Chapter XX: The Quartermasters

For many years the quartermasters—situated somewhere between the deck hand (A.B.) and the licensed officer—have been the slim loophole through which a few American boys have slipped into the merchant service of their country.

The duties of the quartermasters have become fairly standard, and besides steering in two, and sometimes four hour shifts, the latter a practice that should be stopped by law, the quartermasters have had to do about as follows:

+Care of the bridge.+

+Care of all signal equipment—flags—rockets—lights—etc.+

+Care of navigational gear, such as sounding machines, log lines and indicators; leads, etc.+

+Heaving the lead (blue pigeon) and working the sounding machine under an officer.+

+In port, the quartermasters have had to stand gangway watches, and watches in the holds while stowing or discharging cargo.+

Quartermasters are a necessity—as signalmen, helmsmen, and generally useful assistants in the navigation of the vessel. They are the messengers for the officer of the watch, read the log when sights are taken, or course is changed, and assist generally.

Steering, however, should be done by all hands, the quartermasters being relieved for at least half of their watch by one of the seamen. This practice would result in a largely increased number of competent helmsmen, and in an increased efficiency all round.

Quartermasters should aim to become officers, and should devote as much of their time as possible to study, in which the deck officers are usually ready to assist.

All quartermasters should be certified lifeboat men, and should be familiar with the handling of ship's boats. They should be charged with the overhauling of the required lifeboat equipment, under the direction of one of the officers.