+Pilot Charts.+ The officer on watch can very profitably occupy his mind in studying the pilot charts furnished by the U. S. Hydrographic Office, they yield much useful data, and are specially useful in warning of the existence of derelicts, and their possible drift. +Derelicts.+ Trace out all derelicts shown in your path with their possible drift since last report. Always keep a sharp lookout for them, whether on the pilot chart or not. +Bridge.+ Many bridges are fitted with comfortable shelters at the wings—others with elaborate enclosures. A simple work desk should be provided, when only one officer is on watch, so he can work out bearings, etc., while on the bridge, facing ahead. +Useful Desk.+ The desk also serves as a handy table for his sextant, or for a cup of hot coffee—cabin style. +Quartermasters.+ Quartermasters are usually carried, and they are under the immediate charge of the officer of the watch. The care of the bridge, its neat and shipshape appearance, reflects credit, or otherwise, on the watch officers. +Bridge Etiquette.+ The etiquette of the bridge, in the Merchant Service, especially on the large liners, is as formal and stiff as that on any battleship. The heights of responsibility are always on high tension. In the lesser trades, on tramps and the like, officers are more lax, though they should be no less vigilant. Salutes are given and returned (on the liners) and uniform is worn. Relieving officer should be on bridge at least five minutes before eight bells. +Commissions M. M.+ The British Merchant Service is at the present time strongly advocating commissions, by the Government, for Merchant Marine Officers. With our Shipping Board, and with the growing control by military and naval authorities over merchantmen, some such plan might be advisable for American Merchant Marine Officers, and would undoubtedly help to elevate the standards, and bring the naval and mercantile services into closer harmony. +Standard Uniform.+ The British Merchant Service associations are also agitating the question of some sort of standard uniform for merchant service, officers and men. This is a good idea, and should be adopted by Americans. The writer, however, would not advise the adoption of the naval blouse. This is the property of the U. S. Navy. Merchant officers, if they adopt any sort of uniform, should provide themselves with something having pockets, and a roll collar, and less on the order of a princess gown. +Conclusion.+ The watch officers of a vessel should be as familiar as possible with the handling qualities of their vessel: Her turning circle. Her quickest turn—usually both screws ahead. Her shortest turn—inner screw slow astern and the way her head scends, under all conditions. See that the course is kept religiously—use small helm, be quick and courteous. Keep a sharp lookout for signals when passing craft at sea—Call Captain—and reply smartly. THE WATCH OFFICER—IN PORT