Heads

Heads may be large or small. Heads in junior enlisted berthing spaces might have 6 sinks, 6 toilets, and 6 showers to accommodate up to fifty people. Heads for the Chief Petty Officers and Officers might be smaller, with two sinks, two toilets and two showers, to accommodate fewer people.

There are some rules:

• Always clean up after yourself.
• Don't waste water. At sea, when fresh water supplies are always limited, conserve water by showering in a specific manner. Start by rinsing yourself, and then turn off the water. Soap up and shampoo. Then turn the water back on, just long enough to rinse. 60 seconds of water use (total water use, including initial and final rinse) is probably too much.
• Tampons and sanitary napkins do not get flushed...they are placed in the appropriate receptacles in the heads.
• Don't leave clothing lying around.
• Don't leave soap, soap dishes, or shampoo lying around.
• Wear sandals or clogs.
• Dress appropriately when traveling between the head and your sleeping spaces.

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Department of the Navy
2300 E Street NW
Washington, D.C
20372-5300

Operational Medicine
 Health Care in Military Settings
CAPT Michael John Hughey, MC, USNR
NAVMED P-5139
  January 1, 2001