdecks, should not get into the habit of merely walking round the deck, but they should make a thorough inspection, paying special attention to the following points

• Mess traps to be clean and arranged on the table according to certain definite plan.
• Nothing to be in bread barges except bread.
• No cloths or other gear to be left lying about.
• All tubs to be empty and clean.
• All scrubbers and cloths (after being dried on deck) to be hung in a conspicuous position in a net under the mess tables.
• No meat, fish, or anything likely to cause a smell to be kept in the messes.
• All drawers and shelves to be properly cleaned out on Saturdays and all scraps thrown away.
• The corners of the deck should be closely inspected, especially after scrubbing, to make sure that they have been properly dried out.
• Corticene should be kept in good repair ; any dirty water getting under it will soon make the messdeck unpleasant.
• Arrangements should be made whereby towels can be dried, the arrangements depending on the class of ship or station.

Mess Utensils.-On commissioning, each mess is completed with a full set of mess utensils. The principai items are mess kettle, tea urn, fanny (metal tin, 1J gallons), meat dishes, tea and sugar canister, pepper dredge, salt jar and mustard pot, plates, cups and saucers, knives, forks, spoons, potato net, dish cloths and a linoleum table cloth. Crockery, dish and table cloths are issued gratuitously every six months. Knives, forks and spoons annually if necessary. Cups and saucers, knives, forks and spoons whenever lost can be taken up on repayment from the ship's store. The " tinned " gear, i.e., kettles, etc., are supplied to last a commission, but can be replaced on special occasions by a board of survey. Whiting is supplied for cleaning tinned gear.

Messmen.- All chief petty officers' and petty officers' messes are allowed permanent cooks of the mess who are called " messmen." The messmen for chief petty officers and petty officers of the engine-room branch are taken from stokers, all other messes from seamen.

Messengers.-Ordinary Seamen are detailed as messengers during working hours. Boys are not allowed to perform this duty during working hours, since it interferes with their instruction. Messengers are usually detailed for the captain, executive officer, specialist officers, officer of the watch, captain's and ship's office. They are either on duty during working hours, going away to get their meals, or are in two watches during the hours that they are required, according to circumstances. If two are employed the usual hours are from 06.00 to 22.00.

Navigation Lights.-The electric lights are always used, most modern capital ships carrying two sets of electric bow lights, but the oil lights should be lighted in addition when the look-outs are placed, and inspected by the officer of the watch. The oil lights should be kept in a convenient place so as to be immediately ready in case of an accident to the electric lights. The oil lights consist of the steaming light, in charge of the second captain of the forecastle, who is responsible for placing it ; after steaming light, second captain of the quarterdeck ; starboard bow light, second captain of the maintop, and port bow light, second captain of the foretop. In a ship organised in three parts of the ship, the topmen look after both bow lights. Stern light, top light (in a flagship), position lights and " not under control " lights, are under the charge of the Signalmen. Signalmen also provide Very's lights ready for use and when at anchor provide and attend anchor lights.

Night Boat's Crew.-One boat's crew (usually a cutter in large ships and a whaler in small cruisers) is detailed as an emergency crew at night. They sleep in a place set apart for them.

Officer of the Guard.-A lieutenant R.N. or R.M., is detailed from the ship having the guard, to board vessels arriving, or to take messages from the senior naval officer afloat to foreign men-of-war or to officers on shore. In the case of a foreign man-of-war, the officer of the guard should be a lieutenant R.N. In foreign ports, yachts flying the colours of a recognised British yacht club are boarded. In ports in the British Isles, British men-of-war need not be boarded unless ordered by the senior officer. The officer of the guard flies a pendant, is piped over the side, and should use the starboard ladder. In foreign waters, and in home waters when boarding foreigners, both ensign and pendant are flown day and night. The ship having the guard may be looked on as the harbour duty ship.

