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Royalty and Officers boarding and leaving

Royalty

  1. General
    1. HM The Queen Pipe the side on all occasions of a formal nature between Colours and Sunset. Exceptionally it may be appropriate to pipe after sunset.
    2. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Pipe the side between Colours and Sunset but only when he is in NAVAL uniform and his Standard is flying in the Yacht.
    3. Other Members/Heads of State No pipe unless prior approval given by HM The Queen (eg President Reagan 1983).
    1. Leaving/Returning to the Yacht It is often difficult to decide whether to pipe the side for Her Majesty or not. The Commodore normally enquires and the decision is frequently not known until he goes over the side himself. Usually, however, if the Commodore accompanies Her Majesty by day it is a formal occasion and she is piped. The fact that a pipe might have been used on landing is not a criterion for piping on return.
    2. Boats As a general rule one should go by what is worn in the boat, thus:

      Standard Always pipe
      Standard Plate Usually pipe but not necessarily
      No Plate Never pipe

    Others

  3. Everyone else is to be received in silence at all times.
  4. Officer of the Guard Need not be met with a sword even though he will be wearing one.
  5. General Explanation to Visitors As a matter of courtesy and to avoid misunderstanding outside the Yacht, the no piping rule should be explained whenever a pipe would by usual naval customs have been given.
  6. Procedure for Saluting During Approach of a Boat
    1. On the occasion of formal visits being paid by boat the OOW salutes twice (as for piping the side in General Service) this covers degrees of formality down to and including Commanding Officers, not flying their pennant.
    2. When the visitor is coming to an after ladder and the Commander/DLC is there, the OOW should salute from the forward ladder as he passes.
  7. Accommodation Ladders Subject to seamanlike judgement of conditions. Ladders in the Yacht are used as follows:
    1. Starboard After
      The Royal Family. Heads of State, Queen’s Representatives of the equivalent rank of Governor or above.
    2. Port After
      Royal Guests, Members of the Household. Visitors to the Royal Family.
    3. Starboard Forward
      Officers, Household Officials.
    4. Port Forward
      Royal Yachtsmen, Household Staff and all others.
    In rough waters, it is often more appropriate to use the forward ladder – the Commander will decide.

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