Quarterdeck
The quarterdeck is a raised deck behind the main mast of a sailing ship. Traditionally it was where the captain commanded his vessel and where the ship's
In the 20th century the word came to be applied to the area at the stern of the ship, often (on naval vessels) used for secondary weapons and (on battleships) seaplane catapults. In modern military designs the stern has been roofed over by the helicopter deck but a large space remains underneath which is typically used for sonar equipment or small boats and which is still referred to as the quarterdeck in Commonwealth navies.[citation needed]
Ceremonial use
There are ancient traditions of offering special deference to the quarterdeck. Greek, Roman, and Carthaginian warships all carried shrines which were given special respect. This continued into Christian times,
Today, quarterdeck refers not to a specific deck, but to a ceremonial area designated as such by the captain, often used as the ship's reception area while in harbour. As in the days of sail, it is a place where the captain has special control and prerogatives.[2]
In port, the quarterdeck is the most important place on the ship, and is the central control point for all its major activities, as well as it is where the captain usually stands. Underway, its importance diminishes as control of the ship is transferred to the bridge. The quarterdeck is normally on the main deck, but may be elsewhere in some types of ship. It is usually marked off by special lines, deck markings, decorative cartridge cases, or fancy knotwork.[4]
Special attention is paid to the quarterdeck's cleanliness and physical appearance. Those
The
History
In medieval times, warships had a single deck, with raised structures at each end: the "forecastle" in the front, and the "aftercastle" in the rear. Following the introduction of cannon, the aftercastle was gradually replaced with a simpler structure consisting of the halfdeck above the main deck, extending forwards from the stern to the mainmast; and above that the quarterdeck, extending about half as far forwards. Later the halfdeck was extended the entire length of the ship, becoming the main deck (the former main deck now being the gun deck), leaving the quarterdeck as the only significant deck above the main deck.[citation needed]
The captain or master commanded the ship from the quarterdeck. The quarterdeck was traditionally the place where the captain walked when on deck, usually on the windward side. The navigator also used it when taking his sights when fixing the vessel's position. On most ships, it was customary that only officers could use the quarterdeck, others being allowed there only when assigned for specific duties.[3] By extension, on flush-decked ships the after part of the main deck, where the officers took their station, was also known as the quarterdeck.[citation needed]
Scouting
In
See also
References
- ISBN 0-670-81416-4.
- ^ ISBN 0-87021-412-8.
- ^ ISBN 0-19-920568-X.
- ^ ISBN 1-55750-050-9.
- ^ "CREW LEADERSHIP TRAINING" (PDF). Boy Scouts of America. October 14, 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ^ "Youth Training and Education". Sea Scouts BSA. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
- ^ "Quarterdeck Training | New England Flotilla". Archived from the original on April 1, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
- ^ Sam Young (February 3, 2014). "Ship 378 Quarterdeck Training (2013)".