12. Have Deck Engineer and Carpenter inspect the windlass with you, get all the wrinkles you can about same.
13. Look for vessels near at hand. Is vessel clear of them when tide turns?
15. Are lighters expected—which side—what cargo?
20. Are cargo clusters in order—where kept?
23. Is a working and life boat swung out and ready for lowering without delay?
24. If blowing, have drift lead over side, tend same, and watch bearings.
+Vessel Alongside.+ If the vessel is alongside the new Chief Mate should note the following:
2. Are they adjusted to the rise and fall of tide?
4. Are they properly disposed—springs, breasts, bow and stern lines—this is an art. Can one watchman tend them?
5. Do they all bear an equal stress—this is important with wire hawsers.
6. If near wooden warehouses—see if a wire fire warp has been led.
8. If bow or stern projects beyond bulkhead line, are lights ready?
9. If twin-screw vessel, are propeller signs in place?
10. Is a gangway watch necessary—is it being kept?
11. Is the vessel discharging or loading—what—what holds—how near completed?
13. How much water under her at low tide?
15. Telephone connection on dock. Number of Police, Fire, U. S. Secret Service.
17. Are rat guards on lines? Are they needed?
+In General.+ 1. Ask for cargo diagrams—how kept—if loading.
2. Are the working holds under supervision—by whom?
3. When will vessel be discharged—or ready to leave?
4. Get reports from the junior officers—the boatswain and carpenter.
6. Are cargo clusters ready—length of cables—location of connections—are they in good order—where kept?
7. Are the fire lines clear and in working order?
8. When was last fire drill held—inspect log?
11. Inspect crew's quarters. Look for signs of intoxicating liquors—destroy any found.
13. Look after cargo gear—stays—masts—booms—guys—pendants—falls—whips— gins—skids—cargo slings—cargo falls—cargo hooks—nets, winches—etc.
14. Are hatch covers, strong backs, battens, tarpaulins, wedges, etc., ready and in good order?
15. Pay special attention to the flanges on the steel strongbacks—are they true?
16. Get acquainted with the engineers and establish friendly relations—this is important.
17. Locate all sounding pipes—Have carpenter sound tanks and bilges and report.