+Next to Master.+ The Chief Mate is next in authority to the Master, and acts in his place during his absence. If the Master dies while the vessel is at sea, the Chief Mate assumes command, and is vested with all of the authority and responsibilities of that station, subject to the pleasure of the owners upon the arrival of the vessel in port. +He Reports for Duty.+ Upon receiving his appointment to a vessel as Chief Mate, it is the duty of that officer to report on board and present his credentials to the Master without delay. He should be ready to take up his duties at once, settling all of his private affairs before going on board. He should carry out any special orders that the Master may give. +Vessel in the Stream.+ If the vessel is in the stream the new Chief Mate should note the following: 1. Locate vessel on chart. 2. Verify depth of water and character of bottom. 3. How much chain out—what anchor? Is chain locked on windlass, or on riding chocks? 4. If moored, either bow or stern, inspect mooring wires; trappings; etc., see to means for slipping and hauling in. 5. Is the anchorage safe—at all times—at that season? 6. What weather—tide—current—sea, may be expected? 7. Examine windlass carefully—be certain you know how to work same +at night+. 8. Look to compressors—capstans—and anchor davits, if fitted. 9. Look to hand gear—that brake beams, bars, and stoppers are handy, and where located. 10. Look for fo'c'sle hose, and connection. Be ready to flush off a chain covered with mud, so there will be no delay when heaving in. 11. Look for docking telegraph—learn dial. 12. Have Deck Engineer and Carpenter inspect the windlass with you, get all the wrinkles you can about same. 13. Look for vessels near at hand. Is vessel clear of them when tide turns? 14. Is vessel loading or discharging? 15. Are lighters expected—which side—what cargo? 16. Are cork fenders and skids ready? 17. Are heaving lines handy? 18. Are lines ready for the lighters? 19. Look after gangway and side ladders. 20. Are cargo clusters in order—where kept? 21. Are riding lights in order? 22. Has anchor watch been set? 23. Is a working and life boat swung out and ready for lowering without delay? 24. If blowing, have drift lead over side, tend same, and watch bearings. +Vessel Alongside.+ If the vessel is alongside the new Chief Mate should note the following: 1. Look after mooring lines. 2. Are they adjusted to the rise and fall of tide? 3. Are they free from chafe? 4. Are they properly disposed—springs, breasts, bow and stern lines—this is an art. Can one watchman tend them? 5. Do they all bear an equal stress—this is important with wire hawsers. 6. If near wooden warehouses—see if a wire fire warp has been led. 7. Are the gangways safe? 8. If bow or stern projects beyond bulkhead line, are lights ready? 9. If twin-screw vessel, are propeller signs in place?