The purpose of this publication is to make available a number of the more frequently used commands and orders. Standardization of commands and orders will reduce the number of mistakes which result from misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Introduction
All hands should be reasonably familiar with all commands and orders listed. All hands should be thoroughly familiar with the commands used in their department.
The publication is divided into the sections: Gunnery, Seamanship, Engineering, and General. The commands and orders pertinent to these general divisions are listed with their definitions. The commands and orders are also listed alphabetically with the section designated in which they may be found.
This is a preliminary edition. Before the final edition is published it is desired to obtain comments, criticisms and recommendations for the improvement of the manual. All comments and requests for additional copies should be sent to the Interior Control Board, Room 2732, Navy Department, Washington 25, D.C.
"There is a sharp distinction between an order and a command, although both are used somewhat indiscriminately in referring to either. An order leaves the manner of execution in general up to the recipient of the order. An order does not always specify just when it shall be executed, but frequently fixes a certain time by which it must be executed. A command leaves nothing to the discretion of the recipient. It usually is peremptory, arbitrary, and implies execution at the time of its receipt unless otherwise specified." Commands and Orders
Sections
Gunnery 5 Seamanship 17 Engineering 26 General 29 Index 37
Gunnery Section
- Action Starboard (Port)
- Command from either Conn or Control to train out directors and guns and form an ammunition train, given when target is first sighted or suspected. Applies also to torpedo directors and tubes.
- Air (Surface) (Land) Target
- This states the type of target to be expected. Directs preliminary dispositions for type target designated.
- Aircraft Alert
- Be on the watch for planes; guns train to established standby positions covering their sectors.
- All Stations Report When Manned and Ready
- A command given by Control while the circuit is being manned. Stations reply in numerical order. If a station misses, it comes in at the end.
- At Ease
- A command given when it is desired to allow the men to relax at their stations.
- Automatic Key-Fire
- Guns are fired automatically by a gyro device as the ship rolls the guns across the target.
- Barrage Fire
- A method of rapid fire using a fixed range, or fuze setting; so that the target if it continues its course and speed will pass through it. The barrage must be relaid depending upon the movements of the target.
- Bombardment Fire
- Fire at a shore target.
- Break Arcs
- A command to extinguish searchlight arcs.
- Carry On
- Resume normal service of the battery. This command usually follows Silence. Also to continue with any type of work.
- Cease Firing, Cease Firing
- Stop firing. Loaded guns will with permission of C.O. be unloaded by methods ordered from control unless previously directed to use another procedure, and will not be re-loaded until directed. This command does not necessarily mean the action is over. On this command gun captains report in order to control the rounds fired, conditions, guns and casualties.
- Case Tracking
- Stop following the target and resume "alert" positions at stations.
- Check Fire-Check Fire
- Stop firing temporarily. All other functions of the control party and the gun crew continue. Loaded guns will remain loaded except that projectiles must not remain in hot guns; unload such guns according to ship's doctrine. Given normally when a short period of time is desired between salvos for shifting targets, introducing spots, etc. Remain ready to resume fire instantly.
- Collective Fire
- The whole battery fires at the same target.
- Commence Firing, Commence Firing
- Start shooting.
- Common, (High Explosive) (Illuminating) (Armor Piercing) Projectile
- Directs preparation to fire the type of ammunition indicated.
- Concentration Fire
- Several ships fire at a single target.
- Continuous Aim
- Direct the method of master key which consist of keeping all director optics on the target horizon at all times. The master key may then be closed at any time.
- Continuous Fire
- The firing is not stopped for spots or corrections. Applies only to ship having automatic control of guns. Guns fire as soon as loaded, if at firing elevation. If necessary for guns to go to "loading" position then guns fire.
- Dip and Convergence
- Set dip and convergence in yards.
- Direct Fire
- Firing at a target that can be seen.
- Director Continuous Fire
- The director fires each turret when ready.
- Director Control
- A method of control in which the guns are trained and elevated either automatically or by matching indicators operated by director and associated instruments and as corrected by them.
- Director (One) (Two) Control
- Places the designated director in control.
- Divided Control
- Places each director in control of its own battery guns.
- Divided Fire
- The battery is divided into groups firing at two or more targets.
- Drop Down, preferably Sprawl
- All hands on deck drop down on their faces to avoid bomb fragments. The command ordinarily will only be given after aircraft have been observed to reach a bombing position, to have released their bombs, and just before the bombs reach the surface.
- Fire
- A statement made by the gun or director as he closes the firing key. It is a warning that the circuit has been closed. Care must be taken to avoid using "Fire" except when it is desired to actually shoot.
- Fire 1, Fire 2, etc.
- Used in torpedo control. Fire torpedoes from No. 1 tube, No. 2 tube, etc.
- Fire Continuous
- Directs the type of fire in which each gun is fired individually and when ready, without regard for the condition of readiness of other guns.
