Invoices; Bills of Lading. The Chief Mate receipts for all consignments of cargo, when same is delivered on board in ports abroad, or where no provision is made for handling such details by the freight department of the company. In the tramp this duty is almost always placed upon the Chief Mate. He is responsible for the accuracy of his receipts, and that cargo signed for is in good condition and as represented—marks—numbers—etc., before allowing same to be stowed.
Cargoes are usually accepted or rejected by the Mate on his own responsibility.
(A case in point where sugar, in bags, was brought alongside on a lighter, all nicely stacked. Best bags on top tier. This sugar had been wet with salt water—and was rejected on inspection by "tasting" the bags of the second tier.)
Ventilation of Cargo. The Master is held responsible for the proper ventilation of cargo. This responsibility is of course delegated to the Chief Mate who personally is accountable to the Master for the careful carrying out of this requirement.
Kinds of Cargo. Cargoes are generally classified as "Measurement" and "Dead Weight" cargoes. Most cargoes are "General" or mixed. Then of course there are fluid cargoes, carried in bulk in tankers. The Chief Mate who knows his business, will have mastered the various "kinks" that go with the stowage and discharging of many kinds of cargo.
It is only possible here to indicate, in a brief fashion, the things the Chief Mate should look after and know about.
Coal Cargo. The Chief Mate should see that stowage is not commenced until the hold has been properly prepared. See that steel masts are carefully sealed, at the heel, that there is no "up take" for gases, in the event of fire. See that every possible point of "up take" is stopped off. See that shifting boards are firmly secured. That pillars and stanchions are secure, if they have been replaced, and that the hold, if length of passage warrants, is fitted with a gas pipe, plugged at bottom end, for lowering a thermometer into the body of the cargo. Temperatures should be taken at least every watch.
Ventilation. Ventilation, on the surface of the coal, is very necessary. Two ventilators, at least, for each hold; an intake and an uptake (uptake to windward).
Wet Coal. Wet coal is dangerous—it is specially subject to spontaneous combustion.
Trimming. In loading coal cargo, where nothing else is taken, the trim of the vessel should be carefully watched by the Chief Mate, and the trimmers directed in their work so that no subsequent trimming is required after the cargo is all on board. Many kinds of coal sift down and flow easily—this should be kept in mind.