wardroom

Wardroom of HMS Cavalier

The wardroom is the mess-cabin of naval commissioned officers' above the rank of sub-lieutenant. The term the wardroom is also used to refer to (metonymically) those individuals with the right to occupy that wardroom, meaning "the officers of the wardroom".^[1] Since 1948, ward-rooms have been used by warrant officers as well as commissioned officers.^[2] The junior officers' equivalent is the gunroom.

It provides a place of recreation as well as being a dining room. Usually, a galley or scullery adjoins the wardroom. Service is provided by stewards.

There is usually a bar and soft drinks can be purchased at various times at sea, with alcoholic drinks being available when in port. (The United States Navy does not usually serve alcoholic drinks.)

Wardrooms have rules governing etiquette. Traditionally considered taboo are three topics: politics, religion, and sex (earlier guidebooks referred to the latter as ladies). On large ships in peacetime, talking about professional business is frowned upon. It is also considered inappropriate to perform work or to meet with subordinates in a wardroom.

The ship's executive officer is usually the mess president. The commanding officer is normally not a member of the wardroom, but is normally invited to join the members for special occasions.

References

usually on a battleship