- Illuminate
- A command by Conn, to Control, to illuminate an arc or bearing. In the case of starshell illumination Illuminate is a command for all or designated gun to load starshells. Directs pointer to close firing key. In the case of searchlight illumination, Illuminate is a command for searchlights to open shutters.
- In Manual (40 mm)
- The mount is operated by hand power.
- Indicating Control
- A method employed when the remote control system having failed, it is still possible to follow the signals transmitted form a distant station by manually matching indicators in the elevation, train, and fuze setting indicators.
- Indirect Fire
- Firing at a target that cannot be seen.
- Individual Turret Fire
- Each turret keeps firing locally. The director uses continuous aim.
- Ladder in Yard Steps
- A command from controlling spotter, to control party, to run a continuous in ladder.
- Ladder Out Yard Steps
- A command from controlling spotter, to control party, to run a continuous out ladder.
- Lay For Starshell Spread to Starboard (Port)
- A command from Control to guns when a starshell spread is to be fired. Load guns with starshells, elevate, and offset train dials in accordance with doctrine.
- Lay Mechanically In Elevation
- The gun pointers use their handwheels to lay the gun at a certain elevation ordered by telephone or visual battle order.
- Load
- To load the gun. If this command is omitted the gun is loaded at the command "Commence Firing."
- Local Control
- All guns follow the target with their telescope or open sights and fire locally. Values of range, deflection, and fuze settings are determined at the guns.
- Manned and Ready
- Each station reports "Manned and Ready: to Control when the station has bene placed in the fully ready condition, with sufficient personnel present to service the station using primary methods. Control reports "Manned and Ready" to Conn when all stations have reported.
- Master Key Fire
- Several guns are fired by one firing key usually located at the director. On this command gun pointers close and lock firing keys, and set firing circuit transfer switches on "Motor Generator".
- Match Parallax
- Match parallax zero readers to make the guns toe in on a single target.
- Match Pointers (Zero Readers) In Train (Elevation)
- A command from the Control to guns (searchlights) to match coarse and fine dials on the indicators.
- On Target or, Target
- Reported by director, trainer, and pointer when they are on target.
- Open (Close) Shutters
- A command by Control to open (or close) the searchlight shutter.
- Parallax Range
- Set parallax range in yards.
- Pointer (Trainer) Key Fire
- Each gun or turret is fired by its own pointer's or trainer's key.
- Prepare to Illuminate on Bearing by Searchlight and/or Starshell
- Command given by Conn, to Control, preparatory to illumination.
- Primary Control
- The normal method of director control using director's electronic fire control equipment or director's telescopes to range and bear on the target. The guns are usually in automatic. Plots send elevation and deflection as gun elevation order and gun train order.
- Range
- The distance to the target reported form spotter, range-finder, or electronic equipment, or to set the range in yards on range dial or sword arm; this gives the elevation necessary to propel a projectile a given distance.
- Rapid Continuous Fire
- Each gun in each turret fires when loaded and ready.
- Rapid Fire
- The director fires whenever a certain number of turrets are ready. In case of rapid fire guns this is synonymous with continuous fire.
- Ready
- Each gun (mount or turret) reports "ready" to Control as soon as there are sufficient men at the station to fire a gun at a reduced rate by local method. Control reports "ready" to Conn or Bridge as soon as one gun can be fired.
- Repel Attack (Dive Bomber) (Torpedo Plane/PT)
- A command to discontinue all other action. Guns to go to designated sector and to open fire automatically in accordance with doctrine on any place (etc.) sighted in the assigned sector.
- Replace Ammunition
- Put all ammunition in the loading line back into ready racks, or boxes, and fill up the empty spaces with ammunition from the magazines.
- Report Casualties
- Report at once any matériel and personnel casualties. More detailed reports should be made as the opportunity permits, but serious damage or injuries should be reported at once. After firing runs such reports are routine.
- Resume Fire, Resume Fire
- A command to continue fire after "Check Fire" has been given.
- Resume Sectors or Take Sectors
- Guns resume or assume ready status in their assigned sector.
- Rocking Ladder Yard Spread Yard Steps
- A command from controlling spotter, to control party, to alternate ladder in and out.
- Salvo Fire
- When two or more guns of the same battery fire at once at the same target.
- Secondary Control
- Any secondary method of gun control resorted to when primary method has failed. It includes telescope control, local control, and indicating control.
- Secure From General Quarters (Set Condition II/III Watch 1/2/3)
- A command from Conn, repeated by Control, to secure or set condition of readiness designated.
- Set Switch in Automatic
- The switch is set so that pointer and training motors are controlled by the director.
- Set Switch in Local High
- The switch is set in local high when the control is at the gun, and it is necessary to train and elevate rapidly.
- Set Switch in Local Low
- The switch is set in local low when the control is at the gun, \and it is necessary to train and elevate slowly.
- Scale (Usually in mils -- but sometimes arbitrary)
- Set deflection in mils on the deflection scale.