Oilskins, Seaboots and Watchcoats.-These are now issued to ships in proportion to their complement. They are on the Paymaster's charge. Oilskins are issued by him to the boatswain, who becomes responsible for their care and custody. Seaboots and greatcoats are issued direct to the ratings entitled, on production of the necessary authorisation from the Executive Officer. Oilskins are for the use of duty boats' crews, men employed at anchor work and watchkeepers and others in exposed positions. Seaboots are for men employed at anchor work or exposed positions. Watchcoats are for watchkeepers and others in exposed positions in cold weather. The oilskins allotted to boats' crews should have the name of the boat, and a number, painted on the inside, so that each is distinguishable. A convenient place should be set apart as an oilskin room, with a sweeper in charge, and arrangements made for the tallying and quick issue of oilskins ; a numbered book and corresponding numbers on the oilskins will facilitate matters. This sweeper should be in charge of the loan of oilskins, and should obtain a receipt for them. Under certain conditions extra supplies of oilskins may be drawn. Arrangements are also required for dealing with private oilskins and greatcoats, and places set apart for them.

Painting Ship.-In painting the outside of the ship it is advisable to employ as many men as possible for whom there are brushes available. The parts of the ship should each be given an equal section of the ship's side, petty officers being in charge of their respective sections. With four parts of the ship the forecastlemen and maintopmen take the starboard side, working towards each other from forward and aft respectively, while the foretopmen and quarterdeckmen do the same the port side. With three parts of the ship, the forecastlemen work from forward aft each side, the topmen the midship section and the quarterdeckmen aft. Stages, boatswain's chairs, etc., should be provided, and rigged beforehand, and the ship's side well cleaned. The paintpots and brushes being equally divided among the parts of ship, each petty officer divides his men in pairs over different parts of his section, letting them work towards each other.

Painting down aloft also requires careful organisation in order that quickness may be combined with efficiency. It is advisable to place canvas over the deck of bridges, etc., owing to the impossibility of preventing a certain amount of paint from dripping from aloft. Men painting aloft should, however, be warned to guard against this as far as possible. Before painting down aloft, always wash down thoroughly, using the same organisation throughout. A supply of oakum should always be ready for the men to wipe their hands on, and also some hot water and soap for their use before going below. Men painting should always have some clean waste or something of the sort for wiping off dust, etc., before putting on paint. It is inexcusable to paint over dirt.

In ships with pronounced flairs it is necessary to rig lines between scuttles, etc., to enable the stages to be bowsed in, otherwise the men will be obliged to use " long toms," which always results in a patchy side. Whenever possible, lighters or pontoons should be obtained from the dockyard under these circumstances, stages being erected on barrels or trestles to enable this part of the side to be reached. The side should not be painted in a careless manner; but the paint should be put on as carefully as on any other surface and well-worked in.

The shade of grey used for outside work varies on different stations, and is laid down in the station order book. With central storekeeping now general there is no annual allowance of paint, but as much paint as may be necessary can be used provided the executive officers annual store allowance is not exceeded. It will usually be found necessary to paint the outside and weather parts of a ship some seven times annually. A judicious expenditure of enamel paint on portions of the weather works leads to economy and saves much time. Such enamel paint should not require renewal under six to nine months, depending on the climate encountered.

For inside work as much white as possible should be used, since it has a lighter and cleaner effect (provided it is properly looked after) ; in certain places it may, however, be found advisable to use dark patches, but these should be reduced to a minimum. Where white is used it is customary to use a bottom colour about one foot up from the deck, with or without a ribbon, at the junction of the colours. In some ships it is preferred to bring the white colour down to the bottom angle iron; this angle iron can then be painted a dark colour, and is easily touched up if necessary. Before painting or enamelling endeavour should be made to have a smooth and clean surface ; this can be best secured by a diligent use of pumice stone, or failing which the use of brick. Enamel is now supplied mixed, it should only be put on prepared surfaces which have been previously flattened. In applying enamel it should be worked carefully, evenly distributed and allowed to flow. It should only be applied to outside surfaces in dry weather and, if possible, on a still day.

The time taken for paint to dry depends on the weather and amount of. dryers used ; frost is apt to curdle fresh paint. Paint should be used as soon as it is mixed, and therefore should not be prepared in larger quantities than may be required for the work in hand. Enamel surfaces should be cleaned with fresh water, and if very dirty a little powdered pumice stone. Strong detergents such as caustic soda, or even soap, should not be used for this purpose under any circumstances, nor should such materials be used for cleaning other paint surfaces.

