A bit of advice about the cook.  He’s likely to be temperamental and have his moods.  He needs help at meal time.  So keep him in good humor by mess cooking without griping and helping him get supplies.  He may serve you breakfast in bed some morning.  Generally, he’s a good gunner, too.  You’ll learn to count on “cookie”.

 

The galley stove with all its attachments and source of power must be known by everyone.  Above all, remember to have your generator running and galley switch “on” when the stove is operated.  Also bear in mind that finding and destroying the enemy is more important than a hot pot of Joe.  So don’t gripe if the galley must be secured to give the needed juice to the radio equipment.

 

In temperate zones and especially in the Tropics any food particles left about will attract insects and bugs.  Cockroach races are swell to watch but not when the race course is your bread box.  Aerosol bombs are used to fumigate the galley effectively.

 

The galley pump is the most used and abused pump aboard.  It is probably the only one you will ever have.  Be sure the packing is tight and that you do not pump while the faucet is closed.  Water on any naval vessel is valuable.  So also on a PT which is often based on an island with no fresh water supply.  A leaky fresh water pump will mean a serious loss.

 

Garbage disposal appears to be a simple procedure on a PT but there are rules.  Don’t clutter up the beaches near your anchorage with tin cans.  Punch holes in them.  The best method is to dump garbage overboard at sea, taking care that cans are punctured.  Guard against the loss of your garbage can.  It’s usually allowed to hang over the side to soak out.  Don’t forget to pick it up when your boat gets underway.  It’s wise to make a complete circuit inspection of the boat, just prior to getting underway, checking for fenders, buckets, hoses, clothes and lines that will foul the screws.

 

Day Room:  A large place which can accommodate four bunks easily and another sack set up in the center temporarily.  A half dozen army style cots should be carried to accommodate sleepers topside.  The day room is usually taken over by the engineers.  They often make it into an ideal clubhouse except that smoking is absolutely prohibited in the day room.

 

Self sealing Tanks:  Points to make note of on self sealing tanks:

If checking cell’s interior through the inspection door—wear a respirator!  Make certain tan compartment is well ventilated.  Always have someone stand by.  The toxic fumes from gas are dangerous.  Observe inspection periods and procedures.

In case of puncture or suspicion of damage to a cell, have it inspected and repaired within 72 hours by a competent repairman.

 

Notes for Quartermaster:  Keep charts in order, clean and do not erase reefs or allow water to eradicate them.  Your dividers are to pick off distances with and not to prick holes in the charts.  Plot courses well clear of navigational dangers.  The charts can be wrong in their location of reefs.  In particular, stay well clear of river deltas.  Many times they are not on your charts, and deltas are forever growing, shifting, and extending themselves.