[Care of steeridge,]
In this poynt of steeridge, the Spaniards and Portingalls doe exceede
all that I have seene, I mean for their care, which is chiefest in
navigation. And I wish in this, and in all their workes of discipline,
wee should follow their examples; as also those of any other nation.
[exquisit in the Spanyards and Portingalls.]
In every ship of moment, upon the halfe decke, or quarter decke,[114]
they have a chayre or seat; out of which whilst they navigate, the
pilot, or his adjutants[115] (which are the same officers which in our
shippes we terme the master and his mates), never depart, day nor night,
from the sight of the compasse; and have another before them, whereby
they see what they doe, and are ever witnesses of the good or bad
steeridge of all men that take the helme. This I have seene neglected in
our best shippes, yet nothing more necessary to be reformed. For a good
helme-man may be overcome with an imagination, and so mis-take one poynt
for another;[116] or the compasse may erre, which by another is
discerned. The inconveniences which hereof may ensue, all experimented
sea-men may easily conceive, and by us take warning to avoyd the like.