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