Q. Explain how a small boat used for marking and locating is managed, and give the commands necessary.
A. Upon leaving wharf, "Shove off!" performed by designated man.
To raise oars preliminary to rowing: "Up oars!" all oars being held vertically, opposite rowlocks, blades athwart boat.
To lower oars into the water: "Let fall!"; all oars are dropped easily into the water, without splashing, and quickly adjusted into the rowlocks, and then held in position of "Oars!" (See below.)
To move the boat forward: "Stand by to give way together!—GIVE WAY TOGETHER!" the boat being propelled forward at the latter command, all the men taking a slow uniform stroke, being guided by No. 1, feathering their oars as they come out of the water and move forward.
To cease rowing temporarily: "Oars!"; at this command the oars are raised out of the water to a horizontal position, blades parallel with the surface of the water.
To rest without taking oars from rowlocks: "In oars," when oars are drawn in and placed with handles under gunwales on opposite side of boat from rowlocks.
To move backward a short distance: "Back water!" executed opposite to "Give way together!"
To stop boat: "Hold water!"; the oars are held rigidly in the water, blades vertical.