CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL COMMUNICATION Your choice to become a Signalman is a very good one. The Signalman rating is one of the oldest in the Navy, and visual communication—the first form of nautical communications—continues undiminished in importance today. You will find your job interesting, rewarding, and full of the satisfaction that comes of service to the Navy and the United States. At the level of operating forces, communications, as you will learn, is truly the voice of command in a visible way. The communication organization aboard ship is under the control of the commanding officer. In the transmission and reception of signals and messages, communicators actively participate in the exercise of command. The fleet needs capable personnel in all ratings, because an effective naval force is only as good as the people who man the ships. Even with the most modern equipment, the force is seriously handicapped without competent personnel to operate and maintain that equipment. Good people are plentiful, but their capability depends on their training. This manual contains the basic knowledge you need for advancement in the Signalman rating. Skills in personnel advancement requirements (PARS), including a performance test, also are required, but these can only be developed through practice and experience. Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS) is a qualification for officers and enlisted personnel to perform certain duties. The Signalman PQS booklet, Visual Communication, NAVEDTRA 43354B, contains the fundamentals, systems, and watch stations recognized by CNET as the minimum qualification for Signalman supervisor aboard U.S. Navy ships. Included are expert lookout, flagbag operator, semaphore operator, searchlight operator, boat Signalman, amphibious Signalman, Signalman of the watch, in-port duty Signalman, recorder/ messenger, signal bridge spotter, and AN/KAS-1 operator. This PQS will assist you in becoming a more productive member of the Signalman community. As a part of the Navy's training program, Signalman, is designed to help you meet the occupational standards for advancement in the Signalman rating. To become an expert is quite a challenge, and you will derive considerable satisfaction from mastering the art of signaling. Through your initiative, study, practice, and hard work, the time will come when your shipmates will look upon you as an expert. THE SIGNALMAN RATING LEARNING OBJECTIVES: State the purpose of a Signalman aboard ship. Identify five areas in which Signalmen must be proficient. All the planning, organizing, and training that go into the makeup of a signal gang are designed for one purpose—to perfect the Signalman’s ability to transmit and receive messages vital to the operation of the ship. The Signalman mans the visual communication link with semaphore flags, flaghoist, and searchlights. In addition to visual communications, a Signalman also must be proficient in navigation. Navigation duties include the reading, stowing, and correcting of charts; being able to help pilot a ship in restricted waters; and being familiar with the Rules of the Road, navigational aids, and using navigational equipment. (Navigational duties are discussed in chapter 9.) In addition, the Signalman must be skilled in voice radio operations and procedures; be able to properly render honors and ceremonies; be experienced in the principles of recognition and be quick to recognize personal flags and pennants of U.S. and foreign officers; be able to act as expert lookouts; and be able to demonstrate know how in many other related skills. As a Signalman, you can expect to serve on a variety of ships—from the largest carrier to the smallest patrol craft—and at various shore commands. Aboard some ships, you may have to help with the navigation in addition to your visual signaling duties. On other ships you might practice only your visual signaling skills. Now you know, in a general way, what is required of a Signalman. But you may ask, "What must I do to become a Signalman?" The demands are A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN and A 1-1