Liberty ship manual

Joined: Mar 27, Posts: Thank you for sharing this! Nice job, too! Joined: Apr 13, Posts: 86 Location: cincinnati ohio. Joined: Dec 6, Posts: 2, I would use the link in nick's post instead.

GregMcFadden , Nov 25, NickMyers , Nov 29, NickMyers sure thing I put it out so people could buld it. This was my first ship design ever. After everything is apparently all right ask the fireman who is going off watch if he has had any trouble during his watch, and if there are any special orders for you from the engineer.

If all is found to be as it should be, take over the watch, relieving the fireman on duty of all responsibility. The fireman should never be lax or late in his inspection when relieving a watch. Always remember that when you relieve the other man, the full responsibility for the maintenance of the fireroom is yours for the next four hours.

Whatever conditions may exist, regardless of who is to blame, the responsibility will be yours alone. Always allow yourself enough time to make your complete inspection before eight bells ring in the engine room.

This marks the beginning and ending of the watches. Never make a man you are relieving remain below after his watch is over unless you find something wrong due to his negligence while he has been on watch. In this case do not relieve him until he has remedied the condition. After taking over the watch, the next problem is to make sure that everything goes smoothly during your watch.

Change over the suction and discharge strainers and clean the ones that have been in use, replacing them in the body of the strainer, and leave the strainer and floor plates around the strainers clean for the next watch. Next change all burners. These are changed alternately from boiler to boiler and never more than one in a boiler at a time.

While a burner is being changed it is out of use for the few minutes that it takes to complete the operation. During these few minutes, there is the same amount of water entering the boiler as before but there is less steam being made. Therefore an excess amount of water accumulates, raising the level in the boiler. After the burners have been changed and cleaned, the strainers changed and cleaned, and the watch is running smoothly, the fireman's duty is to make an inspection of the plant at definite intervals.

Don't just sit down and wait for your relief. Trouble is a thing that will come quickly to the lazy fireman. A small speck of dirt the size of a pin point can stop up a burner to the extent that the direction of the oil spray can be diverted enough to strike the brickwork of the furnace. This oil does not burn but cokes and forms carbon on the brickwork.

This carbon continues to build up and in the short period of a half-hour a piece of carbon large enough to completely block the burner opening can form. This will cause improper combustion in the furnace and soot will form on the tubes of the boiler causing considerable loss of efficiency and a lot of work.

The fireman must watch his plant at all times just as the engineer watches his. Each fireman is responsible for keeping a part of the fireroom in a neat and tidy condition. The particular part being known as your station. The painting, shining of bright-work, etc. However, this work is never in such a part of the fireroom that at any time the performance of these duties interfere with the safe operation of the boilers.

At all times, the fireman should be at a point where his water gage and steam pressure gage are visible. A fireman should do everything possible to maintain the boilers in a safe operating condition at all times with a maximum of efficiency. You should be familiar with the pipe lines and auxiliary machinery in the fireroom and know how to prevent and combat fires that may start at any time.

Keep a close watch on the stack for smoke, either by looking at the top of the stack itself or through the smoke density indicator. The watertender is carried aboard ships which have several boilers and where the tending of the water in the boilers requires constant attendance.

Some boilers, such as the Scotch boiler, although they require constant attention do not require that a change in the setting of the check valves be made often. Other boilers require frequent change in the setting of the check valves in order to maintain the proper water level in the boilers. The duties of the watertender include the following: Be thoroughly familiar with the construction of the boilers, the accessories connected with them, and know their purpose and operation.

The watertender must at all times be aware of the hazards incurred from low water and maintain a safe level in the boilers. Because the firing of the boiler directly affects the water level in the boiler, the watertender must direct the fireman in his duties.

This arrangement will enable survivors to keep the boat wetted down if it is necessary to pass through burning oil. This type of pump requires priming before it is used. The cap or plug should be replaced before putting the pump into operation.

Blankets -At least six woolen blankets are required to be carried. These blankets are for the use of sick and injured, and for the use of the members of the crew who have little or no protective clothing. It is desirable to stow blankets, in bags of two, in waterproof wraps. Lifesaving suits which protect men from exposure and keep their clothing dry are provided.

This is a most essential factor in survival. Warm clothing is worn by seamen when navigating the colder climates. Insofar as possible, every seaman should be fully clothed at all times, especially during drills. This applies even 10 in the warmer latitudes, as protection against exposure and the sun. Boat Hooks -2 boat hooks must be provided.