- Shoot
- A command to the director or to a gun to fire a salvo or split salvo. (It is used when the control officer wishes to control personally the rate of fire).
- Shift to Automatic
- Guns cut in the power drives and receiver regulators and follow the director automatically by remote control.
- Shift to Indicating
- Gun pointers and trainers use their handwheels to train and elevate the gun, and matching pointers or zero readers in their indicators. Fuze settings indicated by fuze setting indicators./dd>
- Shift to Telescope
- Gun pointers and trainers use their handwheels to train and elevate the gun and sight through their gunsight telescopes.
- Sight Angle
- Set the sight angle in minutes on the sight angle dial.
- Silence
- Used in case of serious casualty, or in case of doubt as to the seriousness of the casualty. On this command every member of the gun crew, ammunition party and all in the vicinity, freeze in their tracks and remain there motionless without noise or confusion until further orders are given, or they hear the command "Carry On". All operating machinery (hoists, train, elevation, etc.), should be stopped!
- Slow Fire
- Firing a salvo only after the one before it has landed and its spot has been applied.
- Solution or Plot Ready
- Plot has solved the problem and is ready to open fire.
- Split Salvo
- When less than the full number of guns in a multiple gun mount, or mounts, is ordered to fire on one salvo signal, the salvo is a split salvo. Split salvos may be used to reduce dispersion, conserve ammunition, or reduce salvo interval.
- Sprawl -- See Drop Down
- All hands on deck drop down on their faces to avoid bomb fragments. The command ordinarily will only be given after aircraft have been observed to reach a bombing position, to have released their bombs, and just before the bombs reach the contact point.
- Stand By
- To be ready to act in relation to any operation. For example, in gunnery, a warning that "Commence Firing" may follow in a few seconds.
- Stand Easy
- Allows the men to relax at their stations.
- Start Tracking or Track
- The control party starts tracking (following) the target. After this command the entire battery is in condition to open fire at a moment's notice using primary methods of control.
- Stations
- At this command:
- ammunition parties prepare to send up or break out ammunition.
- gun crews take their assigned stations, and prepare to service the battery.
- hydraulic motors are started.
- all control and director parties assume positions to open fire.
- Strike Arcs
- Searchlights establish the arc with shutters closed for the purpose of quick illumination or for warming up or testing.
- Submarine Alert
- Be on the watch for torpedo attack; assume standby positions.
- Take Cover
- Gun crews and others proceed to gun crew shelter on the double. Given when angle of elevation is such as to permit shell fragments falling on deck, or to avoid a spray gas attack.
- Take Dive Attack Sectors
- Place battery in fully ready condition to repel a surprise glide, dive or strafing attack. Guns elevate 60° and trained in center of own sector.
- Target Aircraft Sighted Bearing one eight zero position angle two Five
- Contact report sent to Air Defense, and in case of local control to the guns as well.
- Target, Destroyer of the Class Sighted Bearing Zero Four Five
- Contact report sent to Control and Plot by the spotter. Conn states exactly by type and bearing the target to be taken under fire. Control gives this same information to the guns so that if they must go to local control they may do so intelligently. Director trainer and pointer report to Control when on target, using the expression "On Target".
- Telescope Control
- Telescope control is that method of control in which the guns are pointed and/or trained locally by telescope, but the values of range deflection and fuze settings are transmitted from a control station. It does not necessarily mean that the guns are fired locally.
- Test Circuits
- Test telephones, voice tubes, salvo signals, cease firing, and all firing circuits. Guns report on condition of all items orally or by blinking ready light if all circuits test properly.
- Test Transmission
- Directs the members of the control party responsible for signals transmitted form the director to the battery to test the accuracy of transmission thereof, including: elevation (auto and indicating), train (auto and indicating), sight setting, fuze setting, battle order, shell order, shutter order.
- Torpedo Defense
- A condition of readiness for repelling a torpedo attack. All antisubmarine gun crews and control parties report to their stations on the double. Engineering and Damage Control stations go on the alert.
Seamanship Section
- All Hands Up Anchor or All Hands Bring Ship to Anchor
- All hands to quarters. Divisions (whose duty it is) stand by ground tackle. Used in peace time, or in ceremonies.
- Anchors Aweigh
- The anchor has broken ground.
- Avast or Avast Heaving
- Stop, or stop heaving.
- Belay
- To make fast to a pin or cleat. Cancels or negates an order or information.
- Bend
- To make fast; that is, to bend a cable is to make it fast to the anchor.
- Boat the Oars
- Place the oars in the boat.
- Carrying Degrees Rudder, Sir
- Report by helmsman to relief or conning officer giving average number of degrees right (left) rudder required to keep ship on course due to wind, tide, etc.
- Cast Off All Lines
- Let go all lines.
- Catch a Turn
- To take a turn with a rope quickly, usually for holding it temporarily.
- Check (Two)
- Men on number (two) line take turns and take a strain on this line. Release when a strain increases and check again. This order used when it is desired to check the ship's movement and not necessarily to stop it or to ease a parting line.
