90 NIOHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
fcSee that all the gear is in order, and that there is nothing in the
boat which is not required.
Pass a boatrope along from forward oittside the davits, reeve it
through the ring in the bow and make it fast round the forward thwart;
this is better than using the painter which would have to be hauled into
the boat when getting away.
Put the plug in.
Come up the gripes, take the weight of the boat, attend to the outside
parts of the chocks.
Let go the guys, haul the boat aft a little and push her bow out, then
hauling her forward a little, push the stern out.
Ship the rudder.
Steady the davits in their proper position by means of their guys
and span.
Lower the boat down to that position where it is best and easiest
for the crew and passengers (if any) to get in. The boat being manned,
lower, her down into the water and let go both tackles at the same time
Have the oars or sail all ready. Cast the boatrope adrift, shove off,
I should remember that a moderate breeze on board a ship is a gale
of wind in a small boat, and if'I thought it necessary should see that all
persons had their life-jackets on.
5. How would you take her back on board again?
Give her a boatrope as she came alongside, and bring her under the
davits. Leave two men in the boat, and let all the others come on
board the ship.
Overhaul the tackles down, hook the forward one on first and take
up the slack, then hook the after one on, and when ready hoist away
on both. If the ship were at sea and rolling or if the boat were lively
in a seaway, both tackles should be hooked on at the same time and the
hands on deck prepared to run in the slack of the falls quickly.
When the boat is clear of the water, take the plug out to drain her
out, also unship the rudder.
When high enough, belay the falls, let go the guys, and swing her
inboard.
Lower carefully down on tŠ the chocks, secure the gripes
Clean her out if necessary, see that all her equipment is iii good
ortter and that nothing is missing.
Cover her over.