Why do Sailors salute the quarterdeck?

Asked by: Paige Hari

We do salute when entering the quarterdeck. Two reasons are given. One is that there was a religious shrine installed and the salute was to the shrine. The other was that it was the place of command and hence saluted.

Why do you salute the quarterdeck?

Others hold that the custom comes from the early days of the British Navy when all officers who were present on the quarterdeck returned the salute of an individual by removing the their headdress. Today the salute is seen as respecting the authority of the ship and the colours that are flown on the quarterdeck.

What is the quarterdeck on a ship?

Definition of quarterdeck

1 : the stern area of a ship’s upper deck. 2 : a part of a deck on a naval vessel set aside by the captain for ceremonial and official use.

Where is the quarterdeck on a Navy ship?

Quarter Deck: The deck located near to the chief mast of a vessel on its stern is referred to as the quarter deck. The quarter deck is a part of the upper deck and is inclusive of the poop deck. The quarter deck is generally found on navy ships and accessible only to the most senior naval officers on the vessel.

Do Sailors salute?

Part of everyday Naval life, a salute is always made with the palm facing in. Why? Because sailors’ hands were generally covered in tar from sails and rigging, and it was deemed unsightly to show an officer or member of the Royal Family a dirty palm.

Why is poop deck called poop deck?

We quote verbatim: “The name originates from the French word for stern, la poupe, from Latin puppis. Thus the poop deck is technically a stern deck, which in sailing ships was usually elevated as the roof of the stern or “after” cabin, also known as the “poop cabin”.

Why do boats pass on the right?

When two power vessels are attempting to cross, the right of way is given to the vessel on the starboard side. This vessel that does not have the right of way must take early action to avoid a collision. This vessel either needs to stop or alter course to starboard.

Why do the Army and Navy salute differently?

The British Army developed a salute with the palm facing outwards, also used by the Royal Air Force. The Royal Navy, however, adopted a version with the palm facing downwards, thought to be because many men working on ships had dirty palms and to display them was disrespectful.

What are the 3 types of salutes?

You will surprised to know the meaning behind the salutes of our tri-services, read on to find that out:

• Indian Army – Open palm facing the person in front. …
• Indian Navy – Open palm facing the ground. …
• Indian Air Force – Open palm at a 45 degree angle to the ground.

Why do Navy sailors salute when leaving a ship?

Formal permission to leave the ship is requested in the following manner: Salute the OOD and say, “i request permission to go ashore, sir.” (In the same manner as boarding, always address the OOD as “sir,” as he or she represents the authority of the ship’s commanding officer.).

What does 4 bells mean in the Navy?

Four bells. Bell Pattern. oo oo. Hour (am and pm) 2:00, 6:00, 10:00.

Why do sailors line the deck?

Manning the rail is a method of saluting (or rendering honors) used by naval vessels. The custom evolved from that of “manning the yards”, which dates from the days of sail. On sailing ships, crew stood evenly spaced on all the yards (the spars holding the sails) and gave three cheers to honor distinguished persons.

Why do you ask permission to come aboard?

If the boat is very small and lightweight, it might rock as you step aboard. That is why you announce, “Coming aboard,” so everyone has a chance to brace themselves and not spill their beverage or drop expensive boat equipment.

Where do officers sleep on Navy ships?

Aft of the CPO’s quarters and head is Officer’s Country. This passageway contains the eight staterooms where the KIDD’s officers lived, two or three to a compartment, depending upon seniority. Politely called “staterooms,” these cabins functioned as sleeping quarters, lounges, and offices.

How do you get into a Quarterdeck?

1 Step onto the Quarterdeck, face the Officer of the Deck (OOD), show your ID card and salute. 2 State, “I request permission to leave the ship, sir/ma’am”. 3 Upon receiving permission, step onto the brow, face aft and salute the ensign, if flying.

What do officers say when boarding a ship?

Request permission to board the vessel. After saluting the OOD, military personnel must say, “Sir [Ma’am], I request permission to come on board.” If the vessel is not your vessel, add the purpose of the visit by stating, for example, “to visit a friend.”

What is a side boy in the Navy?

A sideboy is a member of an even-numbered group of seamen posted in two rows at the quarterdeck when a visiting dignitary boards or leaves the ship, historically to help (or even hoist) him aboard, in a ceremony known as tending the Side.

How many bells does a captain get?

As the person being announced approaches the ship, the word is passed over the 1MC, “[Title] arriving,” and a bell is struck the number of times corresponding to the number of sideboys to which the person would be entitled: eight for a vice admiral or above, six for a rear admiral or rear admiral (lower half), four for …

Do you salute if you are not wearing a hat?

For personnel not wearing hats, holding weapons or with otherwise encumbered hands, the salute is given by coming to attention.

What does a left handed salute mean?

Left Handed Salutes. Actually only the Naval services (Navy and Marine Corps) are authorized to salute with the left hand when necessary. This usually means when your right hand/ arm is incapacitated due to injury but it can also apply at other times.

Is it disrespectful for a civilian to salute a soldier?

TLDR – Civilians should face the flag and place their right hand over their heart during the National Anthem. Saluting the flag is a gesture reserved for the military. While civilians can salute soldiers, many veterans consider it inappropriate or awkward.

Does a lieutenant outrank a warrant officer?

The LT absolutely does not outrank the sergeant major or first sergeant. Sure, on paper, all Army officers outrank all enlisted and warrant officers in the military.

Can an enlisted man outrank an officer?

Warrant Officers outrank all enlisted members, but are not required to have a college degree. Commissioned Officers outrank Warrant Officers and enlisted service members, and must have a minimum of a four-year bachelor’s degree.

Can a Sgt major become an officer?

Luckily, all five branches of the armed forces have made it possible for an enlisted service member to become an officer. Although a service member can be promoted to warrant officer because of his technical expertise, someone who wants to become a commissioned officer must attend officer candidate school.