merchantman that while many things are expected of him fortunately he is not required to do them all at once, nor do the United States Local Inspectors examine him upon all of the things mentioned in the pages of this little book. The American who goes to sea to-day will not content himself with minimum requirements. He means to be more than a ten-per cent seaman. War emergencies have sent many men out on blue water who formerly would never have reached the deck or bridge. They know their limitationsall we can do is to point out the way. The Author will welcome suggestions and criticisms from officers and men of the Merchant Marine who happen to read the pages of this book. Standard practice at sea is desirable, and such practice can best be achieved by some common ground upon which all minds may meet and reasonably agree. Letters addressed in care of my publishers, D. Van Nostrand Company, 25 Park Place, New York, will be forwarded to me and be appreciated. SCHOOLSHIP Newport, F. R. THE MEN ON DECK CHAPTER I THE MASTER The Master Mariner who has the vessel in charge is called the CAPTAIN, or the MASTER, the latter being his official title. It is correct, however, to address the master of a vessel as CAPTAIN, a courtesy to which the Master Mariner is fully entitled through ancient sea usage. Among seagoing people, the Master Mariner who is in charge of a vessel is in complete charge at all times; divided authority in this matter is intolerable to the minds of men accustomed to the sea. The Master is responsible as follows: For the safe handling of his vessel in and out of port. For the safe and expeditious navigation of his vessel from port to port. For the good management, and order, of the various departments that constitute the internal economy of his vessel— deck-engine-steward's-etc. He is responsible for the safety of the lives of passengers and crew. He is responsible for the safe stowage, carriage, and unlading of the cargo. |