Note 114 — THE OBSERVATIONS OF SIR RICHARD HAWKINS, KNIGHT, IN HIS VOYAGE INTO THE SOUTH SEA. (continued 2)

The quarter deck may be defined as the space betwixt the mainmast and the after-hatchway; it seems also to have been called the half deck. Both terms arising from the fact that before the mainmast, the skids or beams were not planked. We still speak of being on the quarter deck, but under the half deck. The quarter deck is set apart for purposes of parade, and there the officer of the watch should always be sought.