TOWING 339
Dry Docking.--The dockmaster must be furnished with particulars
as to the work to be done on the ship's bottom when in dock, and the
repairs, if any, which are to be executed. He should also be made
Acquainted with the vessel's draught, whether she has bilge keels, and
any other special characteristics of the ship's build which may be necess-
ary as a guide to him in making preparations for receiving the ship
in dock and in the fixing of the keel blocks. Special precautions will
be necessary where a vessel has received damage to her hull through
having been stranded or been m collision.
If possible, the ship should be a few inches by the stern and should
be qxute upright Slack water is the time for entering, and after arrival
at the entrance the vessel is under the charge of the dock company.
If being docked for the purpose of cleaning and recoating the
bottom, some responsible person on behalf of the ship should see that
the work is done efficiently, especially so when work is being done after
dark. Anti-corrosive paint or anti-fouling composition should not be
put on a wet or damp surface if it can possibly be avoided. A careful
examination of the ship's bottom should be made, and the engineers
should examine the stern tube, propeller, injection valves, and sea
connections, also if any part of the plating is found to be corroded or
pitted it must be thoroughly cleaned and covered with some anti-
corrosive coating. See aJso page 614.
Lloyd's recommend the dry docking of ships as soon after launching
as may be possible, for the purpose of cleaning and recoating the bottom.
To Construct a Raft.—Take the three stoutest spars available and
lash them together in the shape of a triangle. Strengthen the corners
by lashing short stout spars across them, 2 or 3 feet inside the cross
lashings. Inside each corner lash empty barrels or tanks if obtainable.
The raft must then be decked over with good stout spars and planks,
lashing or otherwise securing them to the framework formed by the
triangle. Erect a spar for a mast, with stays to each corner to support
it, have the heel well secured, and fit a suitable sail to it. Round about
the mast lash barrels of fresh water, and store the provisions in tanks if
possible. Life lines should be run round the raft from corner to corner.
Rescuing the Crew of a Disabled Vessel in Heavy Weather.—If in a
steamship, get to windward of the distressed vessel, as near as is safe,
and lie to with the wind and sea two or three points on the weather bow.
Get the lee life-boat ready for lowering and call for volunteers* Man
the boat before lowering, and let each man have a life-belt on. Before
lowering, pass a good long line for a painter right forward to the bow