They should be stowed in the boat so as to be readily available. Bucket -1 galvanized iron bucket of two-gallon capacity, with lanyard attached. In large lifeboats additional buckets will be found useful. Canvas Hood and Side Spray Curtain -A canvas hood and side spray curtain provides shelter to the occupants of the boat.

The canvas hood extends from the stem to the mast. The side spray curtain extends from the after side of the canvas hood to the after part and extends a foot above the guide. It is held in place by rods installed in rowlock sockets. Chart -A current pilot chart of the water navigated must be provided in a metal container. Pencils and protractors are also very useful for problems of lifeboat navigation. Compass -1 liquid compass which, when in use, should be kept as high as possible and on the center line away from the keel and hull of the boat.

Daytime Distress Signals -4 smoke signals are required. These signals are designed to give a large volume Of orange or red colored smoke, which is very effective in attracting the attention of aircraft. These smoke signals should be thrown overboard to leeward. Distress Lights self-igniting distress lights which are to be carried in a watertight metal case. When ignited, the light should be held in a position to the lee side in order to prevent burning particles from falling on persons in the lifeboat.

Flares can be lashed to a boat hook or an oar in order to hold them higher in the air and away from the boat's pump. The greater height at which it is held, the greater is the distance at which it will be visible. Ditty Bag -1 canvas bag containing sail maker's palm, needles, sail twine, marline and marlinespike.

Drinking Cups -A total of 3 drinking cups, 2 of which shall be of the well-bucket type, to which a chain or lanyard shall be attached. This permits the cup to be dropped into the drinking water tanks. Drinking Water Containers -Drinking water shall be stowed in four separate tanks. These tanks shall carry a total of at least ten quarts of water per person in the boat.

Additional Liquids -When space in the lifeboat permits, additional liquids are recommended in the form of canned tomato juice, or canned unsweetened citrus fruit juices.

Juices are superior to food, when it is possible to carry them to augment the provisions and water required by the regulations. First Aid Kit -1 first aid kit to be packed in a metal container which shall include the following items:.

Fishing Kit -Each lifeboat shall carry a fishing kit to be opened only for actual emergency use. It consists of the following items:. Flashlight -1 flashlight to be contained in a portable watertight metal case. Watertight flashlights are now being developed for marine use and will be available shortly. Grab Rails -Grab rails shall be attached to each lifeboat and shall extend two-thirds of the length of the boat.

This regulation provides means for clinging to an overturned boat as 11 well as making a grip with which to exert a turning effort in righting the boat. The righting of an overturned lifeboat is not difficult to accomplish. All that is required is a group of men taking a constant strain on the girth lines, and at the same time taking advantage of the wind and the sea. Attachments -2 galvanized cups attached by lanyards at each end of the boat.

Illuminating Oil -1 gallon of illuminating oil in a metal container. Lantern -1 lantern containing oil and ready for immediate use, and 2 additional lamp wicks and waterproof container.

In no case should lanterns be carried in buckets. Lanterns should be stowed in the gear locker or stowed under thwarts. Life Line -A life line properly secured the entire length of each side festooned in lights with a seine float in each light.

Life Preservers -2 life preservers. These life preservers are in addition to the vessel's equipment of life preservers. The manila line which is provided by these regulations as part of the emergency equipment of such lifeboats could be used as a heaving line by making it fast to the preserver in such a way that it may be tossed to a man in the water.

In several instances men were lost who could have been saved had their shipmates remembered to use this equipment. Locker -Suitable lockers for the storage and preservation of small items of equipment. These lockers should be securely attached to the inside of the boat to prevent the ship's content coming adrift in the event the boat is swamped or capsized.

It is recommended that the following items of equipment be stowed in the locker:. Manila Line fathoms of fifteen-thread Manila line, preferably tarred. Mast and Sails -A mast or masts with which men sail and at suitable jib with gear for boat. The sails and gear are to be protected by a canvas cover. All sails are to be painted red or chrome yellow in color for the purpose of increasing their visibility on the water and from the air. Each mast should be fitted out with one fore stay and 2 side or back stays, preferably of wire.

Matches -3 boxes of friction matches in watertight containers. Oars -A complete complement of oars-2 oars and a steering oar with rowlock. Motor lifeboats and lifeboats fitted with propellers operated by hand shall be equipped with 4 oars and for steering, 1 oar. A steering oar should be painted with a distinctive coloring to prevent confusion when the oars are stowed. Painters -1 painter of Manila rope secured in the forward part of the boat with a strop and toggle so that it may be rigged as a sea painter and may be readily released from the boat.

