Dog watch
Encyclopedia
Dog watch, in marine
or naval terminology, is a watch, a period of work duty or a work shift, between 1600 and 2000 (4pm and 8pm). This period is split into two, with the first dog watch from 1600 to 1800 (4pm to 6pm) and the second dog watch from 1800 to 2000 (6pm to 8pm). Each of these watches are half the length of a standard watch.
The name is said to derive from Sirius
, the "Dog Star", on the claim that Sirius was the first star to come into view on the first dog watch. In fact, however, the time of the rising of Sirius varies with the time of year, so that for six months of the year it is below the horizon at sunset. Moreover, the first dog watch (1600–1800) is typically in daylight, and the stars are not visible. An alternative folk etymology is that the name arose because someone tasked with one of these 'half' watches was said to be 'dodging the watch', taking or standing the 'dodge watch'. This became shortened to 'dog
watch'. Another variation is that those sleeping get only 'dog sleep' in this watch. Stephen Maturin of Patrick O'Brian's
Aubrey-Maturin series makes the pun that the dog watch is so-named because it is "cur-tailed" ("curtailed", i.e. shortened).
The reason behind this watch's existence is that in order for the crew to rotate through all the watches it was necessary to split one of the watches in half, to create an odd number of watches in a ship's day. This allowed the sailor
s to stand different watches instead of one team being forced to stand the mid-watch every night. The choice of time also allows both watches, if there are only two, to eat an evening meal at about the traditional time.
Marine corps
A marine is a member of a force that specializes in expeditionary operations such as amphibious assault and occupation. The marines traditionally have strong links with the country's navy...
or naval terminology, is a watch, a period of work duty or a work shift, between 1600 and 2000 (4pm and 8pm). This period is split into two, with the first dog watch from 1600 to 1800 (4pm to 6pm) and the second dog watch from 1800 to 2000 (6pm to 8pm). Each of these watches are half the length of a standard watch.
The name is said to derive from Sirius
Sirius
Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. With a visual apparent magnitude of −1.46, it is almost twice as bright as Canopus, the next brightest star. The name "Sirius" is derived from the Ancient Greek: Seirios . The star has the Bayer designation Alpha Canis Majoris...
, the "Dog Star", on the claim that Sirius was the first star to come into view on the first dog watch. In fact, however, the time of the rising of Sirius varies with the time of year, so that for six months of the year it is below the horizon at sunset. Moreover, the first dog watch (1600–1800) is typically in daylight, and the stars are not visible. An alternative folk etymology is that the name arose because someone tasked with one of these 'half' watches was said to be 'dodging the watch', taking or standing the 'dodge watch'. This became shortened to 'dog
Dog
The domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...
watch'. Another variation is that those sleeping get only 'dog sleep' in this watch. Stephen Maturin of Patrick O'Brian's
Patrick O'Brian
Patrick O'Brian, CBE , born Richard Patrick Russ, was an English novelist and translator, best known for his Aubrey–Maturin series of novels set in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars and centred on the friendship of English Naval Captain Jack Aubrey and the Irish–Catalan physician Stephen...
Aubrey-Maturin series makes the pun that the dog watch is so-named because it is "cur-tailed" ("curtailed", i.e. shortened).
The reason behind this watch's existence is that in order for the crew to rotate through all the watches it was necessary to split one of the watches in half, to create an odd number of watches in a ship's day. This allowed the sailor
Sailor
A sailor, mariner, or seaman is a person who navigates water-borne vessels or assists in their operation, maintenance, or service. The term can apply to professional mariners, military personnel, and recreational sailors as well as a plethora of other uses...
s to stand different watches instead of one team being forced to stand the mid-watch every night. The choice of time also allows both watches, if there are only two, to eat an evening meal at about the traditional time.