CHAPTER 34 BOATSWAIN, ROYAL NAVY POLICE OR CHIEF OF THE BOAT AND COXSWAIN (MOD Sponsor: PMN) This chapter has been diversity and inclusion impact assessed by the sponsor in accordance with Departmental policy. No direct discrimination or adverse impact was identified. This chapter is due for review at the next routine amendment exercise. CONTENTS SECTION I - THE BOATSWAIN Para 3401. Boatswain s Duties 3402. Rigging 3403. Anchors and Cables 3404. Weather Decks 3405. Portable Fittings and Spare Gear 3406. Periodical Examination and Testing of Gear - Defects 3407. Other Equipment and Publications SECTION II - THE ROYAL NAVY POLICE, CHIEF OF THE BOAT AND COXSWAIN 3421. Royal Navy Police (RNP) Duties - Responsibilities and Authority 3422. The SRNP - Responsibilities 3423. Ratings Under Punishment 3424. Libertymen 3425. Customs 3426. Embarkation/Disembarkation Patrols and Escorts 3427. Ships Visits and Rounds 3428. Musters and Reports 3429. Duty Senior Rating 3430. Duty Rosters 3431. RNP Investigations 3432. Trafficking 3433. Security Management 3434. Books and Records to be Kept 34-1
CHAPTER 34 BOATSWAIN, ROYAL NAVY POLICE OR CHIEF OF THE BOAT AND COXSWAIN 3401. Boatswain s Duties SECTION I - THE BOATSWAIN 1. A Chief Petty Officer (SEA) will be borne for Boatswain s duties only in large ships, such as aircraft carriers, and in certain other specialized ships. They are also responsible for management of the bridge staff and providing Tactical Communications delivery to the Command. They are frequently to be on deck when the hands are employed and is to supervise their work under the direction of the Executive Officer or delegated officer. 3402. Rigging 1. They are responsible for ensuring that the standing and running rigging, hawsers, boats falls, derrick purchases and all items detailed in their list of portable fittings and spare gear are in a thoroughly serviceable condition, taking care that they are refitted as necessary. They are to acquaint themselves of their state by frequent examination, reporting the result to the Executive Officer or delegated officer, so that immediate steps may be taken to refit or replace whatever may require to be dealt with. 2. They are also responsible for the provision, stowage and maintenance of all seamanship equipment used for replenishment at sea except those items which are under the charge of the Marine or Weapon Engineer Officer. 3. They are to take charge of the ship s Rigging Warrant (D6f/ROLARE as fitted) and is to insert therein any alterations or additions which arise during the commission. 3403. Anchors and Cables 1. When the ship commissions, they are to inspect all gear, except hull fittings, which is supplied for the working of anchors and cables to ensure that it is complete and correctly fitted. Thereafter, until the ship pays off, they are to see that such gear is maintained in an efficient condition and ready for immediate use. 2. When the ship proceeds to sea, they are to assist the officer detailed for cable duties in seeing that the anchors are secure, and again on returning to harbour that the anchors and cables are ready for immediate use. 3404. Weather Decks 1. On the ship proceeding to sea and throughout the period at sea, they are to ensure that all derricks and gear on the weather decks are properly secured. Similarly, they are responsible for the security against wind and weather of any stores carried on the weather decks. 34-2
3405. Portable Fittings and Spare Gear 1. They are to take charge of all gear detailed in the ship s list of portable fittings and spare gear for the Boatswain. On the ship paying off they are to see that these items are tallied and are returned to the custody of the dockyard. 3406. Periodical Examination and Testing of Gear - Defects 1. They are to ensure that all gear under their charge is periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the regulations and instructions. 2. They are to keep an accurate account of all defects to the gear and fittings on their charge, and record the steps taken for test or repair either by the ship s staff or by the dockyard when the ship is taken in hand for refit. When preparing the lists of defects, they are to be guided by the instructions contained in the regulations referred to above. 3. They are to bring all defects in the hull fittings which may concern them to the notice of the Marine Engineer Officer and is to obtain the latter s assistance in the maintenance of the anchors and cables. 3407. Other Equipment and Publications 1. They are responsible for all flag halyards, signal lamps and other equipment and publications necessary to enable the provision of tactical communications including visual signaling. 3408 3420. Unallocated 34-3
SECTION II - THE ROYAL NAVY POLICE, CHIEF OF THE BOAT AND COXSWAIN 3421. Royal Navy Police (RNP) Duties - Responsibilities and Authority 1. Responsibility. Where applicable, the Executive Officer, or any other officer nominated by them in their absence, is to ensure that any RNP ratings on the unit's complement, carry out the instructions contained in this section. 2. The RNP is a specialisation within the Warfare Branch and includes the Warrant Officer First Class (Master at Arms) (WO1(MAA)), Master at Arms (MAA), Regulating Petty Officer (RPO) and Leading Regulator (LReg). 3. Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and Leading Ratings of any other branch may be required to assist the RNP outside of their normal duties. When considering their employment for this purpose ratings of the medical branch should be given due regard to the duties required of them and any possible ethical objections to such employment. 