 The steward's assistant also customarily sets out the "night lunches" for watchstanders preparing to start late night watches, as well as setting and clearing tables.A ship's galley, pantry, and eating areas are notoriously hard to keep clean and sanitary, and this activity keeps the steward's assistant busy for much of his time.The steward's assistant must clean the ship's mess and officer's saloon, and the gear in both.