After all drills—see everything secured—hoses dried out, extinguishers recharged—if used, axes, life belts, ring buoys, life preservers, etc. stowed. +Ground Tackle.+ The Chief Mate is charged with the good order and upkeep of the ground tackle. He should look after: Anchors. Chain. Riding chocks. Shackles. Pins. Forelocks. Markings (by turns of wire on studs), paint shackles white, as an aid in noting run of chain at night. Chain compressors. Stoppers. Chain should be ranged when in dry dock, if time permits, and locker cleaned out and painted. See that ends of the chains are lashed at the _top_ of the chain locker. The kedges and stream anchors should be where they can be got at. See that the necessary gear for getting them out is ready and stowed handy for use. The windlass is in charge of the engineers. The Chief Mate should understand its working, and the Carpenter should also understand it in every detail. See that the hand gear is in order and can be worked by the crew. It is a good plan to try this out when opportunity offers. When the emergency comes there is little time to drill. +When Coming to Anchor, or Heaving In.+ The Chief Mate takes his station on the f'c'sle head. He is in charge of the ground tackle. Anchoring. Report when anchors are ready to let go. When anchor has been let go, report chain out as the shackles come through the hawse. When the anchor is down, report chain out. Trend of chain, etc. Heaving in. Report "Short Stay." Report the shackles as they come to the water. Report "Anchor aweigh." Report "Anchor in sight"—"clear," or "foul anchor." Report anchor secured. Report both anchors ready for letting go. A smart Chief Mate manages his work on the f'c'sle head without any unnecessary singing out. In large ships the telegraph or whistle, or hand signals are used between the Master on the bridge and the Chief Mate. The "trend" of the chain, when heaving in, should be indicated to the bridge by direction of the hand. If heaving in in a tide way, this information is important, and the engines are used to assist in breaking out, while the vessel is given a proper sheer with the helm. +Coming Alongside.+ As in coming to anchor, the Chief Mate's station is on the forecastle head. He directs the handling of the vessel's forward lines, the operation of the capstans, etc. The Carpenter, Boatswain, and about half of the deck crew should be assigned to this end of the vessel. See all side ports closed or clear above string piece: Boats swung in if necessary, etc.