Deck department

• Origins in Sail: The deck department traces its roots back to the Age of Sail, when “deck hands” were responsible for rigging, sails, and handling the ship’s daily operation—skills still foundational today. • Boatswain’s Call: The boatswain’s pipe (or call) is a centuries-old whistle used by deck department leaders to issue commands and signals—its distinct sound can be heard over the roar of the sea. • Anchor Aweigh: The phrase “anchor aweigh,” meaning the anchor is clear of the sea bottom and the ship is free to maneuver, is a critical call made by the deck department during departures. • Paint and Preservation: Deck sailors spend countless hours painting and preserving the ship to prevent rust and corrosion, a never-ending task that dates back to the earliest steel ships. • Crossing the Line Ceremony: The deck department often orchestrates the “Crossing the Line” ceremony, a traditional naval initiation for sailors crossing the Equator for the first time. • Liberty Boats and Small Craft: The deck department operates and maintains the ship’s boats, used for personnel transfers, resupply, and even rescue missions—essential lifelines, especially before helicopters. • Rigging and Mooring: Handling mooring lines and rigging is a hazardous, high-skill task; “line handling” accidents are among the most common causes of injury on deck. • Navigation Support: Quartermasters from the deck department assist in navigation, plotting courses, and maintaining the ship’s log, making them vital to safe voyages. • Signal Flags: Before modern communications, deck sailors mastered the art of semaphore and signal flag hoisting—a language of colored flags used to convey tactical messages between ships. • Tradition of the Bosun’s Chair: Maintenance aloft, like painting masts or rigging antennas, is done using the bosun’s chair—a specialized seat rigged with ropes, requiring both courage and expertise.