Can Sailors Smoke on Navy Ships?
As of the latest updates, smoking is generally prohibited on U.S. Navy ships, aligning with broader efforts to promote a smoke-free environment. However, the story of smoking on naval vessels varies significantly from the past to the present, reflecting the evolving priorities of naval health, safety, and compliance with health regulations. This article delves into the historical and contemporary practices governing smoking on naval ships, providing insights into the policies, designated areas, and the reasoning behind these restrictions.
Past Practices
During my 10 years in the U.S. Navy from 1978 to 1989, the rules governing smoking on naval vessels were less stringent. Sailors could smoke almost anywhere on a ship, with the exceptions being the weapons magazines, sick bay, and other sensitive areas. Even the notion of smoking in the vicinity of vital equipment was accepted. However, one aspect remained universally taboo: sexual activities on duty, as highlighted by the statement, "you weren't allowed to suck dick!!!!!!" This underscores a cultural and operational taboo that transcends the issue of smoking.
Designated Smoking Areas
Despite the leniency of the past, designated smoking areas still existed. These spaces were often found in lounges or specific sections of the ship where sailors could find a designated time and place to smoke. The reasoning behind these designated areas was to ensure limited exposure to secondhand smoke and to manage the risks associated with smoking in a warship environment. Additionally, the physical infrastructure of modern ships, with materials that are highly flammable, necessitates stringent fire prevention measures, further justifying the creation of designated smoking zones.
Current Policies
Today, the U.S. Navy is more proactive in discouraging smoking, with smoking rules being enforced more strictly. The primary focus is on creating a smoke-free environment, with regulations tailored to the specific needs of each ship and its mission. On U.S. Navy ships, smoking is only allowed in 'designated smoking areas'. These areas are strategically placed to balance the need for smoke-related activities with the safety of the vessel and its crew.
Specific Examples
Commonly, designated smoking areas for U.S. Navy ships include the starboard breeze-way on Burke-class destroyers. The breeze-way is the corridor on the starboard side of the ship that is typically more exposed to the wind, providing natural ventilation. This area is almost always the designated smoking zone at sea or in port. If the ship is moored to the starboard side in port, the smoking area shifts to the port breeze-way.
Larger ships like aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships may have multiple designated smoking areas. These areas are often segregated by rank or privilege, ensuring that officers have their own spaces for smoking, away from the general crew. The concept of the "Smoking Lamp" is still relevant, where smoking is only permitted when the lamp is lit (typically overnight when the ship is on watch), and prohibited when the lamp is extinguished.
The Short-Lived 1997 Ban
There was a brief period in 1997 when the U.S. Navy attempted to ban smoking on its ships. This ban lasted an incredibly short duration, approximately 36 hours. The decision to ban smoking was met with significant resistance from sailors, who saw it as an infringement on their freedom and a way of life. Chiefs and senior enlisted personnel, who often oversaw the designated smoking areas, were particularly vocal in their opposition. The incident was so significant that it could be considered a mini-mutiny within the Navy. However, as quickly as the ban was implemented, it was equally quickly abolished, with the reasoning that it was not in the best interests of the Navy's overall operational requirements.
Conclusion
The regulation of smoking on naval ships reflects a balance between the needs of the crew, the safety of the vessel, and the broader health and environmental concerns. While the current policies are more restrictive, the history of allowing smoking underscores the challenges in managing a diverse and complex multinational force over extended periods. As the Navy continues to evolve, the focus remains on creating a healthier, safer, and more prepared maritime force.