Why don't they say "Captain on the Bridge" every time a captain enters the bridge?

[DonIago]

I rather think the opposite might be the case, where a crew that doesn't observe the 'custom' grows relaxed about it to the point that when they do observe it they're out of practice.

For instance, I usually don't need to wear formal attire at work, so when I do, I have to go through a whole process of 'Right, do I have everything I need? Does my tie look good? Where on Earth did I leave my shoes?'

 

[The Wormhole]

I rather think the opposite might be the case, where a crew that doesn't observe the 'custom' grows relaxed about it to the point that when they do observe it they're out of practice.

Well, I based my post of things I read in a Trek novel in which a Romulan commander didn't make her crew constantly salute her all the time because she found when she served under commanders like that it just made everyone resentful of the commander and saluting at ceremonies, while when she didn't make salutes compulsory, the crew were noticeably more loyal and you could sense their greater enthusiasm for saluting at ceremonies. Since this novel was written by someone who did serve in the military (a US Marine, IIRC), I'll assume he knew what he was talking about.

Also, I remember a study about schools which required the kids to stand at attention every morning for the national anthem vs those that didn't. The kids at schools that didn't ended up with a greater appreciation for the national anthem and standing at attention for it, while the kids at schools who did ended up resenting the national anthem and any display of patriotism. As someone who attended a school that did require the kids to stand at attention for the national anthem, I can confirm developing a resentful attitude as a result.

 

[valkyrie013]

For real Life, and guessing in Trek, its up to the commander.. someone more militeristic would have that said everytime he entered the bridge. but someone who is a bit more lax may only do it when they come back from a refit, or leave or something special..
in ST 2, being a cadet ship, when the admiral shows up on the bridge, in an advisory role, he's probably announced every time. when he took command, it didn't happen.
Or maybe its said when the captain first gets on duty, like he gets there at 7am, and the gamma shift officer says it when he comes in. I remember Data doing that when the captain came in at like 3am to the bridge.

 

[fireproof78]

As someone who attended a school that did require the kids to stand at attention for the national anthem, I can confirm developing a resentful attitude as a result.

Funny enough, I had the same and I still appreciate the attitude and the sentiment.

However, I do agree that Starfleet officers are likely going to recognize the potential impact and not feel the need for this requirement.

 

[XCV330]

The same reason they don't show someone playing that bosun whistle every single time it is called for (though it is heard more often in TOS, anyway).

 

[Jedman67]

I would imagine that a theoretical Navy skipper would require the forms observed - i.e. "captain on the bridge" and logging it; without requiring whoever does the announcing to stand at attention, salute and shout the words every time he gets back from the head.

TLDR, you can retain the practice without making it into a big deal.

 

[Tim Thomason]

I count 23 instances across the series and two instances of "Admiral on the Bridge" (Star Trek II and The Measure of a Man).

Starfleet, as emphasized in episodes like Chain of Command and throughout Discovery, is more casual and less formal in their regulations than militaries tend to be. "Nightingale" tells us specifically that the Captain announcement is standard Starfleet protocol, although Harry Kim was surprised when someone gave it to him (as Acting Captain of the Nightingale in the episode).

 

[Tenacity]

I imagine it would get very tiresome very quick and add absolutely nothing to the story.

If a background character were to be the one saying it, and it was somewhat low volume, then the "tradition" would be observed, but not be tiresome.

 

[Tim Thomason]

Mod in the thread!

(Now I like that....)

Two moderators at that. Look sharp, everyone.

 

[tharpdevenport]

Every bit of that draws away stuff that'll have to be cut to keep the episode to the length required to fit commercials. Plus, after a while it'll just become this:

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Greg Cox]

Story-wise, it does seem like a waste of time. Lord knows I don't want to have to type "Captain on the bridge" every time Kirk sets foot on the bridge.

 

[Jedman67]

Every bit of that draws away stuff that'll have to be cut to keep the episode to the length required to fit commercials. Plus, after a while it'll just become this:

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

"We ain't found SHIT!"

 

[hbquikcomjamesl]

Yes, and we'd look like a bunch of Dinks.

 

[Kor]

Because it would break the narrative flow if it was said every single time the Captain entered the bridge.

Kor

 

[Danja]

"We ain't found SHIT!"

For the record, it was a pre-Voyager Tim Russ who uttered that line.

Two moderators at that. Look sharp, everyone.

Look busy!

 

[FormerLurker]

Look busy!

Looking sharp gets more attention from the ladies.

 

[JonnyQuest037]

I imagine it would get very tiresome very quick and add absolutely nothing to the story.

Oh, that's not true.

It would eat up time that could be better devoted to any number of other things.

 

[cultcross]

Can you imagine how annoying it would be for Picard or Janeway who have ready rooms just off the bridge that can only be accessed through the bridge?
"Captain on the bridge"
"Captain off the bridge again"

 

[Grendelsbayne]

I would say this is something that should be done every time a new captain/admiral arrives on the ship - but beyond that it would be pretty much entirely at the discretion of the ship's co.

Having said that, I highly doubt any starfleet captain, even Jellico, would ever require it to be spoken every single time they enter the bridge. Even for a regulations stickler, it's mostly just a waste of time.

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

Regarding making a record - the computer probably automatically logs who goes where and when, so you don't have to announce it all the time. It's really only said when the writers stick it in there, or if it adds something to the scene (depending on how it's said).

If the captain returns after a long absence due to illness, injury, or MIA, say it with relief and joy. Or if they don't like the captain, say it grudgingly. If there's a change of captains, say it haltingly, as though full of emotion and grief over the last captain, or happily, if the last guy was lousy. Etc. Whatever serves the situation at hand best.