298 NICH DLLS's SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
26. Having got a turn in the cables, how would you take it out; or in
other words how would you "clear hawse"?
At slack water I would lash the two cables securely together, below
bhe turns if possible. Lead a good wire through the forecastle-head
warping chock and shackle it on to the cable I was not riding by. Heave
it tight and make it well fast. Reverse the windlass, unshackle the cable,
and take the turns out by passing the end round the cable I was riding to.
Shackle on again, heave tight, and screw the windlass up Take off
the lashing and wire. -
27 What would your duties be, as second mate, when keeping anchor
watch at night?
To see that the Regulation lights were burning brightly, keep a
good look-out and specially watch for any signs of the vessel dragging
her anchor. Be sure that the other anchor was all clear and ready in
case of emergency. See that no unauthorised boats come alongside the
ship. Keep the other members of the anchor watch handy on deck.
Carefully attend to any standing orders.
28. How would you know if the ship was dragging her anchor?
By watching the bearing of two fixed lights or objects in line. Beam
bearings are the best. If they change, the ship is dragging.
By dropping the deep sea lead on to the bottom, and noting if it
trails ahead of the ship.
By putting my hand on the cable before the windlass. If she was
driving I should feel the vibration caused by the anchor dragging along
the bottom. Should also listen for any* sound of the anchor dragging
by applying my ear to the cable. Both these methods, however, may
be deceptive because vibration and sound are often caused by the cable
moving on hard ground even though the anchor is holding well.
Also, in soft mud the anchor might drag without causing any
vibration or sound.
29. What would you do if you found the anchor was dragging?
Give her more cable. If I saw that it was urgent, I should not
hesitate to let go the second anchor. Send a message immediately
to my senior officer or to the master.
30. How would you carry out a kedge and warp in a boat?
If I was carrying it out to windward or against* the tide I should
coil or fake the whole length of the warp down in the boat clear for