TELEGRAPHS 12T
It is the usual practice when docking to station the third officer on
the bridge to work the telegraphs as instructed by the captain or pilot,
the first officer at the fore end of the ship to work the forward hauling
lines, mooring wires and anchors, and the second officer at the stern.
In some passenger ships, however, the stations of the first and
second officers are reversed for the reason that the more experienced
and responsible officer is required at the stern as he is far removed from
the bridge and is usually hidden by deck erections from the sight of
those on the bridge, whilst, on the other hand, the bridge being well
forward, the officer in charge of the operations on the forecastle-head
is in full view from the bridge.
A Steering Telegraph, or Telephone, is sometimes fitted to transmit
helm orders from the flying bridge down to the wheelhouse, and also
telegraphs for communication between the engine-room and stokehold
regarding the firing of boilers.
A Navigation Light Sentinel is an apparatus which rings an alarm
bell should any of the navigation lights fai). It is electrically wired to
the masthead lights, side-lights and stern light, and should any one of
them go out a coloured disc in the indicator mounted m the wheelhouse
shows which particular light has failed to function.
THE LEADLINE.
The Hand Lead is about 7 or 8 Ibs. in weight, and is for use in shallow
waters, or in channels or rivers, etc., where it is necessary to take
soundings frequently at short intervals, and without stopping. Profici-
ency in heaving the hand lead can only be attained by considerable
practice. It should be hove on the weather side in a sailing ship; in
steamers or in vessels being towed it should be hove on the side on which
the shallowest water is expected.
The hand leadline is long enough to allow of soundings beirg taken
with it up to 20 fathoms, and is marked as under:—
At 2 fathoms - - 2 ^nds or strips of leather.
« 3 „ - - 3 „ „ „
w 5 „ - White rag (linen).
» 7 „ - Bed rag (bunting).
„ 10 „ - Leather with a hole in it,
„ 13 „ - - Blue rag (flannel or serge).
M 15 ^ - White rag (Imen).
^ IT „ - Red rag (bunting).
„ 20 „ - Cord with 2 knots in &.