Heaving the lead (blue pigeon) and working the sounding machine under an officer.
In port, the quartermasters have had to stand gangway watches, and watches in the holds while stowing or discharging cargo.
Quartermasters are a necessity—as signalmen, helmsmen, and generally useful assistants in the navigation of the vessel. They are the messengers for the officer of the watch, read the log when sights are taken, or course is changed, and assist generally.
Steering, however, should be done by all hands, the quartermasters being relieved for at least half of their watch by one of the seamen. This practice would result in a largely increased number of competent helmsmen, and in an increased efficiency all round.
Quartermasters should aim to become officers, and should devote as much of their time as possible to study, in which the deck officers are usually ready to assist.
All quartermasters should be certified lifeboat men, and should be familiar with the handling of ship's boats. They should be charged with the overhauling of the required lifeboat equipment, under the direction of one of the officers.
CHAPTER XXI
THE CARPENTER
The carpenter occupies an important position on board ship. He is one of the "idlers," works all day and turns in at night, like an ordinary human being; in other words, he stands no watches.
His duties, of course, are defined by his title, but on a well-regulated vessel, the Carpenter, under orders from the Chief Mate, to whom he reports in person, performs certain standard tasks.