Fire Hoses, Axes, Buckets, Extinguishers, etc. The Chief Mate is charged with the care and working order of the fire-fighting equipment of the vessel.
Fire drills must be held as required by law.
Life-saving Equipment. The Chief Mate must pay special attention to the condition and readiness of the life boats, and their equipment:
- Life boats.
- Life rafts.
- Life belts.
- Ring buoys.
- Water lights.
- Storm-oil tanks.
He should see that the bread tins, after each inspection, are tightly screwed down, or the contents may spoil, or be unfit at the next inspection by the U. S. Steamboat Inspectors.
The list of required boat equipment is a long one and should be carefully complied with.
The rockets and line-throwing gun should be kept in good order, lines and projectiles handy; charges measured out and sewed in proper bags and kept in a copper canister.
The boat-launching equipment must be kept in perfect working condition, davits, strongbacks, gripes and falls. The required tubs must be provided and the boat falls coiled in them, clear for running.
The Chief Mate must organize and carry out the required drills.
After all drills—see everything secured—hoses dried out, extinguishers recharged—if used, axes, life belts, ring buoys, life preservers, etc. stowed.