SUBORDINATES.--There are a number of men, usually, in merchant vessels, who are not in any respect officers, but who differ from the common seamen in that they ship in particular capacities, and to perform certain duties. These are the carpenter, steward, cook, &c. Such persons are not to be degraded for slight causes, though the master unquestionably has the power to do so, upon sufficient grounds.[122] He may also require them to do duty, if necessary, before the mast. He may require them to take the place of persons who have been obliged to do their work,[123] but he cannot exact from them the duty of able seamen, unless they are such in fact. Repeated acts of disobedience, intemperance, and gross negligence, and evident incapacity for the duties undertaken, are justifying causes of removal.[124] In all other respects this class of persons stands upon the same footing with common seamen. They have the same privileges, and are under the same obligations and penalties.[125] [122] 4 Mason, 84. Ware, 109. [123] Ware, 109. [124] Ware, 109. [125] 2 Pet. Ad. 268. PILOTS.--When a pilot, who is regularly appointed, is on board, he has the absolute control of the navigation of the vessel.[126] He is master for the time being, and is alone answerable for any damage occasioned by his own negligence or default.[127] [126] 1 Johns. 305. [127] 1 Pet. Ad. 223. 1 Mason, 508. A pilot may sue in admiralty for his wages.[128] [128] 1 Mason, 508. A pilot cannot claim _salvage_ for any acts done within the limits of his duty, however useful and meritorious they may have been.[129] If towing is necessary, pilots are bound to perform it, having a claim for compensation for damages done to their boats, or for extra labor.[130] If extraordinary pilot service is performed, additional pilotage is the proper reward, and not salvage.[131] If, however, the acts done by the pilot are clearly without and beyond his duty as pilot, he may claim salvage.[132] [129] Gilpin, 60. 10 Peters R. 108. 2 Hagg. 176. [130] 2 Hagg. 176. [131] 2 Hagg. 176. [132] 1 Rob. 106. Gilpin, 60. CHAPTER VII. SEAMEN. SHIPPING CONTRACT. Shipping contract--how formed--how signed. Erasures and interlineations. Unusual stipulations.