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Nelson and His Navy - Duties of the Master

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The Duty of the Master.

1. He is to repair on Board, and obey his Commanders Orders, for the Dispatch of what is to be done towards her fitting out.
2. He is to inspect the Provisions and Stores sent a Board, and of what appears not good, he is to acquaint the Captain.
3. He is to take care of the Ballast, and see that it be clean and wholesome, and sign the Quantity delivered.
4. He is to give his Directions in stowing the Hold, for the most Room, Trimming the Ship, and for Preservation of the Provisions.
5. He is to take singular Care that the Rigging and Stores be duly preserved; and to sign the Carpenter's and Boatswain's Expence Book, taking care not to sign to undue Allowances.
6. He is to navigate the Ship, under the Directions of his Superior Officer, and see that the Log and Log-Book be duly kept.
7. He is duly to obeserve the Appearances of Coasts; and if he discovers any new Shoals or Rocks under Water, to note them done in his Journal, with their Bearing and Depth of Water.
8. He is to keep the Hawser clear when the Ship is at Anchor.
9. He is to provide himself with proper Instruments, Maps, and Book of Navigation, and keep a regular Journal, nothing therein the going out and coming in of all Stores and Provisions; and when the Ship is laid up, he is to deliver a Copy of the same into the Navy-Office, together with his Log-Book.
10. He is to be very careful not to sign any Accounts, Books, Lists or Tickets, before he has thoroughly informed himself of the Truth of every Particular contained in the same.

The Duty of the Masters Mate.

1. The Mate shall take care of the fitting out of the Vessel, and before they put to Sea, shall examine whether it be sufficiently provided with Ropes, Pulleys, Sails, and all other Rigging necessary for the Voyage.
2. At the Departure he shall see the Anchor hoisted; and during the Voyage he shall visit once a day all the Tackle, high and low, and if he observes any thing amiss, he shall acquaint the Master.
3. He shall execute in the Vessel, and cause to be executed Day and Night, the Orders of the Master.
4. Arriving at a Port, he shall cause the Cables and Anchors to be repaired, and shall have the Care of the Management of the Sails, Yards and Mooring of the Ship.
5. In case of the Absence or Sickness of the Master, the Mate shall command in his place.