Page 159 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

UNIT

Basic Seamanship

he first requirement of everyone who sails in the ships of the U.S. Navy is
T seamanship. Seamanship has three main components: the art and skill of
handling a vessel, skill in the use of deck equipment, and the care and use of vari-
ous kinds of line, called II/nrlil/spike scnll/nl/ship. On board ship, the people most
concerned with seamanship every day are those in the deck department. Sailors
who work in the ship's office, radio shack, or engine room mal' not be caUed
upon for much seamanship in their normal everyday duties. This does not mean,
hmvever, that seamanship is unimportant for them.
Seamanship is the skill that ties every member of the Navy together. Whether
an admiral or a seaman, a Navy persoll wears a uniform that says he or she is famil-
iar with the art of seamanship. Regardless of what job specialty a Sailor selects,
that Sailor first becomes a seaman, then a technician. The pride with which a per-
son performs seamanship duties will carryover into the specialty ratings.
Many times, especially in smaller ships, evel")'one must help the deck force.
Enlisted persons mal' have to carry stores on board, assist in replenishment,
or help in mooring or unmooring the ship. Officers are expected to be able to
supervise all such activities. In emergencies or general quarters, aU hands mal'
have to do all manner of seamanship evolutions from manning guns, standing
lookout watches, or handling boats, to fighting fires. All departments Illust keep
their spaces (compartments) clean and painted, exercise good safety procedures,
and do preventive maintenance of their equipment.