At Coast Guard stations a fixed beat or patrol is laid out in each direction along the shore, varying according to the conformation of the coast with respect to inlets, headlands, etc., from one-half to 2, 3, and 4 miles in length. The station crew is divided into regular watches of two men each, and during the hours from sunset to sunrise patrol these beats, keeping a sharp lookout seaward at all times. The usual schedule is: First watch, sunset to 8 p. m.; second watch, 8 p. m. to midnight; third watch, midnight to 4 a. m.; and fourth watch, 4 a. m. to sunrise. At sunset the first man starts out on patrol in the same direction from all stations in a district, so far as practicable. While the patrolman is out his watch mate takes the station watch, which is kept in the tower or on the beach abreast the station, as conditions may require. If the station is connected with the service telephone line the station watch makes it his business to be within hearing distance of the bell at regular intervals. In addition to keeping a watch seaward, he is on the lookout for signals from the patrolman. Upon the return of the first patrol, he takes the station watch, and the other man patrols in the opposite direction. At the proper time the man on station watch calls out the next two men, who must be dressed and ready for duty before the first two turn in. This routine is varied to meet local conditions. In harbors and seaports fixed lookouts are usually maintained instead of a beach patrol. Positive evidence of the integrity of the patrol and watch is required. Where stations are sufficiently close to one another to permit the entire distance between them to be patrolled, a half-way point is established. At this point each patrolman must deposit a brass check bearing the name of the station and his number in the crew. This is taken up on the next visit by the patrolman from the adjacent station, who in turn leaves his check. The first patrolman at night returns all checks of the previous night. Where the patrols do not connect, the patrolman carries a watchman's clock or time detector in which there is a dial that can be marked only by means of a key which registers on the dial the exact time of marking. This key is secured in a safe imbedded in a post at the limit of the patrol, and the patrolman must reach that point in order to obtain the key with which to register his arrival. Where practicable, telephones are located in half-way houses or at the end of the patrols, in which case the patrloman also reports to his station by that means. Each patrolman carries a number of red Coston signals, with which to warn a vessel standing too close inshore or to notify a vessel in distress that he has gone to summon assistance. The same system of patrols is kept up in thick and foggy weather. It should be stated that the beach patrol is an institution of distinctly American origin. It was devised by the former Life-Saving Service and inaugurated in that service in the early seventies. Districts. PERIODS OF EMPLOYMENT OF SURFMEN. The following statement shows the periods during which the stations were manned (termed the active season) and the number of surfmen authorized at each station. Keepers are on duty at the stations throughout the year. Stations. Periods of employment (all dates inclusive). 1 Quoddy Head, Cranberry Islands, Hunniwells 2 3 4 Burnt Island and Damiscove Island. White Head and Portsmouth Harbor.. Isles of Shoals. Salisbury Beach, Newburyport, Plum Island, Point Allerton. Gloucester, Wood End, Chatham, Coskata, and Cuttyhunk. Monomoy... Monomoy Point... City Point... Narragansett Pier, Point Judith, Green Hill, Quonochontaug, Sandy Point, New Shoreham, and Block Island. Brenton Point, Watch Hill, and Fishers Island. Ditch Plain, Hither Plain, Nepeague, Ama- 5 Spermaceti Cove, Seabright, Long Branch, Atlantic City.. 6 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 6 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfmen from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 7 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 7 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 8 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 6 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 6 surfmen from Aug. 1 to 31, 1914, 7 surfmen from Sept. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 7 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 7 surfmen from Aug. 1, to Oct. 4, 1914, 8 surfmen from Oct. 5, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 9 surfmen from Aug. 1, to Oct. 4, 1914, 8 surfmen from Oct. 5, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 9 surfmen from July 1 to Nov. 30, 1914, and from Apr. 1 to June 30, 1915. 6 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 7 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 6 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915, and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 6 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915 and 1 additional surfman from Oct. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. 7 surfmen from Aug. 1, 1914, to May 31, 1915. |