NAVIGATION (MARITIME CONVENTIONS).

No. 49 of 1934.

An Act to give effect to certain International Conventions, to amend the provisions of the Navigation Act 1912–1926 relating to matters dealt with by those Conventions, and to repeal section eight and amend section four hundred and nineteen of the said Act.

[Reserved, 6th August, 1934.]

[Royal confirmation, approval and assent proclaimed, 5th December, 1934.]

BE it enacted by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:—

Short title and citation.

1.—(1.)   This Act may be cited as the Navigation (Maritime Conventions) Act 1934.

(2.)  The Navigation Act 1912–1926 is in this Act referred to as the Principal Act.

(3.)  The Principal Act, as amended by this Act, may be cited as the Navigation Act 1912–1934.

Commencement.

2.    This Act shall commence on a date to be fixed by Proclamation after the King’s approval thereto has been proclaimed in the Commonwealth.

 

Definitions.

3.    Section six of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by omitting from the definition of “Passenger” the words “the master and crew or the owner, his family or servants, carried on board a ship with the knowledge or consent of the owner, agent or master thereof” and inserting in their stead the words—

“(a) the master and crew, or the owner, his family or servants, carried on board a ship with the knowledge or consent of the owner, agent or master thereof; and

M.S.A. 1932, s. 33.

(b) any person on board the ship either in pursuance of the obligation laid upon the master to carry shipwrecked, distressed or other persons or by reason of any circumstances which neither the master nor the owner nor the charterer (if any) could have prevented or forestalled”;

(b) by inserting in the definition of “Go to sea”, after the word “sea” (first occurring), the words “or ‘proceed to sea’”; and

(c) by omitting the definition of “The Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea”.

Administration.

4.    Section eight of the Principal Act is repealed.

5.    After section forty of the Principal Act the following sections are inserted:—

Minimum age for employment at sea.

“40a.—(1.) A person shall not engage another person for service at sea in any capacity unless the superintendent is satisfied that that other person has attained the age of fourteen years:

Provided that this sub-section shall not apply to service in ships where only members of the same family are employed, or to service in any training ship approved by the Director.

(2.)  A person shall not engage another person for service at sea in the stokehold of a steamship, in the capacity of fireman or trimmer, unless the superintendent is satisfied that that other person has attained the age of eighteen years:

Provided that this sub-section shall not apply to service in any training ship approved by the Director.

Medical examination of young persons employed as sea.

“40b.—(1.)   A person shall not engage or re-engage any person under the age of eighteen years for service at sea in any capacity unless the person under the age of eighteen years produces to the superintendent a certificate signed by a medical inspector of seamen, or, at a port at which there is no medical inspector of seamen, by a duly qualified medical practitioner, that he is physically fit for service at sea in that capacity:

Provided that this sub-section shall not apply to service in ships where only members of the same family are employed.

 

(2.) A certificate of fitness granted under the last preceding sub-section shall have force for a period of one year, but may be renewed from year to year by indorsement by a medical inspector of seamen, or, at a port at which there is no medical inspector of seamen, by a duly qualified medical practitioner, after medical examination of the holder thereof.”.

6.    The Principal Act is amended by inserting after section forty-six the following section:—

Insertion in agreement of particulars as to load line.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 51.

“46a.—(1.) In the case of a ship registered in Australia and required by this Act to be provided with a load line certificate, there shall be inserted in the agreement, before it is signed by any member of the crew, the particulars as to the position of the deck-line and load lines specified in the certificate.

(2.)  A superintendent shall not proceed with the engagement of the crew of a ship to which this section applies until—

(a) there is produced to him the load line certificate for the time being in force in respect of the ship; and

(b) he is satisfied that the particulars required by this section have been inserted in the agreement.”.

Right to wages in case of termination of service by wreck.

(cf. 15 and 16 Geo. 5 ch. 42, s. 1.)

7.    Section eighty-five of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by inserting in sub-section (1.), after the word “ship” (first occurring), the words “(other than a river and bay ship)”; and

(b) by omitting paragraph (b) of sub-section (1.) and the two provisoes thereto and inserting in their stead the following paragraph, proviso and sub-section:—

“(b) to wages, in respect of each day on which he is in fact unemployed during a period of two months from the date of the termination of the service, at the rate to which he was entitled on that date:

Provided that a seaman shall not be entitled to receive wages under this section—

(i) if the owner shows that the unemployment was not due to the wreck or loss of the ship; nor

(ii) in respect of any day if the owner shows that the seaman was able to obtain suitable employment on that day.

