THE STANDING ORDERS
A. Before taking charge make yourself thoroughly familiar with the position of the ship with reference to vessels in sight, any land or shoals or rocks that may be near; with the general condition of the weather, speed, revolutions, sail, if any is set, awnings, boats swung out, running lights, and the orders of the Captain for the night.
B. Make no change in the course—unless instructed to do so by the night orders, without obtaining the permission of the Captain—unless it is necessary to avoid immediate danger. Then report promptly to the Captain—by messenger or telephone.
C. Make no change in the speed, unless as directed by the night orders, or to avoid collision.
D. Report promptly to the Captain all lights upon the shore; discolored water; unusual weather conditions; and report all vessels sighted and their nature, when this can be determined. (At night, it is not usual to report every steamer passed.)
E. When in doubt about anything affecting the safety of the vessel, call the Captain at once.
F. In the event of fire, or any kind of disturbance or accident, call the Captain at once, and report same.
G. Man overboard; act at once, stop, reverse, release water lights and ring buoys, call away quarter boat, and call Captain.
H. Keep lookouts posted after dark, or in fog. Comply with all the regulations for preventing collisions at sea. Call Captain if it gets thick; start fog signals at once.
I. Report all unusual changes in sea or weather to the Captain. If engines stop, or slow down without orders from the bridge, call Captain at once.
J. Take bearings on the course whenever suitable stars are available. Call Captain at any unusual change in deviation, or error.
K. Get sights when favorable conditions present themselves. Report all fixes to the Captain, on Officers' Report Blanks, show bearings, and time (ship) and log readings.
L. All officers must read and sign these STANDING ORDERS, and must read and sign the night order book at the beginning of their watch, before taking over the course.