Buffer (navy)

Buffer is the colloquial title for the senior seaman sailor in a Commonwealth of Nations Navy ship. The formal title is Chief Boatswain's Mate.

This person is typically a Chief Petty Officer in frigates or destroyers, and in larger ships may be a Warrant Officer. In smaller ships, such as a patrol boat, the Buffer may be a Petty Officer.

The Buffer reports to the Executive Officer (second in command), and has a wide-ranging roving commission to supervise seamanship evolutions (activities) and issue directions to seamen as required, and advise "part of ship" Officers and Petty Officers on their activities. As such, directions and orders come with the 'line' authority of the Executive Officer.

The Buffer will manage major ship activities, such as: taking on equipment in harbour; a ship berths alongside in harbour; rigging for refuelling or stores transfer at sea; sending away a sea-boat; laying or recovering a buoy; the ship coming to a mooring.

The Buffer will often be involved in "Heads of Department" planning meetings, along with senior specialist sailors from other departments.

The Commanding Officer will usually call for advice from the Buffer with the Executive Officer in attendance, so that there is wide agreement and understanding between these three senior seamanship staff.

External links

• Hardwick, Michael (Autumn 2006). "'Stone frigate' - HMAS Harman" (PDF). Sea Talk (Autumn 2006) (Royal Australian Navy): pp. 13–19. http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Sea_Talk_2006-autumn.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-07.