Every officer should know the manoeuvering
powers of his own vessel, especially the size of
the turning circle, the time required to describe
it, and how close the ship will come to a marker
thrown over just before putting down the helm.
It will, of course, be understood that in turning,
speed must be regulated according to the condi-
tions of the weather. It would not do, for
example, to come up into a heavy sea at full
speed."

The Navy "Boat Book" says, speaking of
the duties of the men at the life buoys : "They
must, therefore, know how to let go the life
buoy, and when to let it go. . . . The question
as to when to let the life buoy go requires in-
telligence and composure. A cool, intelligent
lookout will let the buoy drop within a few
feet of the man overboard, while if somewhat
excited or if he does not clearly understand his
duties, he may drop it long before the man is
abreast the buoy, or long after he has passed.
At the call *Man overboard,' the life-buoy
lookout should endeavor instantly to ascertain
the side on which the man fell and to get sight



204 YACHTSMAN'S HANDBOOK

of him. Then drop the buoy as soon as possible
after the man is abreast the buoy, so that it will
be between him and the ship, toward which he
naturally faces and swims. . . . Signalmen,
previously detailed, man the rigging and keep
their eyes on the man in the water." Of course
in a large vessel a boat is lowered at once.
