340 NICHQLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
of the steamer; also pass a line round each hoat fall to frap them in5
and thus prevent the hoat swinging out and coining hack violently
against the vessel when being lowered.* See that the boat is well
supplied with oil, and bags for distributing it; also one or two spare
life-belts. Before lowering the boat smooth the surface of the sea
with oil, and then lower the boat into the water, and get clear of the
vessel as quickly as possible. The steamer should remain in position
to afford a lee shelter to the boat when going to the wreck.
The boat on approaching the vessel should be careful to look out for
any floating wreckage. The people on the distressed vessel should be
hauled into the boat by lines, with life-belts on. Oil should be used,
both from the distressed vessel and from the boat.
In the meantime the steamer should have gone to leeward in readi-
ness for the return of the boat. When the boat returns, if unable to
come near enough to get the people aboard, the rescued people should
be hauled aboard by a whip from a yardarm, or from a derrick well
guyed out, oil again being plentifully distributed.
If the rescuing vessel is a sailing ship, it may not be possible to get
to windward. In this case, if a rescue is to be attempted, lie to to lee-
• ward and distribute a good coating of oil. The distressed vessel and the
rescuing vessel will be drifting to leeward, and the oil will make a smooth
wake to windward for the boat and make it much easier to get to the
distressed vessel.
THE SHIP'S LOG BOOK
1. For what purpose is a snip's log book kept?
To record Ue snip's progress so that her position by dead reckoning
may be found at any time, and it is an important book of reference
with respect to anything that occurs on board. Also in case of damage
to cargo—entries in the log book showing how the damage arose would
be valuable evidence.
2 Would you keep it in civil or astronomical time?
In civil time; that is, each day on one page, commencing at midnight
and terminating the following midnight.
3. What are the usual daily entries to be made when at sea?
The courses steered, and distance by the log for each hour. Direction
and force of the wind. Leeway (if any), also variation and deviation
* Choose the most favourable opportunity for lowering, when the vessel is as
steady as possible.