QUARTERMASTER OF THE WATCH

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Definitions

1. the QM of the watch is a member of the duty watch. The duty watch has a 24 hour officer on the deck. The QM must know who is his Officer of the Deck and must call him for any emergency. The QM of the watch alongside a dock is responsible for the mooring lines which tighten and loosen with the tide's rise and fall. At anchor the QM is responsible for the security of the anchor and must take bearings to make sure the anchor is not dragging and that as tidal currents change, the ship does not swing into other ships anchored near. The QM is also responsible for the proper signals at anchor, a black ball by day and anchor light at night and for the raising and lowering of proper flags at 8:00 a.m. or sunset, and flying crews meal pennant and Captains, Commodore's and native or courtesy flag. These flags are also flown alongside the dock. The QM at the gangway guards the ship. He keeps the log, entering everything. He has charge of the safe mooring of the ship and must adjust mooring lines whenever necessary. (FO 304)

2. keeps the quartermaster's notebook, notes all changes of course, speed, wind, sea, etc., in it and all occurrences in the ship and signs it at the watch end. He tends to getting the wheel and lookout relieved. When something is to be done within the ship he takes the two stand-bys and does it. He handles the men for the OOW, routes out the next watch, signals any call to emergency stations for the crew, etc. (FO 80) .

3. (Condition III) hat purpose: handles crew and ship's company while watch is in progress. (FO RS 32)

4. the QM is also the Org Officer for the watch and works directly with the cons in training up their watches and correcting goofing watch members. (FSO 546)