At night, or from eight P. M. the two mates take turns to be four
hours each on deck, with or near the man at the wheel. They direct
the steering according to the captain’s orders, oversee the ship, and
report to the captain several times during the night as to wind and
weather. Two of the crew keep a lookout in the bows two hours at a time
watching against collisions and in some latitudes against ice. The law
of the road, “When you meet turn to the right,” is the law at sea.
The chances of collision are few. You wonder that you so unfrequently
meet a sail, especially remembering the long list in every paper of
arrivals, departures, vessels spoken. In thick weather, especially
while on a coast, the danger increases and a sharp lookout is the rule.