Seals have been sighted and the men are heading towards them. Each crew was divided into watches, generally four of thirty to seventy men each. Each watch was put in charge of a master watch who directed his men on the ice and was entirely responsible for them. He, in turn, appointed ice masters who were in charge of small groups of three to five men while on the ice. On returning to the ship the master watch would check with each ice master to make sure that all the men were accounted for and would report to the captain of their arrival on board. The master watch had responsibilities while the ship was at sea as well; he had to appoint a wheel crew to steer in their turn and he had to direct the stowing of pelts and the shifting of coal. Directly over the master watch was the second hand who generally looked after the operatIon on board ship and didn't go on the ice. (When the Newfoundland's crew were sent out on the ice March 31, 1914 the second hand was sent out in charge but this was unusual. See 27) Of course the ultimate responsibility rested with the captain.