- Clap On
- To seize a rope and haul away
- To make more, as clap on sail
- Clear for Running
- Ready to run out without fouling.
- Clear the Forecastle
- To have all personnel clear the forecastle and seek shelter.
- Come right to Course
- Make a slight change in course; usually a change of less than fifteen degrees.
- Double up and Secure
- Run out one or more bights and secure the lines.
- Ease It
Ease Away
Ease Off- Pay out enough to remove most of the strain.
- Ease the Rudder
- Decrease the present rudder angle;l given when the ship is turning too rapidly or is coming to the heading required, for example, "Ease to 10".
- Fore in Hand
- To hold a line by hand while being made fast to a cleat.
- Get Out All Lines
- Get all lines over to the piers.
- Giver Her More Rudder
- Increase the rudder angle already on, to make her turn more rapidly.
- Give Away
- An order to begin rowing (pulling boats).
- Handsomely
- Slowly and carefully with the emphasis on carefully as "Walk Back Handsomely".
- Heave Round
- To bring in the anchor. To revolve the drum of a capstan, winch or windlass.
- Heave Short
- Heave in chain until anchor is at short stay, (i.e. just resting on the bottom).
- Hoist Away
- An order to haul up or commence hoisting.
- Hold (Two)
- Take additional turns of line on bits and hold fast.
- Hold Water
- An order to check a pulling boat's headway by holding the blades of the oars vertically in the water with the oars at right angle to the keel.
- In Bows
- An order to the bow oarsman or oarsmen to boat their oars and stand by with boat hooks for a landing.
- Keep Her So
- Given when the steersman reports her heading and it is desired to steady her.
- Lay In Oars
- An order to a pulling boat's crew to stop pulling and to hold their oars with the blades horizontal and the oars at right angles to the keel of the boat.
- Let Fall
- An order to let the oars fall from the position of toss into the rowlocks.
- Let Go
- Let the anchor drop. (Knock the stopper clear of the chain).
- Let Go the Painter
- Order to the man in the bow handling the painter, to let go bow line.
- Lower Away Together
- Lower both falls or lines on the boat together.
- Lower Forward (Aft)
- Lower the fall or line which is forward or aft.
- Man the Chains
- Leadsman report to chains with lead line preparatory to taking soundings.
- Man Your Boat
- Put on life preservers, or not according to standing orders and take station in your boat.
- Meet Her
- Use the rudder to check the ship's swing. Usually given when the ship's head is nearing the desired course.
- Mind Your Rudder
- A warning to exact more careful steering, or to put the steersman on the alert for the next command.
- Nothing to the Right (Left)
- This command is given when all small variations from the course must be kept to the left or right as the case may be.
- Oars
- An order to stop pulling temporarily and to lay on oars.
- Out Oars
- To rig out the oars in the rowlocks ready for pulling.
- Pass Stopper
- To hold line with a stopper or to reeve and secure a stopper.
- Pipe Down, Set the Watch, 1st Section
- At Pipe Down just after getting underway, men fall out from quarters and continue ship's work.
- Reeve
- To pass a rope through an aperture.
- Right (Left) 10 Degrees Rudder
- Indicates a turn of the rudder a designated number of degrees to the right or to the left of amidships.
- Right (Left) Full Rudder
- Give all of the left or right rudder than can be obtained without danger of jamming rudder against ship.
- Right (Left) Handsomely
- To change the rudder angle with care, as in coming alongside a dock.
- Right (Left) Standard Rudder
- Indicates a turn of the rudder to the right or left of amidships that number of degrees necessary to make a turn with standard tactical diameter.
- Rudder Amidships
- Place the rudder in line with the keel of the ship.
- Rudder Degrees Right (Left), Sir
- A report from the helmsman to the Conning Officer stating the degrees of the angle of the rudder.
- Secure the Anchor
- Stow the anchor and secure it for sea.
- Set Taut
- Take in the slack and take a strain on running gear preparatory to heaving it in. This is given before the order "Hoist Away".
- She Does Not Answer Helm, Sir
- A report from the steersman that there is lack of steerageway, or a casualty to the rudder mechanism. Example, "Ship's head is swinging left, sir, rudder is full right; ship does not answer helm."
- Shift the Rudder
- Change from right to left or left to right rudder using the same amount on the opposite side.
- Single Up
- Take in all additional parts, leaving a single line at each station.
- Slack
- Cast off all but one turn from the bitts and slack line so that it dips sufficiently to be observed as slack by the officer conning from the bridge. Do not allow line to sag into water.
- Slack Three
- Take off turns and give the line slack.
- Slack Away
- Pay out the line, allowing it to form ann easy bight.
- Stand By Your Lines
- Man the lines, ready to cast off.
- Stand By the Oars
- An order given to prepare to get the oars up or out.
- Steady
Steady As You Go
Keep Her So- Maintain the course the vessel is on at the instant of command.
