+Inventories.+ The materials and tools of the deck department come under the immediate charge of the Chief Mate who should see that all inventories are correctly kept, and that the stores list is properly posted up from time to time. The correct list of unbroken ship's stores is very important, and must be produced when the vessel enters the customs. The following lists should be kept and checked under the supervision of the Chief Mate: A. Mooring lines, and hawsers—wire—manila—hemp. B. Tarpaulins—awnings—sails—dodgers—side screens—wind sails—ventilator covers—skylight covers—spare boat covers—mast covers, etc., C. Boatswain's stores, rope, gear, tools, etc. D. Carpenter's stores, tools, lamps, oils, etc. E. Paints—oils—turpentine—white lead—red lead—bitumastic—bottom composition—putty, brushes, graining tools, etc., etc. F. Cargo gear—in use, condition, location, etc. Spare gear—condition and where stowed. G. Ship's navigating gear (under care of Second Mate). H. Coaling gear, condition, where stowed. I. Life-saving equipment—boats, rafts and their complete equipment. When bread boxes were last filled—inspected, when breakers were last filled, etc. Life preservers—number—location—last inspected. Fire hose, when supplied length, and location of reels, nozzles, couplings, reducers, valves, etc. Fire extinguishers, kind—number—location—when charged last. Axes, number—location. Buckets—number—location. Smoke helmets, condition and where stowed. Extra tarpaulins. Also ring buoys, rockets, line-throwing gun, spare lines, projectiles, powder charges—sewed in bunting bags, and stowed in proper canister. Coston lights, number—kind. Wave oil, tanks and fittings. J. Ship's signal gear—flags—rockets—etc. (under charge of Third Mate). DUTIES IN PORT Having familiarized himself with his vessel, her complement, equipment, and stores, the Chief Mate is ready to take up his duties with full knowledge of the situation. The inspection of the vessel, from stem to stern, is a matter of some time and, in a large steamer, calls for repeated investigation. Every hole and tank and corner should be known to the Chief Mate, its condition, its contents, and its use. +Deck Crew.+ He must organize and supervise the routine work of the deck department of the vessel. Third Mate—forward holds, under immediate eye of Chief Mate. Second Mate—after holds. Boatswain, in active charge of crew at work on deck, over the side, and in holds. Carpenter, at work about ship, under orders from the Chief Mate. Quartermasters—gangway, bridge, and hold watches, under junior officers.