Rig of Painter Under Wartime Conditions -Under peacetime conditions the boat's crew and the ship's officers can maneuver the ship, watch the sea, and await the most favorable opportunity for placing the boat on the water. The ship has no list nor is there the unavoidable confusion and noise attendant with the sinking and shifting of a vessel which has been torpedoed and is perhaps being shelled.

It is desired, therefore, to point out that in order to prevent the sea painter from causing the boat to sheer and yaw after it is on the water and the survivors are coming down the lifesaving net, over life lines, or down the falls on the boat, certain precautions are necessary.

Unless some means are provided to direct the pull exerted on the sea painter by the vessel's ahead motion to a point far enough forward in the lifeboat to decrease the tendency to sheer, serious accidents will occur. This is particularly true when the vessel is listed and the sea is moderately rough or choppy. To retain better control of the boat many masters and mates have fitted a strop of manila near the stem which can be passed over the sea painter and the free end passed under a thwart.

Between the time the boat hits the water and the instant that all are on board and it is decided to cast off, the strap being pulled taut will more properly tow the boat parallel with the vessel's side. This tendency to sheer can and should, of course, be regulated by the use of the rudder or steering oar. These precautions should be carefully explained to all officers and men and they should be drilled in its use.

Unless this is done, a repetition of serious accidents to boats after they are apparently safe over the side , with a consequent loss of life, may be expected. Plugs-Each lifeboat shall be fitted with an automatic plug. Drill holes fitted with automatic plugs shall be provided with 2 caps attached by chains.

Propeller Hand-Operated -All lifeboats having a capacity of sixty or more shall be fitted with a hand-operated propeller. Provisions -The following provisions should be provided for each person the boat is certified to carry:. These provisions shall be stowed in airtight receptacles. The packing of provisions in lifeboats should be done in a careful manner. Rectangular packages which are waterproof are better in that they stow more compactly. The amount of food rationed daily is governed by the officer-in-charge, taking into consideration the actual number of persons in the boat and the probable length of voyage.

Food should be eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly. Emergency rations will serve that purpose better if taken several times a day in small quantities rather than serving at one meal in a larger quantity. Rudder and Tiller -1 rudder and tiller to be fitted to the rudder.

Sea Anchor -A sea anchor of a circular pattern, the tip of which shall be arranged for securing a conical-shaped storm oil container. When using riding lines care should be taken that chafing will not take place where lining passes over the gunwale.

Where chafing is likely to take place the riding line should be well wrapped with canvas. It should be noted that in an emergency a bucket may be used as a sea anchor or drag. In the use of storm oil the flow can be regulated. Flow can he controlled by adjusting the opening of the pet cock. Signal flags should be provided with ties in order that they may be properly attached to a boathook or staff. It has been found that orange-colored objects are more visible on the water than any other color.

The inclusion of a signal flag has been found necessary in order to provide an object of high visibility that may be displayed-when friendly aircraft are sighted in order that the airmen may be able to see the lifeboat. Triced up to the mast it also serves a similar purpose for look-outs on passing vessels. In displaying the flag to be observed by airmen, the best method is for two men to hold each end of the flag and stretch it out taut and then move the short axis from a vertical to a horizontal position in order to give a flash of color which may attract the observer's eye.

Signal Mirrors -2 stainless steel mirrors coated with grease and wrapped in a watertight container. In order to use the signal mirrors most effectively, all seamen should familiarize themselves thoroughly with sighting instructions and technique.

Unless this method of aiming the mirror is used, the chances of the flash being seen by aircraft or ships are extremely remote. Signal Pistol -Each lifeboat is required to carry a signal pistol consisting of pistol with lanyard attached and 12 parachute signal cartridges. This equipment is to be contained in a portable watertight metal case.

Should friendly air or surface craft appear during the daytime, it may be desirable to fire a parachute flare from the signal pistol, as the smoke emitted, or the light may be sufficient to attract attention. Storm Oil -1 container holding one gallon of oil and so designed that it can be attached to the sea anchor.

Bullet Hole Plugs or more soft wood plugs contained in a canvas bag. Two or three pounds of rags should be placed in the locker or other suitable place for use in connection with plugs. Supplementary repair equipment may be carried at the discretion of the Master. Observer should face a point about halfway between the sun and the observed object. Hold the mirror in one hand about four inches from the face and sight the object to be signaled.