- Steerageway
- The slowest speed at which the ship will steer.
- Steer Astern of Ship Ahead
- Follow in wake of ship ahead.
- Steer Course Zero, Four, Zero
- A command directing the helmsman to steer the course given.
- Stern All
- An order give to propel a pulling boat astern by the use of the oars.
- Tail On
- An order to lay hold of a rope and pull away.
- Take in the Slack
- Heave in on the line, but do not take a strain.
- Take a Heavy Strain
- Pull in on the line to as much tension as you think it will stand. If winch is available use it.
- Take a Strain
- Put the line under tension.
- Toss Oars
- An order given to raise the oars from the rowlocks to a perpendicular position, blades fore and aft, with the handles resting on the bottom of the boat.
- Two Blocks
- When the two blocks of a tackle have been drawn as close together as possible. All the way up. This is said of boats, flags, or any objects which are hosted with block and tackle.
- Up behind
- Slack up quickly. This order is normally used after "Walk Back Handsomely."
- Up Oars
- An order given to raise the oars from the boat to a position of toss.
- Veer
- To slack off and allow to run out.
- Veer and Haul
- To slack up and haul away alternately.
- Walk Back
- Keep the gear in hand but walk back with it towards the belaying point. This is usually used with "Handsomely" to prevent losing control of the boat before the fore-in-handling has been tested.
- Way Enough
- An order give to finish the stroke, toss and boat the oars.
- What's Your Heading
- A request to the steersman to report the course he is on.
Engineering Section
- Cut In Steam and Exhaust to the Anchor Engine
- Order given by the Officer of the Watch that valves in the steam and exhaust lines leading to the anchor engine are to be opened in preparation for using the anchor engine.
- Emergency Speed
- Make all speed possible with the power available.
- Flank Speed
- One quarter more than standard speed except for cruisers, destroyers, light mine layers and fast aircraft carriers. In cruisers, destroyers, light mine layers and fast aircraft carriers it is ten knots more than standard speed.
- Forward Gyro Out, All Repeaters Shifted to After Compass
- A report that master compasses have been shifted.
- Full Speed
- One eight more than standard speed except for cruisers, destroyers, light mine layers and fast aircraft carriers. In cruisers, destroyers, light mine layers and fast aircraft carriers it is give knots more than standard speed.
- Number Three Smoking Black
- The smoke watch report that boiler #3 is making black smoke.
- One Thousand Yards to Go
- Information from the bridge as to the distance to go before anchoring.
- Permission Is Granted to Blow Tubes On All Steaming Boilers
- Permission is given by the Officer of the Deck to the engineers to remove soot (by blowing) when the wind is favorable and when authorized by the officer in tactical command.
- Permission Is Granted to Remove Stack Cover
- Permission is granted by the Officer of the Deck to remove stack cover.
- Port Engine Ahead Standard
- To achieve the speed previously determined as standard. Orders relative to speed and direction of engines are given in the following sequence:
- designate engine or engines.
- designate direction.
- designate speed.
- Shift Steering Control to the Conning Tower
- Engage conning tower steering wheel and take steering control at Conn.
- Standard Speed
- A formation speed in knots through the water set by the officer in tactical command of the unit.
- Stand By for a Mark on Gyro Repeaters
- Compare compass repeaters with the standard compass.
- Stand By to Test Out the Main Engine
- Order given by the chief engineer to the fireroom that steam will be needed.
- Start Warming Up Number (three and Four) Generators
- An order to cut in the steam to the turbines of these generators slowly so that they may be warmed up and made ready for use.
- Steam Is On the Anchor Engine
- The anchor engine is ready for use; applies to steam anchor engines only.
- Warm Up All Booster Pumps and Stand By
- An order to cut in the steam and warm up the pumps so that they may be used for transferring fuel oil.
General Section
- Acknowledge
- When a message is received over I.C. system it must be acknowledged at once, i.e. "Foc's'le aye, aye".
- Air Bedding
- Trice (tie) bedding to the life lines for airing.
- All Hands to General Quarters
- All hands man battle stations on the double.
- All Hands to Quarters
- All men assemble in their assigned parades for muster, or Captain's inspection.
- All Men In Division Lay Up to the Quarterdeck
- To muster at the designated place.
- Away Fire and Rescue Party
- Fire and rescue party muster with gear and be prepared to shove off to assist another ship in distress.
- Belay That, or Belay the Last Word
- Pay no attention to the command or order given, or cease action if the order has been placed partially into action.
- Clamp Down
- Sprinkle water on the deck and swab down. used in the tropics to keep the decks cool. Lower deck spaces also used for periodic minor cleanups of quarter deck, companion way, etc.
- Darken Ship
- Extinguish lights in accordance with ship's "DARKEN SHIP" instructions.
- Douse (Sail, Light, etc.)
- To take, or lower a sail, to put out a light, to cover with water.
