Quarterdeck

For other uses, see Quarterdeck (disambiguation).

Quarter deck of an 18th Century frigate. The raised deck all the way aft is the poop deck. The quarter deck is forward and somewhat below it, and holds the wheel, a mast, and a starboard-facing gun. A stairway (normally called a ladder when on a ship) in the center of the quarter deck connects it to the main deck.

Quarterdeck of a mid-sized Japanese warship, as seen from the pier. Note the watchstanders in dress uniforms, the wooden plaque, and the proximity to the accommodation ladder.

A model of the richly decorated stern and quarterdeck of Vasa, a sailing warship built in the late 1620s.

The quarterdeck is that part of a warship designated by the commanding officer for official and ceremonial functions. In port, the quarterdeck is the most important place on the ship, and is the central control point for all its major activities. 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.

The term quarterdeck is also frequently applied to the ceremonial and reception areas of shore-based naval facilities. Many such facilities have areas decorated like shipboard quarterdecks.

Protocol

Special attention is paid to the quarterdeck's cleanliness and physical appearance. Those standing watch on the quarterdeck must be in the uniform of the day and present a smart appearance at all times. Personnel not in the uniform of the day generally avoid crossing the quarterdeck unless their work requires it. On ships with a well-defined quarterdeck area, uniformed personnel should salute when they enter it. Smoking and recreational activities are prohibited on the quarterdeck unless specially authorized by the commanding officer.

The starboard gangway to the quarterdeck is normally used by officers and their visitors; the port gangway is used by everyone else. In bad weather, all personnel use the lee gangway. On smaller ships with only one gangway, it may be rigged to either side and is used by everyone. Flagships sometimes have an additional starboard gangway for the flag officer and officers of his staff.

History

In sailing ships, the quarterdeck was that part of the main deck abaft the mainmast. The captain or master commanded the ship from the quarterdeck, as there was no bridge to serve this purpose. 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.

As powered ships came into use, the term was applied to the same approximate area of the ship. Today, quarterdeck refers not to a specific deck, but to a ceremonial area designated as such by the captain. As in the days of sail, it is a place where the captain has special control and prerogatives.

There are ancient traditions of offering special deference to the quarterdeck. Greek, Roman, and Carthaginian warships all carried pagan shrines which were given special respect. This continued into Christian times, and in medieval British warships, the religious shrine was set up on the quarterdeck. All hands were required to salute it by taking off their hats or caps. This led to the habit of saluting whenever one entered the quarterdeck.