When anchor has been let go, report chain out as the shackles come through the hawse. When the anchor is down, report chain out. Trend of chain, etc.
Heaving in.
- Report "Short Stay."
- Report the shackles as they come to the water.
- Report "Anchor aweigh."
- Report "Anchor in sight"—"clear," or "foul anchor."
- Report anchor secured.
- Report both anchors ready for letting go.
A smart Chief Mate manages his work on the f'c'sle head without any unnecessary singing out. In large ships the telegraph or whistle, or hand signals are used between the Master on the bridge and the Chief Mate.
The "trend" of the chain, when heaving in, should be indicated to the bridge by direction of the hand. If heaving in in a tide way, this information is important, and the engines are used to assist in breaking out, while the vessel is given a proper sheer with the helm.
Coming Alongside. As in coming to anchor, the Chief Mate's station is on the forecastle head. He directs the handling of the vessel's forward lines, the operation of the capstans, etc.
The Carpenter, Boatswain, and about half of the deck crew should be assigned to this end of the vessel.
See all side ports closed or clear above string piece: Boats swung in if necessary, etc.
The Chief Mate carries out lines, and handles the warps and springs as directed by the Master, from the bridge. As little calling out of orders as possible should be indulged in. Where both Mate and Master understand their business, the coming alongside is a mere matter of detail and works without a hitch. Where tugs are used, the Chief Mate should direct the taking of lines, but the tugs receive their instructions direct from the bridge.
Study of tide, wind, and local conditions, as well as knowledge of the vessel herself, aid in smoothness in the performance of this evolution.