+Conclusion.+ From the foregoing, it will be seen that the Chief Mate who attends to his duty in every detail is a very busy officer. It will also be noted that he is not called upon to handle the hose while washing down (I have seen this done), to juggle paint brushes, or sew a seam.
The Chief Mate must first of all be a sailor—he must know how—his orders can only be successfully enforced when backed up by the knowledge and experience that tell him when things are going right or wrong.
The dignity and power of command come to the sea officer who is fully competent and alive to the high responsibilities of his calling. Much of his duty can be delegated—its responsibility, however, always rests with him.
The Chief Mate who respects his billet, who respects the work and the rights of those under him, and who makes them respect the ship and himself, in turn, may well feel satisfied. He has something concrete, something definite, and worth while; he has his vessel to be proud of, and to reflect credit upon himself and his service. Such an officer is a gentlemen in the finest sense of the word—with all of his duties, and they are many—he will find time to cultivate ideals and expand his soul.
The prize of command will soon be his, and then he can look forward to years of satisfying service as Master.
RULES OF THE U. S. SUPERVISING INSPECTORS RELATING TO LIFESAVING
The capacity of lifeboats shall hereafter be determined by an allowance of 15 cubic feet for each person carried.
All lifeboats on ocean steam vessels shall be equipped as follows:
A properly secured life line the entire length on each side, festooned in bights not longer than 3 feet, with a seine float in each bight.
One painter of manila rope of not less than 2¾ inches in circumference and of suitable length.
A full complement of oars and two spare oars.
One set and a half of thole pins or rowlocks attached to the boat with separate chains.
One steering oar with rowlock or becket and one rudder with tiller or yoke and yoke lines.
One boat hook attached to a staff of suitable length.
One galvanized-iron bucket with lanyard attached.
Where automatic plugs are not provided there shall be two plugs secured with chains for each drain hole.