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MANUAL

FOR THE GUIDANCE OF APPRENTICES
ON TRAINING SHIPS

CAPT. EUGENE  E.  O'DONNELL

ISSUED BY

RECRUITING SERVICE
SEA TRAINING BUREAU

1919

DISCIPLINE

Obedience is the first principle of discipline. There Is an orderly way to perform every task, it matters not how simple or how difficult it may be. Work on shipboard is carried out in a certain prescribed manner, each officer of the ship being in charge of various squads of men, while in performance of certain definite duties, the master in general charge over all, his jurisdiction resembling that of the Governor of a State over the heads of the various executive departments.
        It is necessary, therefore, that an apprentice should diligently apply himself as soon as be is assigned to a training ship and learn his proper place on board; become conversant with his duties, paying particular attention to the daily instructions of the Chief Officer on discipline.
        Respect for authority is necessary at all times,-this Is true of any well organized body. When orders are given, they must be obeyed promptly and without argument or question. To properly carry out an order given by a superior officer, it must be done with due respect toward the person in authority.
        Promptness and regard for authority are simple requirements which necessarily exist and form a part of the regular duty of an apprentice, just as much as the actual performance of the work assigned to him.
        The successful apprentice, who will eventually become the successful Master or Chief Engineer, will not make the mistake of refusing to obey orders or of obeying them reluctantly.
        An apprentice desiring to speak to an officer or an instructor shall, on approaching' him, salute by facing the officer or instructor at attention raising his hand to cap; the hand should again be raised to the cap when he has finished.
        In passing an officer on board Ship or ashore the same salute shall be given. An officer of the shipping Board, or of the Army or Navy shall be saluted in a similar manner, whether in uniform or civilian clothes.
        If an apprentice desires to communicate with the Master of the Training Ship, he should obtain permission from the Chief officer, who will appoint a time, should it be found that there is good and sufficient reason for the apprentice's request to consult the master
        The routine of work on shipboard from day to day will be determined by the Master and will be carried into effect by the Chief Officer and Chief Engineer through the various officers and instructors.

    The following breaches of discipline and conduct will not be countenanced:

1.  Disobedience.
2.  Indecency.
3.  Disorderly conduct.
4.  Shirking work.
5.  Untidiness.
6.  Smoking out of hours.
7.  Smoking in staterooms or In unauthorized parts of the vessel.
8.  Throwing lighted cigars, cigarettes, or matches about ship or in dangerous         Places.
9.  Using other than safety matches. (Safety matches will be provided by the ship's       steward. )
10. Destroying clothing.
11. Borrowing or lending clothing.
12. Leaving station without permission.
13. Neglect of or inattention to duty.
14. Prevarication.
15. Profanity.
16. Skylarking at meals.
17. Destroying food.
18. Mutilating or destroying ship's property.
19. Being under the influence of liquor on board ship or ashore.
20. Insolence to an officer or instructor.
21. Leaving the ship without permission.
22. Attempting to bring liquor on board.
23. Overstaying liberty.
24. Desertion.

The master of the ship shall, in all cases, determine the punishment for any of the acts mentioned above. A hearing by the master will always be granted to an apprentice charged with an offence.
        Healthy forms of amusement will be provided during leisure hours and off watches and an apprentice will find that there are many ways in which he may find entertainment while in training. No excuse for skylarking will, therefore, be accepted.

TIDINESS

The efficiency of an apprentice is not determined solely by the amount of work he can accomplish or his willingness to perform his duty promptly and with due respect to his superior officer.
        His personal appearance counts for much in his progress while training, and also while serving in the Merchant Marine. It is important therefore, in order to obtain rapid promotion, to have careful regard for one's personal appearance.
        The clothing of an apprentice should always be clean, shoes polished, buttons in place on coat and trousers, and when dressed for shore duty the apprentice should present a trim and clean cut appearance, thereby reflecting credit upon himself and the profession of which he is a part.
        Facilities are provided on shipboard for frequent bathing, shaving, and also for washing of clothing at regular prescribed periods in the day's occupation. No excuse will be accepted for untidiness on shipboard, and the apprentice who is in earnest will realize the importance of these simple requirements.
        All clothing provided an apprentice while in training is Government property and must be returned upon completion of course in as good condition as when received, reasonable wear and tear excepted. If clothing shows indications of abuse beyond ordinary wear and tear, deduction from wages due will be made to cover cost of each article.
        If an apprentice so desires, he may purchase any or all articles of clothing at cost, and apprentices are advised. if possible, to avail themselves of this opportunity.
        The clothing will be useful not alone while the apprentice is serving In the Merchant Marine, but will mark the wearer in a distinctive manner as one who is serving his country in a glorious occupation.
        In going to meals, apprentices should present a neat appearance. This provision applies also to officers and instructors. No one being permitted to appear at table untidy or improperly clothed.

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