- Drop Down (See Sprawl)
- All hands on deck drop down on their faces to avoid bomb fragments. The command ordinarily will be given only after aircraft have been observed to reach a bombing position, to have released their bombs, and just before the bombs reach the contact point.
- Dry Down the Decks
Squilgee (Squeegee) Down the Decks- To dry the decks, usually with a rubber scraper designed for this purpose, but they may be dried with a swab.
- Fire (Location)
- Indicates fire -- take action in accordance with ship's instructions.
- Flemish Down Boat Falls (or Other Lines)
- To coil a line compactly and flat on the deck from the inside out in a clockwise direction.
- Furl Awnings
- Roll awnings and secure them.
- General Drills
- Emergency drills for all hands, such as general quarters, abandon ship, fire, and collision.
- General Quarters
- All hands man battle stations on the double.
- Haul Over All Gun Covers (or other covers as directed)
- Put the stated covers on to protect from moisture.
- Haul Over Hatch Hoods
- Put hatch hoods in place.
- Keep Silence About the Decks During Divine Service; Knock Off All Games and Radio, the Smoking Lamp is Out Throughout the Ship
- After church call sounds the directions given will be carried out. This word is generally passed simultaneously with church call.
- Knock Off Bright Work
- Stop shining brass work, and stow gear used for cleaning.
- Knock Off Scrubbing Clothes
- Cease scrubbing clothes.
- Lay Aft All the Eight O'Clock Reports or Make All the Eight O'Clock Reports
- Heads of the departments report to the Executive Officer that the ship is secured.
- Lay Aft the Anchor Watch to Muster
- Anchor watch men serve as messengers for the Officer of the Deck. They muster at 2000 and set the first watch at 2100 when the ship is at anchor.
- Lay Aft to the Fantail All Mess Cooks
- Muster aft as directed.
- Lay Below All Cooks and Messmen
- All men go to their assigned messes, or draw gear for their assigned messes.
- Lay Forward (or Aft) All the Sideboys
- Two to eight sideboys report as directed. Sideboys are detailed from all divisions to tend the ship's side.
- Lay Up All Running Gear
- Move all lines, blocks, hatch gratings, and other movable gear to keep it dry.
- Lead Out Wash Deck Hose
- Connect deck hose to fire-main.
- Make Up All Hatch Hoods
- To take the hatch covers off, roll and secure them.
- Man Overboard
- Man the boat, or boats and pick up the man as soon as possible. Special conditions are set for war time.
- Mess Gear
- Clear mess decks. (Gives mess cooks opportunity to lay out their gear).
- Now Hear This
- A phrase that calls attention to an order or command about to follow.
- On Deck the Starboard Watch (or Section) Relieve the Wheel and Lookouts
- An order to change a watch.
- On the Double
- On the run, quickly. Double time.
- Over the Side All Side Cleaners
- Two or more side cleaners are detailed form all deck divisions to keep the ship's sides clean.
- Pipe Down Hammocks
- Take hammocks to assigned billets, or let down bunks.
- Pipe to Breakfast (Dinner or Supper)
- Go to chow. (Breakfast, dinner or supper).
- Quarters
- All hands assemble at established parade.
- Scrub and Wash Clothes or Pipe Down Your Scrubbed and Washed Clothes
- Order to wash clothes after the decks are wet down.
- Scrub Bags (Hammocks or Mattress Covers) (as the case may be)
- Order given on certain days after the washing of clothes.
- Scrub Down the Decks With (Without) Sand; Scrub the Paint Work
- Perform this work as directed.
- Secure From Darkened Ship or Light Ship
- Resume conditions of lighted ship. The smoking lamp is lighted unless otherwise ordered.
- Secure From Battle Stations General Quarters (Set Condition Two/Three, Watch 1, or 2, or 3)
- Certain battle stations are made fast or secured, and others left manned according to the condition of readiness ordered.
- Shift to Uniform of the Day
- All hands shift into uniform of the day except as directed to do otherwise.
- Slack Off Halyards
- To give slack to the hoisting lines in wet weather to prevent lines from becoming too taut.
- Smoking Lamp Is Lighted
- Smoking is permitted throughout the ship, or in a designated area of the ship.
- Smoking Lamp Is Out (or Out On the Foc'sle)
- No smoking is permitted in the ship or in a given area of the ship.
- Spread Awnings
- Stretch awnings in place.
- Stand By Your Hammocks
- Go to hammock nettings or bunks and face aft.
- Stand Easy
- Allows the men at station to relax at their stations.
- Strike the Ship's Bell
- Ring it.
- Swab Down (Deck)
- Wash down deck.
- Sweepers Man Your Brooms. (Clean Sweep Down Fore and Aft)
- Assigned sweepers sweep as directed.
- Take Clothes and Wash (Forward) and Stop Them On the Line
- Tie the clothes on the line on the stated part of the ship.
- Take Cover
- Gun crews and others proceed to gun crew shelter on the double. Given when angle of elevation is such as to permit shell fragments falling on the deck or to avoid a spray gas attack.
