The officer who is going into tank steamers, or is in that service is advised to get a small pamphlet by Mr. Herbert John White, a British Merchant Marine officer, called OIL TANK STEAMERS, published by James Brown and Son, Glasgow, and for sale in New York by D. Van Nostrand Company (price $1.00). This is a very clear and practical manual for the use of tank steamer officers—one of the best books of its kind.
+Receiving Stores.+ All stores delivered to the vessel should be received by the officer of the deck. The Chief Mate should provide for the proper receipt and the proper entries either in a log book or in a stores receipt book. Everything should be checked, weighed, and measured. This should be the basis for the approval of bills from supply houses, etc.
+Keys.+ The key board of a vessel should be the direct charge of the Chief Mate, delegated, if necessary, but he should see that the keys are kept in order, properly marked, and only in the possession of those entitled to have them in charge. Receipts should be given for all keys drawn from the key board.
+Master Keys.+ The master keys should be in the possession of the Chief Mate, and of the Master. When the Chief Mate goes ashore, the master keys should be left with the officer in charge of the ship during his absence.
The key board is a fair indication of the efficiency of a vessel.
+Harbor Regulations.+ All harbor regulations should be observed. It is the duty of the Chief Mate to acquaint himself with these rules and see that the vessel and the crew abide by them.
+Turning To.+ The time when men turn to and knock off, while in harbor, should be regulated by the Chief Mate, subject to companies' rules, customs, etc. It is well to abide strictly to these rules, but when the safety of the vessel, or the necessities of work require it, extra work may be demanded by the Chief Mate.
In the point of work in port, and at sea, for that matter, working conditions are now bound up in agreements between companies and seamen's unions. Much of this is necessary and was brought about by abuses practiced upon seamen in days past.
The Chief Mate who gives his crew a right deal, and knows how to handle and take care of his men, never has any trouble in getting work done after hours. The answer is be human—also just and firm—no sailor has any use for a jelly fish officer.