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.