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