All electrical conduits through the holds and 'tween decks should be carefully inspected before loading a cotton cargo.
Smoke Helmets. The smoke helmets should be handy and in order.
Frozen Cargo. Vessels carrying frozen cargo are lined and insulated in the holds prepared for this sort of stowage. All steel work should be covered, on account of the high conductivity of the metal. The insulating materials are usually granulated cork, charcoal, silicate cotton, or sawdust. Felt and cow hair is also used. Dead air, if properly confined, is an excellent insulating medium.
Care should be taken to avoid and detect fire in the insulating material, due to spontaneous combustion.
The Chief Mate should be familiar with the system of refrigeration used—cold-air—dry-air—ammonia—carbonic-anhydride—etc.
In some systems the air is chilled in the holds by piping, in others the air is drawn from the holds to a chilling chamber and pumped back with the required degree of cold.
Chilled Beef. Chilled beef is usually shipped in quarters, and must be suspended from the deck above by chains and hooks.
Frozen Mutton. Mutton is usually shipped in carcases, frozen stiff and stowed one on top of another. Being hollow, the interstices provide space for the circulation of cold air. About 15 degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained in the hold.
General Cargo. Every general cargo is a rule unto itself. The Chief Mate who knows his business will see to the proper stowage. This is the cargo that demands care as to hold diagrams. The following points are recommended for consideration:
Keep perishable goods clear of the steel framing.