Philippine Navy Honor, Custom, and Traditions Notes

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

• Objective: Learn the procedures for the Philippine Navy (PN) Honor, Custom, and Tradition with 100% accuracy.
• Source: Philippine Navy Naval Honor, Custom, and Tradition Handguide.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

• At the end of the topic, students should be able to:
  • Explain the Honor, Custom, and Tradition of the Philippine Navy.
  • Discuss and illustrate these concepts.
  • Identify specific protocols and customs.

HONORS

1. Salute

   • Given normally with the right hand.
   • If the right hand is encumbered, the left hand may be used.

2. Honors to the Flag

   • Colors: Paying honors to the flag is executed during specific times:
     • For Ships Not Underway and Shore Commands:
     • Sunrise: Morning Colors
     • Sunset: Evening Colors
     • For Ships Underway:
     • National ensign is raised/lowered at the mast.
     • The jack flag is not raised when underway.
     • Shifting Colors:
     • When a ship leaves the pier or weighs anchor, the National Ensign shifts from the flag gaff to the mast, becoming the steaming ensign.
     • Conversely, when the ship arrives at the pier or anchors, the bar shifts back from the mast to the flag gaff, raising the jack flag simultaneously.

3. Passing Honors:

   • Honors exchanged between two ships or boats when they are close (Distance: Ships: 600 yds, Boats: 400 yds).
   • The junior Commanding Officer (CO) or Boat Captain must render honors to the seniors.

4. Honors Rendered by Merchant Ships (Dipping):

   • Merchant ships salute navy ships by dipping their ensign.
   • Navy ships respond by lowering the steaming ensign to half-mast for a few seconds before closing it up, after which the merchant ship can raise its flag.

5. Arrival/Departure of Captain:

   • Announced via PA system.
   • The Captain is piped when boarding or leaving the ship.
   • No one is allowed to sit in the Captain’s Chair unless granted permission.
   • Boarding: Juniors go first; disembarking: Seniors go first.
   • Navy Officers eat in the “Wardroom”.
   • Side Boys detailed to welcome distinguished visitors:
     • 4 side boys for Captain and below
     • 6 side boys for Commodore to Rear Admiral
     • 8 side boys for Vice Admiral and above

BRIDGE CUSTOMS

• Bridge Significance: The center of ship operations while underway; appropriate greetings must be rendered when the CO is present.

• Entering/Leaving the Ship:

  • At the gangway: If the national ensign is flying, turn aft before boarding to salute the ensign. Render another salute to Officer of the Deck (OOD) upon boarding.
  • Disembarking follows the reverse order: salute OOD again before leaving.
  • In Groups: Only the person in charge salutes.

• Crossing the Nest:

  • Salute the colors and OOD of the inboard ship before crossing.
  • Say, “Request Permission to cross” until reaching your own ship.

CUSTOMS

1. Half Masting: Tribute to the dead.

   • Basic rule for boats and vehicles: "Seniors are last in, first out".

2. Divine Services:

   • Church pennant is flown at the mast.
   • All individuals present must uncover.

3. Sick Bay: Uncover when entering.

4. Wardroom Etiquette:

   • Officers and Chief Petty Officers (CPO) country is restricted.
   • Living Spaces: EPs are not allowed unless on official business.
   • Not used as passageways or shortcuts.

5. At the Mess Hall: Uncover upon entry.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS

• Salute: Proper way to show respect.
• Morning & Evening Colors: Rituals for honoring the flag.
• Shifting Colors: Protocols for different ship states.
• Dipping: Merchant ships salute navy customs.
• Passing Honors: Important for inter-ship interactions.
• Side Boys: Ceremony for dignitaries.
• Bridge Custom: Proper engagement while on the bridge.
• Crossing the Nest: Specific protocols needed.
• Half Masting: Protocol for honoring deceased.
• Divine Services and Sick Bay Etiquette:
  • Behavior expectations.
• Wardroom and Mess Hall Customs: Maintaining formal conduct.