Thanks for that pointer Les, I doubt if the book will be readily available out here where I am, but I can order it. Sounds like the sort of thing I'd like.

Only time in training that it was ever used in earnest was lowering then hoisting a ship's boat under "norwegian steam" with the old radial davits. The physical exercise was good for the soul and it taught team work. Apart from the order to "Heave" all other signals were given by hand and by Bosun's call.