All Hands

All hands is the entire ship’s company, every crew member of every department and watch. The pipe “all hands on deck” calls everyone to muster, regardless of watch, for an emergency, a heavy evolution such as mooring or anchoring, or a drill. SOLAS Chapter III, Reg.19 requires periodic musters and drills (abandon-ship and fire drills monthly for cargo ships), and the master can summon all hands at any time. The term is distinct from a single watch, which is only the section on duty.