THE THIRD MATE
+Watches.+ The Third Mate of an ocean steamer is generally a watch
officer. If the vessel is of any size, and the three mates stand watch,
the watch from eight to noon and from eight to midnight, is usually
assigned to the Third Mate. This is one of the best watches, and the
watch during which the Master is most likely to be up and about. As the
junior watch officer is the least experienced, it is best that he have
the Master close at hand in the event of anything unusual occurring.
+Hold Duty.+ The Third Mate is generally given charge of the forward
holds, under the immediate supervision of the Chief Mate. Here his
duties are those outlined in the chapter headed Chief Mate. He is
directly under the mate and should use every effort to familiarize
himself with his duties and with the vessel. He should carry out all
orders to the letter, and aim to perfect himself in the many branches of
seamanship and navigation. The duty to cargo, and the hold duty is one
of his most important charges.
+Coming Alongside.+ When coming alongside, or to anchor, or when
docking, the Third Mate is stationed on the bridge with the Master. He
usually attends to the telegraph, cons the quartermaster at the wheel
and looks out for the work on the bridge generally. This post is one of
special importance for the young officer as he gets, from close
observation, a splendid opportunity to observe and learn the details of
ship handling. He sees the mistakes made fore and aft, in the handling
of lines, etc., and can, if he will, profit by this experience.
+Gangway.+ The Third Mate is usually charged with the getting in and out
of the gangway, and with the safe embarkation of passengers. He must
keep order, and note who comes on board, and what their business is
while the vessel is being permanently secured or anchored, and before
the regular gangway watch is set.
+Signal Officer.+ While the duty is not generally assigned, it is a good
plan to designate the Third Mate as "Signal Officer." This charges him
with the care and use of the signal flags and other apparatus, and he
should perfect himself in their rapid and accurate use.
The Third Mate should master the hand semaphore signals and should see
that at least two of the quartermasters are adept at this form of
communication. Such knowledge is of the greatest use when in convoy with
men-of-war, and can be made use of in a hundred different ways while
lying at anchor, or when communicating with other vessels or the shore.
So many seamen are now familiar with the semaphore alphabet that it has
become one of the handiest means of talking at sea over moderate
distances, and its use at once stamps a vessel as being up to time.
He should also know the Morse Code and be able to send and read by the
blinker or Morse lamp.
This is used in convoy work instead of wireless.
+Bridge.+ The bridge, and the duties of the quartermasters on the bridge
and bridge deck, are generally delegated to the Third Mate, or to any
officer who may be junior to him. This means general upkeep and order. A
well-regulated and well-kept up bridge is a joy—the reverse is all too
common.