Posted on Jan 31, 2016
What is the proper way to board a US Naval vessel?
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Nope, you don't get to just saunter aboard! See my post below for the proper procedure. (Originally posted as an update, RP staff said it'd be good as a question. Sorry for the duplicate, but this actually gets it to a broader pool of people who might need to know it (ie non-Sailors).
If you feel inclined to 'like' this post, please like the post below, that contains the actual info, (so it doesn't get lost below well-crafted replies), rather than this one (The titled post). This is because the Answer box is character-limited upon initial posting.
If you feel inclined to 'like' this post, please like the post below, that contains the actual info, (so it doesn't get lost below well-crafted replies), rather than this one (The titled post). This is because the Answer box is character-limited upon initial posting.
Sailors
Naval/Maritime History
Customs and Courtesies
Rank
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 24
36
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0
Do you know how to properly board a Naval Vessel?
(Naturally Sailors and Marines will know this -- or should!!!) For members of sister services, you may not know this, yet are required to comply fully should you ever have occasion to board one, in uniform or not.
1. Climb the gangway and stop short of the quarterdeck. (Do not step onto the ship.)
2. Turn towards the stern of the ship, and render a hand salute to the Ensign (Flag). Do this even if you can't see it. (This isn't required between the hours of sunset and 0800, when the Ensign isn't flying. Thank you SCPO (Join to see) )
3. Turn back towards the quarterdeck, and render a hand salute to the Officer of the Deck. This person may or may not be an actual officer, yet you must still do this, REGARDLESS OF YOUR RANK relative to theirs, officer OR enlisted. You should have your ID out and on display while doing this. (Thanks to SCPO Joshua I for squaring me away)
4. While saluting (because you're not likely to get a return salute until you do this), verbally request permission to come aboard. You're free to recover after the OOD returns.
5. The OOD may then tell you that permission is granted, or might ask you to state your purpose. After permission is given, you're free to board.
Notes:
-This applies to EVERYONE on active duty, regardless of what service you're in.
-If you are not in uniform, rather than saluting, turn towards the Ensign, come to attention (Thanks, Capt Mark Strobl ), then back to the quarterdeck, come to attention, then request permission to board.
-It does not matter if you are an O-6 and the OOD is an E-6, you must still salute and wait for permission (He represents the CO, who has absolute authority over the vessel.)
-Civilians are not required to do the pause/pause, but may if they wish to honor the tradition, and must request permission to board.
"Another note: Usually during working hours (when the Quarterdeck can be very busy), entry control duties will usually be delegated by the OOD to the Messenger of the Watch who is usually a Seaman or junior Petty Officer so one would request permission from him/her instead of the OOD." - SCPO (Join to see)
Capt Mark Strobl Sgt Kelli Mays COL Mikel J. Burroughs LCDR (Join to see) LTC Stephen F. SCPO David Lockwood PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SSG Warren Swan CPT (Join to see) PO1 John Miller Sgt Kelli Mays CMSgt (Join to see) PO2 Brian Rhodes CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 MCPO Roger Collins SCPO David Lockwood Stephanie Johnson CPO Joseph Grant SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury
(Naturally Sailors and Marines will know this -- or should!!!) For members of sister services, you may not know this, yet are required to comply fully should you ever have occasion to board one, in uniform or not.
1. Climb the gangway and stop short of the quarterdeck. (Do not step onto the ship.)
2. Turn towards the stern of the ship, and render a hand salute to the Ensign (Flag). Do this even if you can't see it. (This isn't required between the hours of sunset and 0800, when the Ensign isn't flying. Thank you SCPO (Join to see) )
3. Turn back towards the quarterdeck, and render a hand salute to the Officer of the Deck. This person may or may not be an actual officer, yet you must still do this, REGARDLESS OF YOUR RANK relative to theirs, officer OR enlisted. You should have your ID out and on display while doing this. (Thanks to SCPO Joshua I for squaring me away)
4. While saluting (because you're not likely to get a return salute until you do this), verbally request permission to come aboard. You're free to recover after the OOD returns.
5. The OOD may then tell you that permission is granted, or might ask you to state your purpose. After permission is given, you're free to board.
Notes:
-This applies to EVERYONE on active duty, regardless of what service you're in.
-If you are not in uniform, rather than saluting, turn towards the Ensign, come to attention (Thanks, Capt Mark Strobl ), then back to the quarterdeck, come to attention, then request permission to board.
-It does not matter if you are an O-6 and the OOD is an E-6, you must still salute and wait for permission (He represents the CO, who has absolute authority over the vessel.)
-Civilians are not required to do the pause/pause, but may if they wish to honor the tradition, and must request permission to board.
