Manual for submarine mining

by United States. War Department

TO MAKE A LANDING.

In running alongside a vessel or up to a float-stage or wharf, when several lengths away from same, give the command (while the oars are in the water), IN BOWS. The bow oarsman (if there be no extra man in the bow) finishes his stroke, then “tosses” and “boats” his oar, blade to the bow, and stands ready with the boat hook to fend off and hold the landing. When there is sufficient headway to carry the boat properly to the landing, give the command, WAY ENOUGH. This order is given while the oars are in the water; the men finish the stroke, then toss and boat their oars with as little noise as possible. The oars are next the rail, the after oars outboard of the bow oars. If the stroke oarsman is provided with a boat hook, he grasps it and stands ready to help the bow man.

If it be desired to stop rowing temporarily, give the preparatory command, (1) Stand by to lay on oars, at which the crew pays strict attention. Then, when ready, give (2) OARS. At this command, given while the oars are in the water, the crew finishes the stroke and brings the oars level with the gunwale, blades horizontal, trimmed on the after oars. This position is also used for salutes, as noted hereafter.

If about to pass so close to another boat that a collision of oars seems probable, command (1) Trail, (2) OARS. At the second command, given while the oars are in the water, the men finish the stroke, and then, while the oars are still in the water, by lifting the handles with their outboard hands the looms are thrown out of the rowlocks. The men carry their hands outboard till the backs of their wrists rest on the rails and the oars trail astern. (This movement is used in shooting bridges, where lack of head room precludes tossing.)

To bring the oars inboard, command: OARS.

At this command the men raise the handles, lower the looms into the rowlocks, and then raise the blades out of the water and swing the oars to the regular position of Let fall.

In order to turn the boat short around (being stationary or nearly so) command: (1) Give way, starboard; back port, (2) GIVE WAY; or (1) Give way, port; back, starboard, (2) GIVE WAY. The crew keeps stroke just as regularly as in pulling straight away. As soon as the boat points in the desired direction command: (1) Give way together, (2) GIVE WAY.

If it be desired to check the boat’s headway, command: HOLD WATER. At this command the men drop their blades vertically into the water, tops of blades inclined slightly forward, inboard hands grasping the handles, outboard arms over the looms to steady the oars against the chest. To prepare the crew for rowing command OARS, at which they resume the position described under the heading Let fall.

To move the boat astern command STERN ALL.

At this command the men back water, keeping stroke as regularly as in ordinary rowing. To resume the position of attention give the command OARS, as before.