Have handy, heaving lines, cork fenders, and if necessary have a running boat and crew ready to carry out the lines to the wharf. Send men on the wharf rather than trust to help from casual loiterers.
When Alongside. When alongside, see proper spring lines led so that vessel can be shifted fore and aft as may be necessary in the working of the cargo.
The proper mooring of the vessel is in charge of the Chief Mate. He should satisfy himself that she is safe, that the lines are disposed in the best possible way, free from chafe, and that the vessel will lie without binding when at high water.
Rat Guards. Where necessary, see that rat guards are placed on all lines without delay.
In making fast, the Chief Mate should inform himself of the best position of the ship for unloading or loading. The location of the doors, if the wharf is covered, with respect to the hatches. The location of chutes, water plugs, etc.
If lighters are to come in between the vessel and the wharf, means should be at hand for breasting off, and for providing a gangway during this operation.
The Chief Mate must plan ahead, think of what is needed, and provide for it. He must keep such problems to himself and not bother the Master.
Overhang of the vessel's bow or stern at the off-shore end of a wharf or pier should be considered; lights provided, fenders handy, and extra breasts, and bow or stern lines led for safety.
Coaling. The operation of coaling differs greatly in different ports and in different vessels. The handling of the vessel and the rigging and care of the coaling gear is a part of the duty of the deck department and is under the supervision of the Chief Mate. In ports where gangways are led to the wharf, or stages swung over side and the coal passed up in baskets, or carried up by the shore gang, the problem is simple.
In ports like Coronel, Chile, where vessels lie in the stream and hoist the coal up in canvas slings, considerable care should be given to the gear and the leads to the deck winches.