Commanding officer's standing orders a powerful and unique genre

Abstract

Commanding Officer's Standing Orders are critical to shipboard watch standing. Written by the captain and used by watch standers, Standing Orders perform many unique and powerful functions aboard ships. Using genre theory, this study provides insight into the specific roles Standing Orders play. This insight also provides deeper perspective into commanding officer to watch stander relationships, as well as the nature of CO power aboard ships. Deeper understanding of the role Standing Orders play provides new perspective on shipboard relationships, communication, and culture. In turn, this new perspective can lead to reevaluation of Standing Order function and use.