Coaling ship is a partnership affair, and harmonious working between the deck and engineers is essential.
Where the vessel lies under chutes, the trimming and supervision of same is up to the black squad, and a great deal of trouble is saved if this is done carefully. Where necessary see that spars or camels are ranged alongside to give the vessel the required distance from the chutes—this applies to small steamers with comparatively narrow beam.
Watch the mooring lines when coaling under the chutes—take in the slack as necessary.
Entering Dry Dock. When a vessel is about to enter a dry dock the heads of the various departments should be notified in time, and should be informed of the probable length of stay in the dock.
Also notify U. S. Local Inspectors that vessel will go in dock and bottom can be examined.
All refuse should be put ashore, and provision made for taking care of any that may accumulate while on the dock.
See that necessary lines, fenders, ladders, etc., are handy.
Prepare to do the work that is necessary on board ship, and best done while the vessel is dry, viz.,
- Paint scuppers; hose reels.
- Range cables on floor of dock, overhaul same.
- Clean and paint or bitumastic the chain lockers.
- Have windlass overhauled.
- Paint funnels; cargo booms, king posts, etc.
- Paint and overhaul boats.
As the crew of a merchantman is not any too large, only work that can be thoroughly done while in dock should be attempted.