![]() A midshipman who became master's mate earned an increase in pay from £1 13s 6p to £3 16s per month, but initially reduced his chances at a commission. Though formally the rating did not lead to promotion to lieutenant, master's mates were paid more than any other rating and were the only ratings allowed to command any sort of vessel. Passed midshipmen awaiting promotion often elected to become master's mates. Second masters were given the first opportunity for master vacancies as they occurred. A second master was generally a master's mate who had passed his examination for master and was deemed worthy of being master of a vessel. ![]() They were paid significantly more than master's mates, £5 5s per month. Master's mates also acted as Second Master of vessels too small to be allocated a warranted Master. Second master was a rating introduced in 1753 that indicated a deputy master on 3rd rate ships of the line or larger. They were also responsible for the division of the crew that included the petty officers. Master's mates had to keep detailed logs similar to midshipmen. The master's mate with the highest seniority was appointed the head of the midshipman's berth and was responsible for teaching mathematics, navigation, and sailing lore. Master's mates generally assisted the master in navigating the ship and directly supervised the quartermasters in steering the ship. Normally master's mates worked on a three-watch system, with the lieutenants, so that one served as the deputy to the lieutenant on each watch. They executed the orders of the master, and would command in his place if he was sick or absent. They would examine the ship daily, notifying the master if there were problems with the sails, masts, ropes, or pulleys. They hoisted and lowered the anchor, and docked and undocked the ship. Master's mates were responsible for fitting out the ship, and making sure they had all the sailing supplies necessary for the voyage. Master's mates were allowed to command vessels, walk the quarterdeck, and mess in the gunroom with the other warrant officers. Master's mates were experienced seamen, and were usually selected from the ranks of the quartermasters, who they supervised, or from the ranks of midshipmen who wanted more responsibility aboard ship they were less commonly selected from other mates of warrant officers and able seamen. Master's mates were ranked under the master and above the quartermasters. Six master's mates were allowed on a first rate, three on a third rate, and two on most frigates. By the mid-eighteenth century, he was far more likely to be a superior midshipman, still waiting to pass his examination for lieutenant or to receive his commission, but taking rather more responsibility aboard ship. Originally, a master's mate was an experienced petty officer who assisted the master but was not in line for promotion to lieutenant. Master's mates evolved into the modern rank of sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy, while in the merchant service they evolved into the numbered mates or officers. Master's mate is an obsolete rating which was used by the Royal Navy, United States Navy and merchant services in both countries for a senior petty officer who assisted the master.
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