Steering, however, should be done by all hands, the quartermasters being relieved for at least half of their watch by one of the seamen. This practice would result in a largely increased number of competent helmsmen, and in an increased efficiency all round. Quartermasters should aim to become officers, and should devote as much of their time as possible to study, in which the deck officers are usually ready to assist. All quartermasters should be certified lifeboat men, and should be familiar with the handling of ship's boats. They should be charged with the overhauling of the required lifeboat equipment, under the direction of one of the officers. CHAPTER XXI THE CARPENTER The carpenter occupies an important position on board ship. He is one of the "idlers," works all day and turns in at night, like an ordinary human being; in other words, he stands no watches. His duties, of course, are defined by his title, but on a well-regulated vessel, the Carpenter, under orders from the Chief Mate, to whom he reports in person, performs certain standard tasks. +Sounding.+ He has charge of the sounding; sounds the bilges and tanks, and reports their condition each morning, or when specially ordered. In the event of grounding, or collision, one of the first things to do is to sound bilges and wells in the vicinity of the damage. This duty always falls to the Carpenter. +Tanks.+ Any work done to the tanks—not directly under the Chief Engineer—is attended to by the Carpenter. +Tools.+ The Carpenter is responsible for all tools used in the deck department—outside of marline spikes, fid, rigging screws, etc., which belong to the Boatswain. He takes care of his shop, keeps an inventory of his materials, and turns same in to the Chief Mate for approval. +Cargo Ports.+ The Carpenter should overhaul and attend to the opening and closing of all cargo ports. +Hatches.+ Hatches are opened and covered and the tarpaulins battened down by the Carpenter; he keeps an extra supply of hatch wedges in his shop. +Deadlights and Light Ports.+ The Carpenter is charged with the good order and care of all deadlights and light ports. He should examine all deadlights in 'tweendeck, where cargo has been carried. +Fresh Water.+ The Carpenter should examine all fresh water tanks before filling. He should see them cement washed, when necessary, and should be in attendance when fresh water is taken on board. When double-bottom tanks are being filled, he should see that vents are opened for the escape of air, so they will be completely filled. +Decks.+ The Carpenter is specially charged with the caulking and repair of wooden decks. He should keep a supply of deck plugs handy. Caulking is almost a lost art today.