"Another note: Usually during working hours (when the Quarterdeck can be very busy), entry control duties will usually be delegated by the OOD to the Messenger of the Watch who is usually a Seaman or junior Petty Officer so one would request permission from him/her instead of the OOD." - SCPO (Join to see)
Capt Mark Strobl Sgt Kelli Mays COL Mikel J. Burroughs LCDR (Join to see) LTC Stephen F. SCPO David Lockwood PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SSG Warren Swan CPT (Join to see) PO1 John Miller Sgt Kelli Mays CMSgt (Join to see) PO2 Brian Rhodes CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 MCPO Roger Collins SCPO David Lockwood Stephanie Johnson CPO Joseph Grant SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury
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MCPO Katrina Hutcherson
SN Greg Wright Now to get them off the ship. Go the the quarterdeck and request permission to go ashore or state that you have permission to go ashore for officers. When permission is granted by the OOD or quarterdeck watch salute the quarterdeck, turn around and step on the brow and face the stern and salute the national ensign if it is flying and then scurry down the brow and make quick your escape before they change their mind!!
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I actually did know a lot of this as My Dad was Navy and as a Kid I read His Bluejackets Manual from cover to cover so many times I was quite well acquainted with its contents. I ended up entering the Air Force but its good to know the traditions of other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States.
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SPC Mark Brown
I know this procedure well. On 2 occasions, as a civilian I rendered the proper respect and follow protocol. Not necessary but as a veteran I felt ill at ease boarding without following the proper protocol as this is not only for security but is also a show of respect or the vessel upon which up intend to board.
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Grab my cutlass and flintlock, holler "Marine Corps!" and swing aboard...of course after saluting the national ensign.
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LT (Join to see)
LTC Paul Labrador - Similarly, you could just yell "Heeeey yoooooou guyyyyyys!" to the OOD and everyone on the quarterdeck as you come aboard...
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PO1 John Miller
TSgt Marco McDowell
So are you in the Marine Corps or Air Force? Make up your mind! LOL...
So are you in the Marine Corps or Air Force? Make up your mind! LOL...
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MCPO Katrina Hutcherson
TSgt Marco McDowell It wood also be fun to yell "heave to and prepare to be boarded ye scalliwags" followed by a throaty AAAARRGH!!
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Go up the gangway, turn to the Colors and Salute. Turn to the OOD or the person at the top of the gangway and ask "Permission to come aboard Sir/Ma'am" Hold salute until "Permission Granted" is said, drop your salute, and move out. That was my best guess from the Sea Cadets 30yrs ago
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PO1 John Miller
PO2 Kayla Modschiedler and SN Greg Wright
I did it a few times while drunk. Of course the OOD was always a friend of mine! :)
I did it a few times while drunk. Of course the OOD was always a friend of mine! :)
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Capt Mark Strobl
PO2 Kayla Modschiedler - I'd guess the only ones who held sufficient Time in Grand/Service to try that... wouldn't. But, it's still pretty funny to hear!
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1stSgt Eugene Harless
I remember when we pulled libo in the PI, when returning back aboard the prerequisite was simply getting up the ramp on your own power, or with minmum assistance from your buddies. If you could stagger up and produce your ID you were ok. If you were carried up and they had to pilfer your wallet you went in the log book,
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i work with the Naval Sea Cadet program (Was a Sea Cadet myself); that is one of the things they learn early in the program. As a Sea Cadet adult leader, I have been aboard many Naval vessels, dockside and underway.
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SN Greg Wright
LTC (Join to see) What made you choose the Army over the Navy, then, Colonel? Regardless, it's good to see you helping shape future leaders!
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LTC (Join to see)
I also took Army Jr. ROTC as well; and decided that the Army had more flexibility than the Navy; so chose Army college ROTC. I have always maintained my love for the Sea Services and mentoring youth by staying with Naval Sea Cadets as an adult leader and joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
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LTC Paul Labrador
SN Greg Wright - on a related note: when I was on my second tour of Iraq, I was assigned to the provide medical care to the prisoners in the TIF at CP Bucca until we closed it. the guard force had a contingent of naval personnel. They built a replica of a ship's bow and gangway in their AO and used it to mount and dismount the LMTVs that would take them from the CHU farm to the TIF. They would do the traditional saluting of the ensign and watch officer whenever they changed shifts. Us Army types got a good chuckle out of it.
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I will remember this the next time I visit the USS Constitution. I've been going there since I was a little kid and never knew any of this. Hopefully I don't make a fool out of myself. Thanks for sharing SN Greg Wright
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SN Greg Wright
SSG Carlos Madden Ahh, I'm jealous. Have never been, and probably never will. I bet the sense of history is pretty palpable, though. You bring up a good point, however -- she's still commissioned (how cool is that?!), and one would still render honors as AD.
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Being a SEABEE I haven't the faintest idea of the procedure. The last ship I saw was the USS Never Sail in Boot camp in Orlando in 1971
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The last time I was invited to board a naval vessel was in the mid-1990's at Norfolk Naval Station SN Greg Wright we were piped aboard. the senior ranking officer an O-6 went first and we followed up the gangplank to a nuclear submarine.
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MCPO Roger Collins
SCPO Joshua I - ONCE I missed the Squadron Commander coming down the pier and didn't announce him over the 1MC. Never happened again.
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