In Sailing How Long Does The Phrase "A Dog Watch"� Amount To?

Used mainly by sailors the terminology "dog watch" refers to a period of either watch or duty of about 2 hours specifically between 16:00 and 20:00 hours. There are two different variations on the origins of this term. The first one being that people who sleep during this period can grab "dog sleep" only, in other words a fitful sleep or a state of semi sleep or watchful sleep that most sailors are used to. The other variation is rather a funny one, with "dog watch" having originated from a little joke where someone was found dodging the watch or task. Thus "dodge watch" became "dog watch"!


"Dog watch" is divided in two shifts. The first being between 16:00 hours to 18:00 hours and he second being between 18:00 hours to 20:00 hours. Dog watches are of two hours each so that no sailor is on duty at the same time every afternoon.


In reality the origin of this terminology is anyone's guess.