Compiler on ship sees shambles (4)
I believe the answer is:
mess
'shambles' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'compiler on ship' is the wordplay.
'compiler' becomes 'me' (the person who is writing these clues).
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'ship' becomes 'SS' (prefix in ship names eg SS Great Britain).
'me'+'ss'='MESS'
'sees' is the link.
(Other definitions for mess that I've seen before include "Officers' restaurant - what a dump" , "State of confusion and disorderliness" , "Food-hall" , "Military dining area" , "Meal" .)