The station aft is in many respects the most important in the vessel while coming along side, and intelligent handling of the lines and men soon stamps an officer as well qualified in his profession.

He should use judgment in sending ashore, or "heaving,' small lines, as the attempt to put a heaving line across too great a distance often results in dangerous delays, and leads to confusion.

He should see the cork fenders handy, with men told off to handle them. He should study the men assigned to his end of the ship and place only reliable men at the capstans and bits. A man who can properly surge a seven-inch line, under heavy strain is a rarity these days.

He should understand, and have men ready, for the throwing in and operating of the hand-steering gear in case of emergency.

Cargo Gear. The after cargo gear, is generally under the charge of the Second Mate, and he is in charge of the opening and closing of the after cargo hatches.

Baggage. The Second Mate is generally in charge of the handling and care of heavy baggage, in vessels in the passenger trade. This is important duty, and calls for care and dispatch. Such baggage is whipped ashore as fast as possible so that the customs inspectors are not delayed.

Mail. The Second Mate is also charged with the handling and stowage of the mail sacks-unless in a very large liner where special mail clerks attend to this duty.

Navigating Officer. The Second Mate is sometimes designated the "Navigating Officer," that is, he is charged with the special care of the navigating equipment. Corrects charts from the "Notices to Mariners" and assists the Master generally in the navigating duty. He may be

required to wind the chronometers each morning at eight bells and report them wound to the Master, though when standing the mid watch, this duty is usually attended to by the Master himself, who, in the Merchant Service is the responsible navigating officer of his vessel.

The Second Mate corrects the ship's clocks for difference of Longitude to noon.

However, the naming of the Second Mate, as navigating officer has much to commend it. He then has special duties, and is charged with the complete supervision of the compasses, sounding machines, instruments, lead lines, patent logs and log lines. He should perfect himself in the science of navigation and master the simple (and to many) mysterious principles of compass adjustment. He should be in charge of the deviation log and prepare the deviation tables for each loading and voyage.

CHAPTER XII

THE THIRD MATE

Watches. The Third Mate of an ocean steamer is generally a watch officer. If the vessel is of any size, and the three mates stand watch, the watch from eight to noon and from eight to midnight, is usually assigned to the Third Mate. This is one of the best watches, and the watch during which the Master is most likely to be up and about. As the junior watch officer is the least experienced, it is best that he have the Master close at hand in the event of anything unusual occurring.

Hold Duty. The Third Mate is generally given charge of the forward holds, under the immediate supervision of the Chief Mate. Here his duties are those outlined in the chapter headed Chief Mate. He is directly under the mate and should use every effort to familiarize himself with his duties and with the vessel. He should carry out all orders to the letter, and aim to perfect himself in the many branches of seamanship and navigation. The duty to cargo, and the hold duty is one of his most important charges.

Coming Alongside. When coming alongside, or to anchor, or when docking, the Third Mate is stationed on the bridge with the Master. He usually attends to the telegraph, cons the quartermaster at the wheel and looks out for the work on the bridge generally. This post is one of special importance for the young officer as he gets, from close observation, a splendid opportunity to observe and learn the details of ship handling. He sees the mistakes made

fore and aft, in the handling of lines, etc., and can, if he will, profit by this experience.

Gangway. The Third Mate is usually charged with the getting in and out of the gangway, and with the safe embarkation of passengers. He must keep order, and note who comes on board, and what their business is while the vessel is being permanently secured or anchored, and before the regular gangway watch is set.

Signal Officer. While the duty is not generally assigned, it is a good plan to designate the Third Mate as "Signal Officer." This charges him with the care and use of the signal flags and other apparatus, and he should perfect himself in their rapid and accurate use.

The Third Mate should master the hand semaphore signals and should see that at least two of the quartermasters are adept at this form of communication. Such knowledge is of the greatest use when in convoy with men-of-war, and can be made use of in a hundred different ways while lying at anchor, or when communicating with other vessels or the shore. So many seamen are now familiar with the semaphore alphabet that it has become one of the handiest means of talking at sea over moderate distances, and its use at once stamps a vessel as being up to time.

He should also know the Morse Code and be able to send and read by the blinker or Morse lamp.

This is used in convoy work instead of wireless.

Bridge. The bridge, and the duties of the quartermasters on the bridge and bridge deck, are generally delegated to the Third Mate, or to any officer who may be junior to him. This means general upkeep and order. A well-regulated and well-kept up bridge is a joy-the reverse is all too common.

CHAPTER XII

THE JUNIOR OFFICERS

Most vessels now carry one or more junior officers, young men who have some sea experience and who have prepared themselves to a certain extent in navigation. Many of them come on board ship with a very hazy idea as to what it is all about. They are willing enough, but don't know where to begin. They would be glad to tail onto the starboard main t'gallant buntline, but don't know just where it is.

For such as these, the following random Things to Do and to learn about are suggested:

Do the things you are told to do, then

1. Find our what quartermasters are doing.

2. Look after hand leads and lines, are they marked correctly-accurately?

3. See that log is ready for streaming, as soon as past the light ship, or other mark.

4. Find switch for running lights—are they in order?

5. Look up log book, see how it is kept, and if up to date.

6. See that note book on the bridge is handy.

7. See if the clock in the wheel house, and chart room is correct.

8. Work up the chronometer error.

9. See that the bridge dodgers are properly bent, and are clean.

10. See that the binoculars and telescopes on the bridge are in their proper places and are clean.