4. In the absence of the MAA or RPO the duties of the Senior Royal Navy Policeman (SRNP) are to be performed where possible, by the LReg or where no RNP rating is borne, any other non commissioned Officer the Commanding Officer may appoint. 5. In ships where there are no RNP ratings, these duties are to be performed by the Chief of the Boat or Coxswain. Instructions in this section and elsewhere in these regulations relating to the SRNP apply to the Chief of the Boat or Coxswains or any other non commissioned Officer appointed by the Commanding Officer in this role. 6. RNP have powers of arrest, under Sections 67, 69 & 303 of the Armed Forces Act (AFA) 2006, over all Service personnel and civilians who are subject to Service discipline. 3422. The SRNP - Responsibilities 1. Where applicable, the SRNP is responsible directly to the Executive Officer and the Officer of the Watch / Day for the following: a. All RNP duties, excluding the conduct of RNP investigations, which are independent of the Chain of Command (see QRRN J.3604 Independence of Service Police Investigations and BRd 3 20042 Investigation of Offences) and for which the SRNP is only responsible to Provost Marshal (Navy) (PM(N)). b. The reporting of any incidents, offences, irregularities, causes of dissatisfaction or any other ill feeling that may arise amongst the ship's company. c. Ensuring that all subordinate RNP staffs carry out their duties with diligence and integrity and deal with emerging situations in an effective and pragmatic manner. d. For proactive policing and enagaging in activiities that seek to deter any offences, on ship or ashore, that promote the ethos of good order and discipline amongst the ship's company (See QRRN Para 3602 - Maintenance of Good Order). e. Maintaining a complete and auditable record of all lost and found property.and its continued retention or disposal (See QRRN Para J.3614). 3423. Ratings Under Punishment 1. General. The SRNP is to be fully conversant with all summary punishment procedures in accordance with JSP 830 - Manual of Service Law and is to ensure that punishments awarded are administered correctly. 34-4
2. Reports. The SRNP is to provide the Executive Officer with a list of all ratings under punishment and ratings under investigation on a regular basis. They are also to complete the relevant part of the Weekly Logistics Report. 3. Charges. The SRNP is responsible for all ratings under or awaiting punishment, until released to duty or otherwise disposed of. 4. Visits. Where applicable, the SRNP, or delegated RNP staffs are to visit all personnel in custody and ensure their continued safety in accordance with established risk assessments and the overarching principles outlined in JSP 837-Service Code of Practice for the Management of Personnel in Service Custody and Committal to Service Custody Premises and Civil Prisons. 5. Fire or Danger. Where fire or any other danger, threatens the wellbeing and safety of any person in custody, the SRNP is responsible for the release of the individual from custody. 3424. Libertymen 1. The SRNP or rating nominated by them for such duty, is to ensure that libertymen are supervised during their departure from the ship and are dressed in accordance with the standards laid down in the Ship's General Orders and/or BRd 3 Part 6-Uniform Regulations. On expiry of leave the SRNP must inform the Officer of the Watch / Day of any absentees. 2. When considered necessary, the SRNP is to ensure that libertymen, boats' crews and boats are searched when leaving and returning to the ship, in order to ensure that HM Revenue and Customs Regulations for the RN, in accordance with BRd 1990 are being adhered to, that no public or Service property is taken from the ship unlawfully and that no prohibited items, substances or alcoholic liquor is brought on board the ship (see QRRN Para 3501 sub para 6 and Para 3502 for privileges of Warrant Officers, Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and Leading Rates). 3425. Customs 1. The SRNP is to be fully conversant with HM Revenue and Customs for the RN outlined in BRd 1990 and QRRN Para 6301 - Para 6310 and is to enforce those regulations accordingly. 3426. Embarkation/Disembarkation Patrols and Escorts 1. Authority. Ratings or other ranks of the Royal Marines when employed on regulating, security/sentry or patrol duties, or as a Quartermaster in harbour, are authorised in the execution of those duties, to give lawful orders to other ratings, including those superior to them in accordance with QRRN 0334(1)(f). Furthermore, they may, where Sect 67 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 applies, arrest any person subject to Service Law 1, who they believe to be engaged in the commission of an offence or having had committed an offence. 2. Composition of Patrols. Patrols and escorts, consisting of personnel other than RNP, are to be below the rating of Petty Officer or rank of non-commissioned officer, so that no opportunity may be given for a drunken person to strike his or her superior officer. 3. Armlets. Patrol armlets are to be worn on the left cuff by ratings temporarily employed on security or patrol duties or as quartermaster whilst on duty. 1. Below the rank or rate of Warrant Officer First Class. 34-5
