AUTHOR'S PREFACE A NEW Elementary Manual of Seamanship may perhaps appear, at first sight, superfluous. Its production has been decided on by the Author because of his conviction that none of the many excellent works extant sufficiently meet the needs of Apprentices and Junior Officers in the Mercantile Marine. This little work is an introductory text-book for beginners; it does not pretend to complete their nautical education, nor in any sense to supersede that practical training in the details of their profession, an intimate acquaintance with which is so unattainable, except in the course of life on board ship. With a few exceptions the Illustrations are from original Photographs and Drawings by the Author. The Author hopes, at some future date, to consider and develop more fully, in another volume, many practical problems for the use of advanced students. He is an advocate for collective rather than individual effort in dealing with the many difficult questions pertaining to the profession of the sea, and would gladly receive suggestions on any points from his fellow-sailors, for use in future editions, should such be required. It should ever be the aim of a young seaman to study the behaviour of the vessel in which he sails, under all possible conditions of weather and sea; for on a thorough understanding of these points will depend his ability to handle his vessel properly under difficult circumstances. The Author's best thanks are due to Captain P. Thompson, F.R.A.S. (Secretary, Local Marine Board, London), for many valuable suggestions, and also to Captain A. Walker and other friends for their suggestions in various Sections; and to Lord Kelvin for his kindness in supplying two of the Illustrations. GREENHITHE, October 1896. CONTENTS THE BUILDING OF A SHIP, PARTS OF HULL, MASTS, ETC. The Building of a Ship-Launching-The Hull, description of parts-Masts and Spars-Sails-Rigging-Going aloft Knots, Bends, and Hitches, Splicing Ropes-Wire Ropes- PAGE Rigging Setting up Rigging-Rattling down-Anchors and Cables-Anchoring and Mooring-Laying out an Anchor- Bending and Unbending Sails-Making up Sails-Setting Sail -Taking in Sail-Trimming Sail-Tacking, Wearing, and International Code-Signals and Signalling-Commercial Code Steam Winch-Capstan-Windlass-Telegraphs-Lighthouses |