#work on deck

Working with ropes, by Stephen Beastie (1961-)

I have already written an overview of the daily routine at sea, but a few minor details should be mentioned here.

Let's assume our lieutenant is called to middle watch at 11.50 pm. Ten minutes is the usual time he is allowed to reach the deck. After receiving all orders, information, etc., he relieves the watch and has the watch marched up on deck after the watch has been reported and the wheel and lookouts relieved. In the meantime, he "gives the course through" to the man at the wheel, looks at the compass, which he will repeat frequently during the watch. After starting the watch, he takes a quick walk around the deck to see if the sails are trimmed properly, if the lookouts are set up correctly, and so on.

First Lieutenant Pullings observes the work on the quarterdeck, has an eye on the course and listens to the recommendations of the coxwain 

He then returns to his place on the quarterdeck, where he remains and passes on the orders and writes down the morning orders or generell orders for the next watch. He does not hand over any tasks to the next watch that he can do himself during his watch. During the watch, if necessary, orders are given to trim or unfurl the sails, and in the event of an accident, the person concerned is sent below deck to the Surgeon.

Half an hour before each meal the ship's cook reports to the mast and to the Officer of the watch, before breakfast and dinner, that "the drink is ready to be served", and at 11.30 he brings the dinner for inspection, breakfast being so served. If nothing has occurred to interfere with the regular meal times, he is instructed to serve. Unless there is enemy contact, then the gundeck is to be cleared and made ready for battle. In the event of rain, the officer of the watch has to ensure that the men move around carefully and, if necessary, ensure their safety on deck. Otherwise it was always a matter of being alert and keeping an eye on everything.