3427. Ships Visits and Rounds 1. General. An important part of the RNP duties is the prevention of irregularities on board. The RNP staff are to visit various parts of the ship to see that due order prevails and that standing orders and routines are being complied with. They are also to ensure that similar visits are conducted by their staff when other duties permit. 2. Clear Lower Deck. When the order is given to clear lower deck, the RNP staff are to ensure that it is obeyed with alacrity, and that no one remains below unless authorised. When the decks are clear, they are to report the fact to the Executive Officer. 3. Rounds. RNP staff are to accompany the Executive Officer, or the Officer conducting evening rounds at sea; in harbour this duty will be transferred to any other nominated Senior Rate. 3428. Musters and Reports 1. Musters. The SRNP is to attend all general musters and account for any personnel not accounted for. 2. Hospital Patients. The SRNP is to ensure that when a rating is discharged to hospital their department (Divisional Officer/Divisional Senior Rate) make a list of all their clothing and effects and that they accompany them to the hospital once it is known that they will not be returning. 3. Effects of Absentees/Missing Persons. RNP staff are to securely retain any personnel effects belonging to missing persons / absentees and deserters and effect delivery of those items to the RNP Missing Persons Unit at the earliest opportunity. 4. Effects of the Deceased. RNP staff may be required to assist in the collection and delivery of all personal effects that belonged to deceased personnel to the Logistics Officer/ Imprest Holder, who will maintain a detailed inventory and diary of events in accordance with Annex A to Volume 2, Part 1, Chapter 6 of JSP 751. It is imperative that the Logistics Officer/ Imprest Holder is notified immediately of any Public/Service property or personal effects of any nature, that is retained by the RNP staff for evidential purposes. No property should be released, disposed of, sold, or destroyed until authorisation has been granted by the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC). The only exception, is when an item of property presents an immediate health risk; where in such cases the justification for its disposal must be fully recorded in the diary of events. 5. Sale of Effects. The SRNP are to be present at the sale of the effects of all deceased personnel and deserters. 3429. Duty Senior Rating 1. The SRNP is to brief the Duty Senior Rating of their responsibilities in the event of an incident of a disciplinary nature and notify them of all ratings under punishment and the routines to be carried out by those ratings. 3430. Duty Rosters 1. The MAA and RPO are to be excluded from wholeship Duty Rosters; due to their position as the Senior RNP. They are however, to be included in the duty RNP roster (24/7 ashore and afloat) when away from UK base ports (Portsmouth, Plymouth and Faslane). 34-6
2. The LReg may be an SCC watch keeper (as required) in UK base ports. (Portsmouth, Plymouth and Faslane). Additionally, the LReg is to be included in the Duty RNP roster (24/7 ashore and afloat) when away from UK base ports. 3431. RNP Investigations 1. The SRNP is to ensure that all RNP investigations are conducted expeditiously and in accordance with current legislation and PM(N) Technical Instructions and Policy Notes. 2. All Service Police Case Referrals made under the Armed Forces Act 2006 are to be referred to either the Director of Service Prosecutions (DSP) or the Commanding Officer as quickly as possible. 3. All documentation pertaining to RNP investigations is to be held on board for a mandatory period of three years, or until the ship pays off, thereafter it is to be archived or disposed of in accordance with PM(N) Technical Instructions. 3432. Trafficking 1. RNP staffs are to ensure that no trafficking of public or Service property, dutiable goods or intoxicating liquor takes place. 3433. Security Management 1. The SRNP when carrying out the duties of Assistant Unit Security officer (AUSO), is responsible to the Unit Security Officer (USO) for all aspects of their security duties and should complete the AUSO Sea Course prior to assuming this role. Thereafter, their responsibilities, under the supervision of the USO, may include: a. Assisting in the coordination of all aspects of security within the unit and advising on security matters as required. b. Assisting in the assessment of threats to the unit and the planning and implementation of security counter measures. c. Assisting in the preparation, maintainance and promulgation of Unit Security Standing Orders and ensuring that they are understood. d. To investigate and record all breaches of security, however minor, and recommend remedial actions to the USO, unless the breach warrants a full RNP investigation and investigative independence is exercised. e. Consulting with the Command, Area or Base Security Officer as required. f. Organising security training within the unit and maintaining a nominal list of personnel attending that training. g. Briefing and debriefing personnel visiting countries with special security risks. h. Implementing and supervising monthly Security Spot Checks. i. Advising on emergency destruction and fire preparedness procedures. j. Maintaining a security Log in accordance with current procedures. 34-7
3434. Books and Records to be Kept 1. The SRNP is responsible for maintaining the following records: Master Tape Register Exhibits Log RNP Investigations Register DNA Register Fingerprint Register Search Register Gangway Wine and Spirit Book Record of Kit Lockers and Keys issued Security Log Record of Temporary ID Cards issued or lost Lost and Found Property Log (MOD Form 288) Private Employment Log Daily Occurence Book/COPPERS database Ashore on Duty Log (Held for three months after completion) Visitors Log (Held for three months after completion) Absentees on Sailing (S219) Custody Log and Orders Cell Sentry Orders Escort Orders Shore Embarkation Patrol Orders 34-8