Pay.-The ship's company are usually paid fortnightly, this being termed a fortnightly advance. In ships abroad the men are usually paid monthly. The payment should be made in the presence of the captain or an officer delegated by him, not below the rank of lieutenant. Any complaints or enquiries relative to the amounts paid should be made at the payment and investigated forthwith.

Petty Officer and Non-commissioned Officer of the Day. The duties of P.O., and N.C.O., of the day are primarily to attend when provisions are issued and weighed, when spirits are being drawn and issued, and to bring to the notice of the officer of the watch, any complaints with regard thereto. All available executive and artisan petty officers take their turn as P.O. of the day, being detailed daily from a roster kept by the M.A.A. It is usual for one sergeant of the Royal Marines to be detailed as standing N.C.O. of the day, combining this duty with that of looking after the marine barracks.

Physical Drill.-Commanding Officers should hold the divisional officers and petty officers responsible for the physical efficiency and smartness of the men of their divisions. Certain rules and regulations are laid down for carrying this out, and a routine should therefore be made out.

Piping the Side.-Between the hours of sunrise and sunset the side should be piped to flag officers, etc., as explained in the chapter on " Duties of Officer of Watch."

Postman.-A trustworthy non-commissioned or petty officer should be selected for this duty.

Quartermasters.-At sea the duties of a quartermaster are, to take charge of the helmsman and to see that he steers the ship correctly and repeats correctly all orders received and carries them out, also to supervise the working of the engineroom telegraphs and revolution indicator. When manoeuvring he usually takes the helm himself. In harbour the quartermaster keeps watch under the officer of the watch, looks out for boats coming alongside, sees that the side boys carry out their duties properly and smartly, and assists the officer of the watch generally. In the absence of the midshipman of the watch, he also looks out for the routine, writes up the deck log, etc. The chief quartermaster works under the navigating officer, looks after the latter's stores, maintains all sounding gear, patent logs, rudder signal wires, etc., in an efficient condition ; and relieves the quartermaster of the watch during general drills and when entering or leaving harbour.

Quarters for Stokers.-It is customary for the stokers to go to evening quarters at a different time from the remainder of the ship's company; that is after they have cleaned and shifted into night clothing.

Regatta.-An officer should be detailed in each ship to act as regatta representative. He should give as much encouragement as possible to boat pulling, and should make the necessary arrangements for any races that may take place. He should ascertain the views of the crews on various points that they may wish to raise in connection with boat racing, and represent them at the meeting of the squadron regatta committee. He should also carefully organise the times for practice, so as to give all the different crews their fair share of the boats. At the annual regatta he is responsible that the rules as to formation of crews, state of boats, etc., are properly carried out. It is advisable to organise an inter-part-of-the-ship regatta at some convenient time of the year which does not clash with the fleet or squadron regatta.

Requestmen.-Men having requests to make are seen by the executive officer who, if necessary, forwards them to the captain. The usual practice is for men to write their requests on a chit and hand it to their divisional officers.

Routine.-As a rule each station has its own, details being left to commanding officers, and as a consequence variations are met with Routines should be made out for daily harbour routine, Saturday and Sunday harbour and sea routine, daily sea routine and war routine.

Saluting Guns.-Crews should be told off for these guns in each watch. In a flagship, they should be closed up on meeting any ship that is likely to ask permission to salute the flag, in order that there may be no delay in approving the salute, which should be returned immediately after the last gun. Nothing looks worse than a long delay in returning a salute. They may also be required when entering foreign ports.

School.-School is compulsory for boys. It is convenient to arrange them in classes according to their qualifications in the training ships, but in any case advanced class boys are kept separate. Special classes may have to be arranged for signal -and W/T boys. A minimum of four hours' school weekly is laid down. Ordinary seamen not passed for A.B., may also be sent to school. Voluntary school is usually held in the dog watches, and classes are arranged for educational test, Part I, and the higher educational test ; for marine's certificate of education, and for torpedo ratings passing school examinations for L.T.O. and T.G.M.

