communications and be able to draft a message for
transmission in any visual system. The supervisor
must know the watch standers' duties in various
emergency bills, with emphasis on man overboard.
During the watch, the supervisor is required to do
Ensure that an alert watch is maintained at all
Coordinate and supervise operations and
activities of the watch in such a way as to maintain
efficiency in handling visual message traffic with
minimum noise and confusion.
Know the recognition signals that are in effect.
Keep the watch informed of the disposition,
organization, formation, and location of all units in
Know the visual responsibility of own ship for
relaying and repeating signals and messages.
Safeguard communications publications on the
signal bridge; make sure a watch-to-watch inventory is
Conduct training and instruction for personnel on
watch, as practicable, under existing operating
Assume responsibility for cleanliness and
orderliness of the signal bridge and personnel on watch.
Acquaint the watch with the location and use of
emergency signal equipment.
Make all required reports to the bridge or
quarterdeck. These reports include ships or objects
sighted, status of signals on own ship and ships in the
vicinity, execution of signals, and casualties to signal
Make sure receipts are obtained for messages
accepted by the watch for delivery or relay.
Maintain the visual station file and visual log.
Before becoming a Signalman supervisor, you
must complete Personnel Qualification Standard for
Visual Communications, NAVEDTRA 43354A.
Signalmen should be proficient in all means of
visual communications and have knowledge of the
Correct visual procedures, including the uses of
procedure signals, procedure signs, and call
Recognition procedures and recognition signals
The organization, disposition, formation, and
location of all units in company
Log and file maintenance
Meanings of all special flags and pennants
The location and method of operation of all
emergency signaling gear
Signalmen should be able to compose and break
down any visual or radio message heading in naval
form. They also must know how to communicate by
visual means with a merchant ship at sea and should
have a basic knowledge of visual communications
Signalmen should pay particular attention to the
Keep halyards taut in fair weather. In fog or
inclement weather and when it is too dark for flaghoist,
slack the halyards off to prevent unnecessary strain
Do not leave Irish pennants, loose equipment, or
personal gear about the signal bridge
Report lost, damaged, or inoperable equipment at
once, and take steps to repair or replace it
Keep bunting dry and covered in bad weather, and
air it as often as necessary to prevent mildew. Before
airing bunting, obtain permission from the senior
officer present afloat (SOPA)
Signalmen must always be mindful that an alert
signal force is the mark of a smart ship. The following
items make for smartness in flaghoist signaling:
Accuracy in bending on the correct flag the first
Smoothness in hoisting and making a quick turn
with the uphaul
Speed in hauling up the hoist
Assurance that all flags are sent up clear
Certainty that the signal is kept visible while the
hoist is flying. The downhaul is kept fairly taut
Signals are hauled down sharply, smoothly, and
in such manner that they are not allowed to
stream to leeward or over the side