178 NICEOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
thoroughly understand and are practised in the duties they have to
perform, and that all life-saving appliances with the gear appertaining
to them are always ready for immediate use.
STANDING RULES FOR STEAM VESSELS AT SEA
Officer of the watch to keep his look-out on the bridge, not leaving
it except when necessary. At night he will be careful to see, from time
to time, that the side and masthead lights are burning brightly, and
kept trimmed; that the look-out man is at his post, and that the ship is
steered her course. Where an order book is not kept, the course given
to be marked on the log slate (which should always be kept in the
chartroom), the officer relieving to examine same before taking charge.
The bearing of the North star to be noted frequently and entered in the
log, with the direction of the ship's head at the time of observation.
Amplitudes and Azimuths never to be neglected. All courses given are
by the bridge or standard compass. The officer in charge of the deck
to observe if any change or difference takes place between any or
either of the compasses, i.e. more than usual, if so, call the master.
The patent log should be read every two hours and entered up,
mechanism to be oiled at least once a day (at noon) by the quarter-
master who should report having done so to the officer of the Watch.
Barometer registered every four hours and to be frequently noted
during unsettled weather. Masters and officers are respectfully requested
never to forget the four L's—LEAD, LOG, LATITUDE and LOOK-OUT.
No chartroom ought to be without the celestial maps hung up.
The master, when leaving the deck for rest, shall see that chart
is on the table for the use of the officer in charge, with instructions to be
called on all occasions of doubt.
Pump wells to be sounded by carpenter at 8 a.m. and at 8 p.m., and
to be reported to chief officer who reports same to captain previous
to making eight bells; and wells to be sounded not less than once in four
hours during bad weather, any unusual quantity of water to be
reported to captain and engineer of watch. Carpenter to note soundings
on the board (where one is kept) in addition to verbal report. Officer
of the watch to report changes of weather, particularly so in cases of
fog, heavy rains and haze, a large number of ships, or anything unusual
connected with the ship, such as thick volumes of smoke going right
ahead, so that the course may be altered if prudent to do so.
Watch on deck to'be kept round the wheelhouse, so as to be ready