+Accidents; Damage to Cargo.+ Accidents resulting in loss of cargo, or damage to same due to the fault of the vessel's tackle, due to rain, washing of the ship's decks, discharge through leaking scuppers, are blamable to the Chief Mate and through him to the Master and owners of the vessel. +Stowage of Cargo.+ When stowing or discharging cargo the Chief Mate should keep in mind the trim and stability of the vessel. When any question as to her seaworthy condition arises, he should report the fact to the Master without delay. +Freeboard.+ The freeboard in American steamers is fixed by rules of the underwriters. The load line should not be submerged (except in fresh water, when the vessel is to go out in salt water. The Chief Mate should know the rule governing loading for a salt water voyage in a fresh water port). +Cargo Diagrams.+ In taking aboard cargo to be delivered at a number of different ports, the hold diagrams are very important. Such diagrams of cargo stowage should be prepared by the officer in charge of the holds and submitted to the Chief Mate for approval. +Invoices; Bills of Lading.+ The Chief Mate receipts for all consignments of cargo, when same is delivered on board in ports abroad, or where no provision is made for handling such details by the freight department of the company. In the tramp this duty is almost always placed upon the Chief Mate. He is responsible for the accuracy of his receipts, and that cargo signed for is in good condition and as represented—marks—numbers—etc., before allowing same to be stowed. Cargoes are usually accepted or rejected by the Mate on his own responsibility. (A case in point where sugar, in bags, was brought alongside on a lighter, all nicely stacked. Best bags on top tier. This sugar had been wet with salt water—and was rejected on inspection by "tasting" the bags of the second tier.) +Ventilation of Cargo.+ The Master is held responsible for the proper ventilation of cargo. This responsibility is of course delegated to the Chief Mate who personally is accountable to the Master for the careful carrying out of this requirement. +Kinds of Cargo.+ Cargoes are generally classified as "Measurement" and "Dead Weight" cargoes. Most cargoes are "General" or mixed. Then of course there are fluid cargoes, carried in bulk in tankers. The Chief Mate who knows his business, will have mastered the various "kinks" that go with the stowage and discharging of many kinds of cargo. It is only possible here to indicate, in a brief fashion, the things the Chief Mate should look after and know about.