He had engaged a couple of Malays at Batavia to help in the work of navigating the ship, but besides being sailors these men were also good divers.

The majority of the other Malays were only useful as divers, and took no part in the working of the ship.

A native _serang_, or "boss," was appointed as chief, or foreman, over the Malays, and he was permitted to take with him his wife and her maid.

This "serang" had to be a first-class diver himself, and had also to be acquainted with the manoeuvring of a small boat.

He was also required to have a smattering of navigation generally.