+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.
Most vessels now carry one or more junior officers, young men who have some sea experience and who have prepared themselves to a certain extent in navigation. Many of them come on board ship with a very hazy idea as to what it is all about. They are willing enough, but don't know where to begin. They would be glad to tail onto the starboard main t'gallant buntline, but don't know just where it is.
For such as these, the following random +Things to Do+ and to learn about are suggested:
+Do the things you are told to do, then—+
+1. Find our what quartermasters are doing.+
+2. Look after hand leads and lines, are they marked correctly—accurately?+
+3. See that log is ready for streaming, as soon as past the light ship, or other mark.+
+4. Find switch for running lights—are they in order?+
+5. Look up log book, see how it is kept, and if up to date.+
+6. See that note book on the bridge is handy.+
+7. See if the clock in the wheel house and chart room is correct.+