Sea Boat's Crew.-One crew is told off in each watch or part of the watch according to the ship's organisation. The lowerers are usually two leading seamen of the watch on deck, with two able seamen as backers. The sea boat's crew and lowerers should be fallen in at night immediately after the watch is mustered. The coxswain of the sea boat reports if both boats (after inspection) are off the pins, and the lowerers report the falls clear. Sea boat's crew are generally exercised once in each watch, and they should occasionally man their boat, when it should be ascertained that she is still off the pins, as the extra weight on the falls may affect this. The sea boat's crew of the watch on deck are never allowed to go below the forecastle deck, day or night. A yard arm group should be placed above each sea boat at sunset at sea.

Searchlights.-At night a searchlight should be ready for burning at short notice. The crew should always sleep in a place set apart for them.

Seaman Gunner of the Watch.-At sea one seaman gunner is told off in each watch for this duty. He keeps his watch in the vicinity of the bridge and is available in the event of a signal gun or rocket being required. He is responsible for the night signal box, and at sunset provides the rocket tube and rocket, reporting them to the officer of the watch. On going to sea he provides one box of blank ammunition at the saluting guns.

Ship's Library.-A librarian is in charge of the library under the supervision of the chaplain or schoolmaster. He is usually a P.O., or sergeant of the Royal Marines. Books are usually issued and taken in on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Shipwright of the Watch.-At sea, one of the Shipwrights should always be on watch, he should go round and see that all ports and scuttles, etc., are efficient and that no water is finding its way below. He should report this fact to the officer of the watch.

Sick Notes.-Men who are taken ill whilst on leave away from the port- at which the ship is lying are required to send a sick note stating their complaint, and the fact that they are unfit to travel, which is to be signed by a duly qualified medical practitioner. A further certificate is to be sent weekly during the man's illness. If the place where he is ill is near a port where one of H.M. ships is lying, the medical officer should be requisitioned to visit him, but if not, the nearest surgeon and agent should be communicated with.

Side Party.-This party usually consists, in big ships, of 12 men, and a petty officer as captain of the side. Their duty is to keep the ship's side clean, keep the water line free from weed, paint the cables after anchoring, and touch up the paint on the ship's side when necessary. In many ships they also work cables. They should scrub their side party suits on Saturday afternoons. They should never be allowed over the side after 07.30 on Sundays. At sea they join their parts of the ship.

Sounding Party.-Consists of one leading seaman and four men in each watch who should be always available day and night when at sea, at a moment's notice. On going to sea and on arrival in harbour, they get the sounding booms out and in, under the chief quartermaster. They should be exercised frequently, and both sounding machines run on every occasion of going to sea.

Speed Signals.-Cones are hoisted each side of the bridge to show whether the engines are going slow, half speed, or full speed ahead or astern. Flags are also shown each side to indicate the speed in knots. The flag and cone men are detailed by the captains of the parts of the ship, in the same way as the other tricks.

Spitkid Party.-Consists of one hand from each part of the ship, one marine and one stoker from each watch. A leading seaman is told off in each watch to take charge of this party, being detailed weekly in rotation by the chief boatswain's mate. The duty of the spitkid party is to put the spitkids out in position at the pipe, " place spitkids," and to clean out and stow them away at " out pipes."

Sweepers.-Are men detailed for the care and maintenance of special places and compartments which require individual attention, such as turrets, flats, messdecks, etc. Orders and a routine should be made out for the sweepers, and also for other parties, such as side party, torpedo party, messengers, messmen, gunner's and warrant shipwright's party, double bottom, etc., laying down clearly when they are to work with their parts of the ship and when they are excused from doing so. They should attend divisions on Sundays, except the messdeck sweepers who should fall in on the messdeck in a clean, white working rig and should be inspected in the rig of the day afterwards. All men in these special parties should be changed at least every three months, when they should return to their parts of the ship.

Smuggling.-There are strict orders forbidding smuggling by any officer or man in H.M. Navy. Notices calling attention to the necessity of preventing smuggling should be placed an the messdecks.

Tailors.-Men who wish to do tailoring must first get permission from the executive officer, and their charges must be approved.

