Duty to Cargo. The Chief Mate who establishes a record for the care of cargo stamps himself as a man of reliable qualities—one who is bound to gain the confidence of his superiors and owners.
Too much attention cannot be paid to this important part of the duty of a sea officer in the Merchant Service. The duty to cargo is a trust that should be impressed upon the minds of all members of the crew.
Many officers, in charge of cargo work, look upon this part of their duty as a necessary nuisance—something to be bothered with as little as possible. On the other hand, an alert officer can prevent damage, and consequent loss to owners, amounting to more than his salary on every voyage.
The Chief Mate should so regulate the hold duty, that the junior officers can relieve each other, and get the maximum amount of liberty. In ships so conducted, officers do not mind attending to business while on duty. Where hold duty is conducted on the chain gang system—all work and no leave—the owners suffer; so does the reputation of the Chief Mate.
Pilfering of Cargo. In many trades pilfering from the cargo has become a science. Wine casks are sprung out of true and the contents made away with, hoops are knocked loose and holes are drilled. In ports where the junk boat nuisance still prevails, vessels working cargo of all kinds are the victims of wholesale thievery. This sort of thing can only be stopped by vigilant supervision on the part of the officers of the vessel. Only reliable men should be put in the holds as watchmen. Offenders who are caught should be prosecuted—not merely discharged. The broaching of cargo by the crew is a serious offense.
The loss must be made good, and the offender may be sentenced to a year in jail.
Accidents; Damage to Cargo. Accidents resulting in loss of cargo, or damage to same due to the fault of the vessel's tackle, due to rain, washing of the ship's decks, discharge through leaking scuppers, are blamable to the Chief Mate and through him to the Master and owners of the vessel.
Stowage of Cargo. When stowing or discharging cargo the Chief Mate should keep in mind the trim and stability of the vessel. When any question as to her seaworthy condition arises, he should report the fact to the Master without delay.
Freeboard. The freeboard in American steamers is fixed by rules of the underwriters. The load line should not be submerged (except in fresh water, when the vessel is to go out in salt water. The Chief Mate should know the rule governing loading for a salt water voyage in a fresh water port).
Cargo Diagrams. In taking aboard cargo to be delivered at a number of different ports, the hold diagrams are very important. Such diagrams of cargo stowage should be prepared by the officer in charge of the holds and submitted to the Chief Mate for approval.