Mess

A number of officers, petty officers, seamen or marines who take their meals together.

Master-at-Arms' Mess. To this mess belong all the yeomen, ship's writer, schoolmaster, apothecary, machinists, boilermakers, and the orderly sergeant of marines, who, however, may from his own mess if he so desires, in which case all the sergeants and corporals of marines are members of it.

Orderly Sergeant's Mess. (See Master-at-Arms' Mess.)

Steerage Mess. This mess is composed of midshipmen, ensigns, clerks and mates.

Wardroom Mess. Composed of staff officers (medical, engineer, and pay) above the rank of ensign, and line officers from lieutenant-commander to lieutenant, junior grade, inclusive. Marine officers are always members of the wardroom mess. Should an ensign be assigned to regular watch duty on board ship, he is entitle to mess and live in the wardroom. Also, if a staff officer, holding the relative rank of ensign, is the senior officer of his corps (in charge of a department) on board ship, he also is entitled to live in the wardroom.

Warrant-Officer's Mess. Composed of the boatswain, gunner, sailmaker and carpenter.