- Trice Clothes Line Clear of the Deck
- Hoist clothes lines so that they do not interfere with other ship's work.
- Turn To
- Commence ship's work.
- Turn To, Wet Down the Deck
- Wet and scrub down the decks.
- Uncover
- Remove headwear.
- Uniform of the Day is Undress Blue and White Hats
- An order stating the uniform of the day, in this case undress blue.
- Up All Hammocks
- At 0700 all men who have mid-watches must get up and stow their hammocks.
- Very Well
- An officer's response indicating that the situation is understood, for example, given to the steersman after his report. "All right" should not be used since it might be construed to mean "right rudder".
In this section the commands are listed alphabetically. Their definition will be found listed in the section indicated. Index
Command Section Acknowledge General Action Starboard General Air Bedding General Aircraft Alert General Air (Surface) (Land) Target General All Hands From L Division Lay Up to Quarterdeck General All Hands to General Quarters General All Hands to Quarters General All Hands Up Anchor or All Hands Bring Ship to Anchor Seamanship All Stations Report When Manned and Ready Gunnery Anchors Aweigh Seamanship At Ease Gunnery Automatic Key Fire Gunnery Avast or Avast Heaving Seamanship Away Fire and Rescue Party
General Barrage Fire Gunnery Belay Seamanship Belay That or Belay the Last Word General Bend Seamanship Boat the Oars Seamanship Bombardment Fire Gunnery Break Arcs
Gunnery Carrying Degrees Rudder, Sir Seamanship Carry On Gunnery Cast Off All Lines Seamanship Catch a Turn Seamanship Cease Tracking Gunnery Check Fire--Check Fire Gunnery Check Two Seamanship Clamp Down General Clap On Seamanship Clear for Running Seamanship Clear the Forecastle Seamanship Collective Fire Gunnery Come Right to Course Seamanship Commence Firing, Commence Firing Gunnery Common (High Explosive) (Illuminating) Projectile Gunnery Concentration Fire Gunnery Continuous Aim Gunnery Continuous Fire Gunnery Cut In Steam and Exhaust To the Anchor Engine Engineering
Command Section Darken Ship General Dip and Convergence Gunnery Direct Fire Gunnery Director Continuous Fire Gunnery Director Control Gunnery Director (One) (Two) Control Gunnery Divided Control Gunnery Divided Fire Gunnery Double Up and Secure Seamanship Douse General Drop Down (Preferably Sprawl) Gunnery & General Dry Down the Decks -- Squilgee (Squeegee) Down the Decks
General Ease It Seamanship Ease Away Seamanship Ease Off Seamanship Ease the Rudder Seamanship Emergency Speed
Engineering Fire Gunnery Fire 1, Fire 2, etc.--- Gunnery Fire Continuous Gunnery Fire (Location) General Flank Speed Engineering Flemish Down Boat Falls (or Other Lines) Engineering Fore In Hand Seamanship Forward Gyro Out, All Repeaters Shifted to After Compass Engineering Full Speed Engineering Furl Awnings
General General Drill General General Quarters General Get Out All Lines Seamanship Give Her More Rudder Seamanship Give Away
Seamanship Handsomely Seamanship Haul Over All Gun Covers (or Other Covers) as Directed General Haul Over Hatch Hoods General Heave Round Seamanship Heave Short Seamanship Hoist Away Seamanship Hold (Two) Seamanship Hold Water Seamanship
Command Section Illuminate Gunnery In Bows Seamanship Indicating Control Gunnery Indirect Fire Gunnery Individual Turret Fire Gunnery In Manual (40 mm)
Gunnery Keep Her So Seamanship Keep Silence About the Decks During Divine Service; Knock Off All Games and Radio, the Smoking Lamp is Out Throughout the Ship General Knock Off Bright Work General Knock Off Scrubbing Clothes
General Ladder In Yard Steps Gunnery Ladder Out Yard Steps Gunnery Lay Aft All the Eight O'Clock Reports or Make All the Eight O'Clock Reports General Lay Aft the Anchor Watch to Muster General Lay Aft to the Fantail All Mess Cooks General Lay Below All Cooks and Messmen General Lay for Starshell Spread to Starboard (Port) Gunnery Lay Forward (or Aft) All the Sideboys General Lay Mechanically in Elevation Gunnery Lay On Oars Seamanship Lay Up All Running Gear General Lead Out Wash Deck Hose General Let Fall Seamanship Let Go Seamanship Let Go the Painter Seamanship Load Gunnery Local Control Gunnery Lower Away Together Seamanship Lower Forward (or Aft)
Seamanship Make Up All Hatch Hoods General Manned and Ready Gunnery Man Overboard General Man the Chains Seamanship Man Your Boat Seamanship Master Key Fire Gunnery Match Parallax Gunnery Match Pointers (Zero Readers) in Train (Elevation) Gunnery Meet Her Seamanship Mess Gear General Mind Your rudder Seamanship
