398 NICHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
1 How would you get a hold ready for cargo after discharging coal?
Sweep the sides, bulkheads and ceiling down thoroughly, send the
sweepings up out of the hold.
If the weather is suitable and there is time for drying purposes,
ng the hose and wash well down. If not, sprinkle damp sawdust and
sweep up clean Lift the limber boards and clean out the bilges. Give
them a coat of cement wash. See that the rose boxes are all clear.
Replace limber boards and dunnage the hold If the cargo is to be
grain hi bags or anything which requires special protection, cover all
bare iron with battens; burlap, or mats. Kig shifting boards if necessary.
2. If you were stationed in the hold to look after the interests of the
ship during the loading of a general cargo, what would you
consider it your duty to do?
I would inspect the cases or packages as they came on board, and
if any appeared to be damaged, notify the chief onicer at once before
he gives a receipt for it. I would see that any directions printed on
any package were observed whilst being stowed, such as "This side to
be stowed uppermost," or "Stow away from the boilers," or that hooks
were not to be used for bale goods, etc. I would particularly guard
against broaching or stealing of any cargo, and see that all was properly
stowed and blocked off securely Should not stow liquids above
solids if it is possible to avoid doing so.
3. What would you look out for in the hold whilst discharging?
As before, I would prevent any broaching, and see that no cargo
was damaged by rough or improper handling. If any cargo appeared
to be damaged. I would call attention to it before disturbing it, so that,
if necessary, it may be surveyed.
4. If a vessel has 'tween decks, would they require dunnaging?
Yes; sufficient to keep the cargo clear of the deck, an inch or so for
cases, and a little more for bales or bags. I would lay it athwartships,
so that in case of leakage the water might drain freely to the scuppers.
5. What special precautions would you take if you were going to load
grain in bags for a long passage?
1 would line the hold out with boards, and cover them with old
sails, burlap, bagging, or &>&& * ^ould also cover up all bare iron likely