SPOTTER The spotter is the most valuable person in flaghoist communication. It is the spotter's job to get the signal hoisted and to make sure it is correct. To become a spotter, you must be able to recognize all flags in the flagbag without hesitation, know flaghoist terminology, and be able to read flaghoist in proper sequences. Spotter's duties and flaghoist terminology will be covered more in depth in chapter 5. SEARCHLIGHT OPERATOR Flashing light is used daily on the signal bridge. To become a searchlight operator, a Signalman must be efficient in Morse code. He or she must be knowledgeable in all procedures when communi- cating via flashing light. Searchlight operators must be able to energize equipment and to spot any malfunctions. Searchlight operator will be covered more in depth in chapter 4. SEMAPHORE OPERATOR Semaphore is a rapid and secure means of transmitting visual messages. It makes use of two hand flags (PAPA or OSCAR) attached to staffs about 22 inches long. This increases range of visibility. Semaphore may be used to send messages to several addresses at one time if they are positioned properly; because of its speed, it is better adapted for long messages. See appendix II for standard semaphore characters and a few helpful hints. Semaphore will be covered more in depth in chapter 4. SIGNALMAN OF THE WATCH No two signal bridges are run exactly the same; therefore, the duties of the Signalman of the watch will vary from ship to ship. The standard operating procedures (SOPs) on your signal bridge will define your duties as Signalman of the watch. In general, though, the Signalman of the watch, must be efficient in all forms of visual communication. BOAT SIGNALMAN Boat Signalman is one of your most important assignments; it usually comes in play to help save someone's life. Therefore, you must know all aspects of being a boat Signalman, including the identification of flares, directing boat by visual signaling, and being able to operate a pyrotechnic kit. Boat Signalman procedures are discussed in chapter 8. EXPERT LOOKOUT On every ship, the lookout has an extremely important job. Even with today's radar, a good lookout is one of the OOD's most valuable sources of information. A Signalman’s duties by nature also require keeping a sharp lookout. As a matter of pride, the Signalman should be the first to sight and identify objects. An expert lookout has to be plenty sharp on a lot of things. Not only must lookouts be able to sight and identify objects, but they must be able to report them correctly, using relative bearings, distances, target angles, and in the case of aircraft, position angles. Lookout duties are covered in detail in chapter 8. IN-PORT DUTY SIGNALMAN The duties of the in-port duty Signalman include the holding of colors, sunrise, routing of visual messages, making preparations for getting under way, serving as a member of the rescue and assistance detail, and maintaining the visual station file and log. The duties of the in-port duty Signalman will vary from ship to ship. Your SOPs will outline your duties. SIGNALMAN SUPERVISOR The Signalman supervisor is overall responsible to the leading Signalman and/or signal officer for the communication and conduct of personnel on watch. Signalman supervisor duties are discussed in chapter 8. COMMUNICATIONS PUBLICATIONS LEARNING OBJECTIVES: List 12 important communication publications and state the purpose of each. State how publications may be obtained. Explain the importance of publication corrections and changes, and state procedures for making publication changes. A variety of special publications is necessary in visual communication. You will be using these pubs daily, so you may as well familiarize yourself with them at the start. 1-5