Command Section Nothing to the Right (Left) Seamanship Now Hear This General Number Three Smoking Black
Engineering Oars Seamanship On Deck the Starboard Watch (or Section) Relieve the Wheel and Lookouts General On Target, or Target Gunnery On the Double General One Thousand Yards to Go Engineering Open/Close Shutters Gunnery Out Oars Seamanship Over the Side All Side Cleaners
General Parallax Range Gunnery Pass Stopper Seamanship Permission is Granted to Blow Tubes on All Steaming Boilers Engineering Pipe Down Hammocks General Permission is Granted to remove Stack Cover Engineering Pipe to breakfast (Dinner or Supper) General Pipe Down, Set the Watch, 1st Section Seamanship Pointer (Trainer) Key Fire Gunnery Port Engine Ahead Standard Engineering Prepare to Illuminate on Bearing by Searchlight and/or Starshell Gunnery Primary Control
Gunnery Quarters
General Range Gunnery Rapid Continuous Fire Gunnery Rapid Fire Gunnery Ready Gunnery Reeve Seamanship Repel Dive, PT, Torpedo, Plane Attack Gunnery Replace Ammunition Gunnery Report Casualties Gunnery Resume Fire, Resume Fire Gunnery Resume Sectors or Take Sectors Gunnery Right (Left) 10 Degrees Rudder Seamanship Right (Left) Full Rudder Seamanship Right (Left) Handsomely Seamanship Right (Left) Standard Rudder Seamanship Rocking Ladder Yard Spread Yard Steps Gunnery Rudder Amidships Seamanship Rudder Degrees Right (Left), Sir Seamanship
Command Section Salvo Fire Gunnery Scale (Usually in miles -- but sometimes arbitrary) Gunnery Scrub and Wash Clothes or Pipe Down Your Scrub and Wash Clothes General Scrub Bags (Hammocks or Mattress Covers) as the Case May Be General Scrub Down the Deck With (Without) San; Scrub the Paint Work General Secondary Control Gunnery Secure From Darkened ships or Light Ship General Secure From Battle Stations General Quarters (Set Condition Two/Three, Watch 1, or 2, or 3) Gunnery Secure the Anchor Seamanship Set Switch in Automatic (40 mm) Gunnery Set Switch in Local High (40 mm) Gunnery Set Switch in Local Low (40 mm) Gunnery Set Taut Seamanship She Does Not Answer Helm, Sir Seamanship Shift Steering Control to the Conning Tower Engineering Shift the Rudder Seamanship Shift to Automatic Gunnery Shift to Indicating Gunnery Shift to Telescope Gunnery Shift to Uniform of the Day General Shoot Gunnery Sight Angle Gunnery Silence Gunnery Single Up Seamanship Slack Seamanship Slack Away Seamanship Slow Fire Gunnery Slack Off Halyards General Slack Three Seamanship Smoking Lamp Is Lighted General Smoking Lamp is Out (or Out On the Foc's'le) General Solution or Plot Ready Gunnery Spread Awnings General Split Salvo Gunnery Sprawl (See Drop Down) Gunnery Standard Speed Engineering Stand By Gunnery Stand By for a Mark On Gyro Repeaters Engineering Stand By the Oars Seamanship Stand By to Test Out the Main Engine Engineering
Command Section Stand By Your Hammocks General Stand By Your Lines Seamanship Stand Easy Gunnery and General Start Tracking or Track Gunnery Start Warming Up Number Three and Four Generators Engineering Stations Gunnery Steady; Steady As You Go; Keep Her So Seamanship Steam Is On the Anchor Engine Engineering Steerageway Seamanship Steer Astern of Ship Ahead Seamanship Steer Course Zero, Four, Zero Seamanship Stern All Seamanship Strike Arcs General Strike the Ship's Bell General Swab Down (Deck) General Submarine Alert Gunnery Sweepers Man Your Brooms. Clean Sweep Down Fore and Aft
General Tail On Seamanship Take a Heavy Strain Seamanship Take Clothes and Wash (Forward) and Stop Them on the Line General Take a Strain Seamanship Take Cover Generaland Gunnery Take Dive Attack Sectors Gunnery Take in the Slack Seamanship Target Aircraft Sighted Bearing One Eight Zero Position Angle Two Five Gunnery Target Destroyer of the Class Sighted Bearing Zero Four Five Gunnery Telescope Control Gunnery Test Circuits Gunnery Test Transmission Gunnery Torpedo Defense Gunnery Toss Oars Seamanship Trice Clothes Lines Clear of the Deck General Turn To General Torn To, Wet Down the Decks General Two Blocks
Seamanship Uncover General Uniform of the Day Is Undress Blues and White Hats General Up All Hammocks General Up Behind Seamanship Up Oars Seamanship
Command Section Veer Seamanship Veer and Haul Seamanship Very Well General Walk Back Seamanship Warm Up All Booster Pumps and Stand By Engineering Way Enough Seamanship What's Your Heading Seamanship