Where the vessel lies under chutes, the trimming and supervision of same is up to the black squad, and a great deal of trouble is saved if this is done carefully. Where necessary see that spars or camels are ranged alongside to give the vessel the required distance from the chutes—this applies to small steamers with comparatively narrow beam.
Watch the mooring lines when coaling under the chutes—take in the slack as necessary.
+Entering Dry Dock.+ When a vessel is about to enter a dry dock the heads of the various departments should be notified in time, and should be informed of the probable length of stay in the dock.
Also notify U. S. Local Inspectors that vessel will go in dock and bottom can be examined.
All refuse should be put ashore, and provision made for taking care of any that may accumulate while on the dock.
See that necessary lines, fenders, ladders, etc., are handy.
Prepare to do the work that is necessary on board ship, and best done while the vessel is dry, viz.,
Paint scuppers; hose reels. Range cables on floor of dock, overhaul same. Clean and paint or bitumastic the chain lockers. Have windlass overhauled. Paint funnels; cargo booms, king posts, etc. Paint and overhaul boats.
As the crew of a merchantman is not any too large, only work that can be thoroughly done while in dock should be attempted.
+Blue Prints.+ The blue prints of the docking plan should be delivered to the dock master. All assistance should be rendered to the dock master, and his instructions carefully complied with.
If entering a graving dock, men will be needed to handle the wale shores.
If entering a floating dock the vessel will rest squarely upon her bottom.
Straight stemmed vessels can best be placed on an absolutely level keel by swinging a hand lead over the stem; the Chief Mate should see to this.
All closets, drains, and drip pipes should be shut off.
When the dock is dry the Chief Mate should make a careful inspection of the bottom. If it is intended to drain the tanks; double bottoms, peaks, etc., the carpenter should remove the necessary plugs. As soon as the draining is completed these should be replaced and the Chief Mate should see that they have been replaced properly by personal inspection. He should see that the plugs are not wooden plugs—this has been done.