[Kafka BC]

Your assumption that Watch Duty is a pleasant thing in good weather is entirely wrong. It is tiring work even in the best of conditions, it is not sightseeing. Nor is it just a matter of looking around, for then you will see almost nothing.

To quote the United States Navy Lookout Training Handbook in the section on surface search:

"To search and scan, hold the binoculars steady so the horizon is in the top third of the field of vision. Direct the eyes just below the horizon and scan for 5 seconds in as many small steps as possible across the field seen through the binoculars. Search the entire sector in 5° steps, pausing between steps for approximately 5 seconds to scan the field of view. At the end of your sector, lower the glasses and rest the eyes for a few seconds, then search back across the sector with the naked eye."

Then they start all over again, each sweep of a 110° sector (10° overlaps) taking at least three minutes in optimal conditions. Try standing in one spot and doing that for four hours. I have been told by someone who did it that it is very physically exhausting.

Regarding the Torpedo Rooms, you should note that torpedoes were lifted and moved constantly when not in combat. They had to be maintained as well. I can't remember where I read it, but each torpedo on board a U-boat was stripped down and every part checked and cleaned once every three or four days.

Otherwise, good luck in your endeavor.

- Kafka BC