Telegraph Men.-Men specially detailed to work the engine-room telegraphs in the conning tower or on the bridge (it so fitted). It is customary for the same men to perform this duty; generally the galley's crew.

Torpedo Party.-Owing to the large amount of care and maintenance work connected with the electrical machinery of a modern ship, all the torpedo ratings work under the orders of the torpedo officer.. They have a division and a messdeck of their own. The only pipes which affect them are " clear lower deck" and the "watch of the hands." After cleaning ship they work under the torpedo officer, commencing at 08.20, turn to after dinner and go on until ' ` secure " is sounded.

Training Classes.-The general idea is that boys should receive continuous and progressive instruction in school, seamanship, gunnery and torpedo from the day they join the Service until they are rated ordinary seamen, after which they should depend partly upon their own efforts. As able seamen they should be entirely dependent upon their own efforts until they go to the schools to specialise. On joining a ship boys should be formed into three classes, seamanship, gunnery and torpedo. Each of these classes should be under the direct charge of a petty officer of suitable non-substantive rating whose duty as instructor is not to be interfered with by any other duty. The number of classes into which the boys are formed depends on the numbers of instructors available, but if practicable, not more than 12 boys should be in one class. Boys should be employed in their parts of ship up to 09.00, and after 16.00, and nothing except general drills, action stations, divisional drills, etc., must be allowed to interfere with their instruction.

Ventilation Party.-A properly organised ventilation party in charge of a senior non-specialist officer should be formed. The party should work under careful supervision and follow a regular routine for working and examining valves, etc.

Warrant Shipwright's Party.-The warrant shipwright will get far more work out of his artisans if he is allowed a small permanent party, usually about four seamen (capital ship) to assist as mates to the artisans. These mates " fetch and carry wood " and assist generally.

Washing Clothes.-Most ships are now fitted with drying rooms. A sweeper should be detailed in charge of this. A proper routine and the necessary orders should be made out by the executive officer. Failing a drying room, arrangements should be made for the provision of clothes lines and for the 11 stopping on " and " piping down " of washed clothes.

Watertight Doors.-In every ship and vessel, as soon as the anchor is off the ground, all hatches, doors and valves, automatic or otherwise, below the armoured deck, are to de closed by hand, and not opened until the anchor is let go again, except

1. For purposes of ventilation.
2. In parts of the ship, such as where men are employed or sleeping, in which it is absolutely necessary to keep the door open in order that the space may be constantly ventilated.

The general custom is to divide these doors off into various classes " A," " B " and " C."

" A " doors and valves are those which being well above the waterline are only closed at the pipe " close watertight doors " and as necessary, for action, fire and collision stations.

" B " doors and valves are those which are closed, at sea and in harbour, to prevent irregularities taking place, also at sea when manceuvring, entering or leaving harbour, fog, etc.

" C " doors and valves are those which are near or below the water line. They are kept closed at all times except when work is being done in the compartment.

The above are the main divisions, but some of these are again subdivided.

Special orders are arranged for magazine doors, etc. Access doors and hatches to handing rooms, shell rooms and magazines are always to be locked, except when actual work is taking place in these compartments. When working in magazines, the natural ventilation is to be started, but is to be closed in action. Full instructions are to be found in the magazine regulations.

" B " watchkeeping " A " doors and valves. These come under category " B " except when watch is being kept in that particular compartment, when they are classed as " A."

" C " watchkeeping " A " doors and valves. Similarly for certain doors classed originally as " C."

All doors should be clearly marked with their letter of classification with, in many ships, the part of the ship responsible for closing them. All valves and the means of working them should also be marked. The warrant shipwright is responsible for the efficiency of all weather doors and hatches on the upper deck and the side scuttles and ports. All other doors and hatches come under the engineer officer. Great care should be taken that each part of the ship knows exactly what doors, valves, etc., it is responsible for. Divisional officers should personally go round with their petty officers and leading seamen, to explain what has to be done ; frequent inspections are required at sea, that when W/T doors are closed, not only are all door clips or securings set hard up,

but also that the ventilating system is shut off. When at sea, no door should ever be opened without first obtaining permission from the officer of the watch, and when closed, this fact should also be reported.

