communications and be able to draft a message for transmission in any visual system. The supervisor must know the watch standers' duties in various emergency bills, with emphasis on man overboard. During the watch, the supervisor is required to do the following: Ensure that an alert watch is maintained at all times. Coordinate and supervise operations and activities of the watch in such a way as to maintain efficiency in handling visual message traffic with minimum noise and confusion. Know the recognition signals that are in effect. Keep the watch informed of the disposition, organization, formation, and location of all units in visual company. Know the visual responsibility of own ship for relaying and repeating signals and messages. Safeguard communications publications on the signal bridge; make sure a watch-to-watch inventory is maintained. Conduct training and instruction for personnel on watch, as practicable, under existing operating conditions. Assume responsibility for cleanliness and orderliness of the signal bridge and personnel on watch. Acquaint the watch with the location and use of emergency signal equipment. Make all required reports to the bridge or quarterdeck. These reports include ships or objects sighted, status of signals on own ship and ships in the vicinity, execution of signals, and casualties to signal bridge equipment. Make sure receipts are obtained for messages accepted by the watch for delivery or relay. Maintain the visual station file and visual log. Before becoming a Signalman supervisor, you must complete Personnel Qualification Standard for Visual Communications, NAVEDTRA 43354A. SIGNALMEN Signalmen should be proficient in all means of visual communications and have knowledge of the following: Correct visual procedures, including the uses of procedure signals, procedure signs, and call signs Recognition procedures and recognition signals in effect The organization, disposition, formation, and location of all units in company Log and file maintenance Meanings of all special flags and pennants The location and method of operation of all emergency signaling gear Signalmen should be able to compose and break down any visual or radio message heading in naval form. They also must know how to communicate by visual means with a merchant ship at sea and should have a basic knowledge of visual communications with aircraft. Signalmen should pay particular attention to the following conditions: Keep halyards taut in fair weather. In fog or inclement weather and when it is too dark for flaghoist, slack the halyards off to prevent unnecessary strain from shrinkage Do not leave Irish pennants, loose equipment, or personal gear about the signal bridge Report lost, damaged, or inoperable equipment at once, and take steps to repair or replace it Keep bunting dry and covered in bad weather, and air it as often as necessary to prevent mildew. Before airing bunting, obtain permission from the senior officer present afloat (SOPA) Signalmen must always be mindful that an alert signal force is the mark of a smart ship. The following items make for smartness in flaghoist signaling: Accuracy in bending on the correct flag the first time Smoothness in hoisting and making a quick turn with the uphaul Speed in hauling up the hoist Assurance that all flags are sent up clear Certainty that the signal is kept visible while the hoist is flying. The downhaul is kept fairly taut Signals are hauled down sharply, smoothly, and in such manner that they are not allowed to stream to leeward or over the side 8-2