Also ring buoys, rockets, line-throwing gun, spare lines, projectiles, powder charges—sewed in bunting bags, and stowed in proper canister. Coston lights, number—kind. Wave oil, tanks and fittings.
J. Ship's signal gear—flags—rockets—etc. (under charge of Third Mate).
Having familiarized himself with his vessel, her complement, equipment, and stores, the Chief Mate is ready to take up his duties with full knowledge of the situation.
The inspection of the vessel, from stem to stern, is a matter of some time and, in a large steamer, calls for repeated investigation. Every hole and tank and corner should be known to the Chief Mate, its condition, its contents, and its use.
+Deck Crew.+ He must organize and supervise the routine work of the deck department of the vessel.
Third Mate—forward holds, under immediate eye of Chief Mate.
Boatswain, in active charge of crew at work on deck, over the side, and in holds.
Carpenter, at work about ship, under orders from the Chief Mate.
Quartermasters—gangway, bridge, and hold watches, under junior officers.
In large steamers where extra watch officers, junior officers and cadets, or sub-junior officers are carried, the Chief Mate usually has a clerk, and his work is largely that of a general manager. In such vessels the cargo, mail, baggage, specie, etc., is handled through the purser, or other officer, and the Chief Mate devotes himself strictly to the management of the seamanship end of his department.
+Holds.+ He must supervise the preparation of holds to receive cargo.
Rose boxes cleared (strainers—strum boxes).
Smothering lines in good condition, ends clear.
Sounding pipes not dented or bent out of shape, ends free.—Brass screw plugs in place.
'Tween deck hatch covers, strong backs, etc., in good order.
'Tween deck and hold electrical connections—in good order.
See that stanchion brackets and shifting boards are ready for bulk cargoes, such as grain.
See that sufficient dunnage is in each hold; spruce planking, and chocking pieces. Find out what kind of cargo is to be stowed.
See all hold ladders in good order—rungs all secure.
Look for runs of rust, under frames and stringers, in wake of mast doublings, under winch beds, under deck in wake of shrouds.