Captain's Chest

The Captain's Chest was originally a lockable box belonging to the captain of a ship where important ship's equipment (maps, astrolabes and secret orders) could be stored along with his personal effects. In modern usage, it is often a slang term for the safe on a ship or submarine.

History

The necessity of keeping certain articles safe led to captains using a large box, or chest, to store information or navigation materials. These chests have been essential for holding secret orders - for example Captain Cook was ordered to read instructions after he had observed the passage of Venus across the sun, which were to go out and seek 'Terra Australis Incognita' - now referred to as Australia. It was also a place to keep the Ship's Log, a vital piece of equipment, often ruined by the damp while at sea.

US Navy usage

It is rumored that the US Navy employs captain's chests on ships or submarines armed with nuclear weapons where the nuclear access codes are kept.