Hold the other hand about twelve inches behind the mirror in line with the sun and the hole through the mirror, so that a small spot of light appears on the hand.

The small spot of light on the hand is reflected on the back face of the mirror side toward the observer. Now tilt the mirror so that the spot of light on the back face of the mirror disappears through the hole in the mirror, at the same time keeping the observed object sighted through the hole in the mirror. With the mirror in this position the light rays from the sun will be reflected to the observed object.

Note: When the angle between the sun and the observed object is small, the spot of light will appear on the face of the observer, thus allowing both hands to be used in tilting the mirror. The portable radio should be stowed in a safe and accessible location designated by the Master. More than one man should be chosen to take care of getting the radio away and into the boat in an emergency. Do not use this radio in a lifeboat until sufficient time has elapsed to allow a submarine to proceed a reasonable distance from the scene of action.

Scott Fitzgerald - F. Southall Farrar - F. Silcox - Ferdinand Gagnon - Ferdinand R. Willard - Francis A. Retka - Francis A. Ogden - Francis C. Harrington - Francis D. Siltz - Francis E. Warren - Francis G. Newlands - Francis J. Blanchet - Francis Nash - Francis P. Parker - Francis W. Quinones - Francisco Morazan - Frank A. Munsey - Frank A. Kellogg - Frank B. Linderman - Frank C. Emerson - Frank D.

Dodd - Frank H. Evers - Frank J. Reed - Frank P. Walsh - Frank Park - Frank R. King - Franklin K. Stebbins - Fred E. Joyce - Fred Herrling - Frederic A. Eilers - Frederic A. Kummer - Frederic C. Hicks - Frederick Douglass - Frederick E.

Baetjer - Frederick H. Taylor - Frederick W. Simmons - [Furnifold-Furniford]. Lawson - George A. Marr - George A. McFarland - George B. Porter - George B. Childress - George C. Badger - George E. Hale - George E. Merrick - George E. Pickett - George E. Crawford - George G.

Himes - George H. Pendleton - George H. Powell - George H. Fitch - George Kenny - George L. Baker - George L. Curry - George L.

Farley - George L. Cohan - George M. Pullman - George M. Seger - George P. Holmes - George R. Boutwell - George S. Meyer - George W. Alther - George W. Childs - George W. Goethals - George W. Kendall - George W. Hutcherson - Gus W. Raymond - H. Weir Cook - Hadley F. Brown - Hall J. Kelley - Halton R. Jordan - Harold D. Whitehead - Harold Dossett - Harold H.

Brown - Harold I. Pratt - Harold L. Winslow - Harold O. Wilson - Harold T. Miller - Harvey Cushing - Harvey W. Scott - Harvey W. Payne - Henry C. Wallace - Henry Clay - Henry D. Lindsley - Henry D. Blood - Henry H. Richardson - Henry H. Sibley - Henry Hadley - Henry J. Raymond - Henry J. Abott - Henry L. Benning - Henry L. Ellsworth - Henry L.

Gantt - Henry L. Hoyt - Henry L. Rice - Henry M. Robert - Henry M. Stephens - Henry M. Foote - Henry S. Lane - Henry S. Sanford - Henry St. Tucker - Henry T. Rainey - Henry T. Scott - Henry V. Grady - Henry W. Helper - Hiram Bingham - Hiram S. Harvey - Horace H. Coffin - Howard Gray - Howard L. Gibson - Howard Stansbury - Howard T. Kilpatrick - Hugh L. Perrine - Completed as Eleftheria - I.

Van Nuys - Ida M. Scott - Irving W. Osgood - J. Ross - J. Yeager - J. Frank Cooper - J. Drummond - J. Curry - J. Pinckney Henderson - J. Rufino Barrios - J. Cullinan - AK Alderamin - J. Warren Keifer - J. Bayard - James A. Butts - James A. Drain - James A.

Aswell - James B. Bonham - James B. Duke - James B. Hickok - James B. Miller - James B. Stephens - James B. Doty - James D. Maguire - James G.

Couper - James H. Courts - Niki - James H. Kimball - James H. Lane - James H. Price - James H. Kelly - James J. Kelly - James K. Ackerson - James L. Gillis - James M. Goodhue - James M. Porter - James M. Grimes - James W. Johnson - James W. Wetmore - James W. Daily - Jeremiah M. Jones - Jerry S.