Night Order Book, HMAS ADVANCE

Date1970-1971

Object number00046505

NameBook

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 209 x 165 x 15 mm, 323 g

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Chris Pickering

Terms

DescriptionA Night Order Book is a notebook in which the commanding officer - in this case of the Attack class patrol boat HMAS ADVANCE - writes orders with respect to courses and speeds, any special precautions concerning the speed and navigation of the ship, and all other orders for the night for the officer of the deck (OOD). HistoryNight orders are the captain’s orders of how they want the ship run when not on the bridge. The book is normally divided into two separate parts: standing orders and night orders. Standing orders are the commanding officer’s statement concerning policies and directions under all circumstances. Night orders, written on a daily basis, are a summary of tactical, navigational, and readiness information for bridge watch keepers. Additional information and guidance are added by the captain and the navigator as required. Prior to writing the night orders, the ship’s operational orders are reviewed and the nightly schedule of events for anticipated evolutions or activities is prepared. Should any conflicts exist between the schedule of events and the standing orders, the commanding officer is informed. The night order book is placed on the bridge. The watch keepers are required to read and initial the orders. This ensures that the orders have been read and understood. This Night Order Book by Lieutenant Chris Pickering RAN dates from his service as commanding officer of HMAS ADVANCE, an Attack class patrol boat. It details the standing orders for Reports at Sea and Reports at Anchor and the daily orders for the period 26 April 1970 to 19 August 1971. Pickering was commanding officer of ADVANCE from 24 April 1970 to 13 March 1972 during which time the vessel undertook countless patrols and surveillance deployments in the waters of northern Australia. Now preserved at the museum as a floating exhibit, HMAS ADVANCE illustrates the diverse peacetime work of RAN patrol boats which includes patrol of fishing grounds, coastal surveillance for illegal immigration and smuggling, protecting offshore oil rigs, assisting in hydrography (survey and sounding), air-sea search and rescue, transporting patients from remote ports, target towing, and Naval Reserve training. Two examples from the book: At anchor Gove Harbour 20th June 1970 2 shackles in 31 feet Anchor bearings as per ship's log 975 not operating Check bearings frequently. Let me know if in any doubt. Call me in accordance with the orders inside the front cover of this book At anchor Garden Point Saturday 6th February 1971 Night orders as for last night Anchor is to be shortened in to 1 sh on deck by 0825 Ship will get underway at 0830 for Snake Bay 1 engine only will be required SignificanceThis Night Order Book details the orders of the commanding officer of HMAS ADVANCE in 1970-1971 to those on watch when he was not on the bridge.