General Remarks on Routines, etc.

In making out a ship's routine certain considerations should be kept in view, and although the flagship routine is generally available, it is not unusual to leave the arranging of certain details to commanding officers.

It must be remembered that when night leave is given it usually expires at 07.00, that is, libertymen leave the shore at that time, and consequently if the ship is not alongside the libertymen will not be on board until some time later, depending on circumstances; the absence of a large number of men during " clean ship " time, must in certain circumstances, i.e., home ports, etc., be allowed for.

As a general rule, the custom is on week days (Saturdays excepted) to complete the cleaning of the ship by the time for sounding off divisions, since after that, divisional drills, training classes, etc., take place. A good routine should therefore aim at using the ship's company to the best advantage during this time. The hands as a rule fall in at 06.00, Saturdays 15 minutes earlier, Sundays 15 minutes later; some ships aim at cleaning all decks at the same time, others commence with the upper deck, and then go on to the messdecks and flats. The time of daylight, weather conditions, and the number of libertymen must be considered. Most ships go to breakfast at about 07.30, consequently the custom is to clean the upper deck and go to quarters clean guns before breakfast.

The term " upper deck " in a modern ship, so far as cleaning is concerned, generally includes bridges, boat deck, superstructures, etc., and in some cases the secondary armament batteries. Hence the time allowed for. cleaning the upper deck varies in different ships. An average time is from 50 minutes to one hour (Saturdays excepted). This leaves time for cleaning guns and upper deck bright work before breakfast, though libertymen may be away. Thirty minutes is usually allowed for the former, and the latter can be completed in 15 minutes if carefully organised. Formerly most ships cleaned the messdecks and flats before breakfast, now these are usually cleaned after breakfast ; this is recommended since it has many advantages, i.e., the watch below (watch previously on shore who should clean messdecks, etc.) are now onboard, the cleaning and washing which goes on during the breakfast hour, is not done on a deck, which has just been cleaned, mess tables and stools are dry. In most ships the ship's company's dinners are now prepared by ship's cooks ratings, but when these latter are not available it must be done by the cooks of the messes, usually in the breakfast hour, and in any case unless a central scullery is fitted, the mess gear used during breakfast has to be washed up and cleaned; all this assists to dirty the mess. Time is therefore saved by cleaning the messdeck after breakfast and is invariably the custom on Saturdays. Another point to be considered is the alteration of time of relieving watchkeepers, due to general messing system (see under " General Messing ").

After divisions, assuming the ship to be cleaned, some form of activity exercise is carried out, then both watches are told off. Training classes will average about 60 all told in a battleship, divisional drills, control and torpedo parties, etc., take the remainder and thus few hands are available for parts of the ship. After dinner similar instructional work is carried out until the " secure " is sounded at 15.40.

In a fleet there is the fact that fleet working parties, patrols and special parties of various sorts are constantly required, still further reducing the number of hands available after detailing instructional classes. Furthermore the peace complement is not so large as the war complement, and a certain percentage are always on the sick list.

A fleet weekly routine of drills is usually contained in the fleet or station orders. Sunday should be kept, as far as possible, a day of rest. The custom is--

Mondays .......... Fleet, squadron or ship drill.*

Tuesdays ......... Air bedding, etc.

Wednesdays .....Land seamen or drill on board.* Thursdays ... Land marines.'

Fridays ............. Action stations.*

Saturdays ........ Clean ship, air night clothing.

* Sometimes vice versa.

Captain's rounds are usually carried out on Thursdays, followed by seeing requestmen.

Sea Routine, Peace.-Much depends on the system of watches used. If only a small part of the watch is used at a time on watch, the part who kept the middle watch is the only part allowed to lie in, hence the bulk of the ship's company should fall in, as in harbour, at 06.00. If three watches are used, the proportion lying in, is naturally larger. Apart from this, sea and harbour routines are similar except for small details.

Sea Routine, War.-Since more men will have kept night watch, the time of hands falling in is usually later, about 06.25. It is advisable to go to quarters clean guns at once, and overhaul the whole armament before cleaning ship.

Breakfast at 07.00. Clean ship commencing 07.45.

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