(1a.) In this section ‘seaman’ includes every person employed or engaged in any capacity on board the ship, but, in the case of a ship which is a fishing boat, does not include any person who is entitled to be remunerated only by a share in the profits or the gross earnings of the working of the boat.”.

 

Division Headings.

8.    The list of Division Headings, appearing in Part IV. of the Principal Act, before section one hundred and eighty-seven, is amended by inserting, after the words and figures “Division 2.— Steamships, ss. 193–206a.”, the words and figures—

“Division 2a.—Sailing Ships, s. 206b.

Division 2b.—Safety Convention Requirements, ss. 206c–206h.”.

Application

9.    Section one hundred and eighty-seven of the Principal Act is amended by inserting after the word “shall” the words “, except where otherwise expressed,”.

10.  Section one hundred and eighty-seven a of the Principal Act is repealed and the following section inserted in its stead:—

Definitions.

“187a.—(1.)     In this Part of this Act, unless the contrary intention appears—

‘The Safety Convention’ or ‘The Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea’ means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea signed in London on the thirty-first day of May One thousand nine hundred and twenty-nine (a copy of which is set forth in Schedule VI. to this Act), and includes any Convention, amending or superseding that Convention, to which the Commonwealth of Australia is a Party;

M.S.A. 1932, preamble.

‘The Load Line Convention’ means the International Load Line Convention signed in London on the fifth day of July One thousand nine hundred and thirty (a copy of which is set forth in Schedule VII. to this Act), and includes any Convention, amending or superseding that Convention, to which the Commonwealth of Australia is a Party;

Ibid.

‘Construction regulations’ means such of the regulations made under this Act as prescribe the matters with respect to which a surveyor must be satisfied before he states in a declaration of survey that a passenger steamship is fit to ply on any particular voyage or class of voyages;

M.S.A. 1932, s. 38.

‘Country to which the Safety Convention applies’ means—

(a) a country the Government of which has been declared by the Minister, by notification in the Gazette, to have ratified or acceded to the Safety Convention, and has not been so declared to have renounced that Convention; and

(b) a country to which it has been so declared that the Safety Convention has been applied under the provisions of Article 62 thereof, not being a country to which it has been so declared that that Convention has ceased to apply under the provisions of that Article;

M.S.A. 1932, ss. 37 and 38.

 

M.S.A. 1932, ss. 65 and 66.

‘Country to which the Load Line Convention applies’ means—

(a) a country the Government of which has been declared by the Minister, by notification in the Gazette, to have ratified or acceded to the Load Line Convention, and has not been so declared to have denounced that Convention; and

(b) a country to which it has been so declared that the Load Line Convention has been applied under the provisions of Article 21 thereof, not being a country to which it has been so declared that that Convention has ceased to apply under the provisions of that Article;

M.S.A. 1932. s.38.

‘Declaration of survey’ means a declaration made by a surveyor, in the prescribed form, with respect to the survey of a passenger vessel under this Act;

‘International voyage’, for the purposes of this Part (other than Division 5 thereof), means a voyage from a port in one country to a port in another country, at least one of those countries being a country to which the Safety Convention applies;

‘International voyage’, for the purposes of Division 5 of this Part, means a voyage from a port in one country to a port in another country, at least one of those countries being a country to which the Load Line Convention applies;

‘Short international voyage’ means an international voyage in the course of which a ship does not go more than two hundred miles from land;

‘International coasting voyage’ means an international voyage in the course of which a ship does not go more than twenty miles from land;

Cf. s. 38.

‘Life-saving regulations’ means regulations made under this Act with respect to the life-saving appliances to be carried by ships or classes of ships;

M.S.A. 1932, s. 73;

Safety Conv. Art. 2 (3).

‘Passenger steamship’ means a steamship which carries more than twelve passengers;

s. 38.

‘Safety Convention ship’ means a ship belonging to a country to which the Safety Convention applies, and the expression ‘Safety Convention passenger steamship’ shall be construed accordingly;

 

s. 38.

‘Special passenger trade’ means a trade in relation to which the Minister has modified the construction regulations or the life-saving regulations;

M.S.A. 1932, s. 23 (a).

‘Sub-division load line’ means the load line indicating the depth to which a passenger steamship may be loaded having regard to the extent to which she is sub-divided and to the space for the time being allotted to passengers;

Cf. s. 38.

‘Survey regulations’ means the regulations made under section one hundred and ninety-one of this Act, prescribing the manner in which surveys of passenger steamships shall be made;

Cf. s. 38.

‘Wireless telegraphy regulations’ means regulations made under section two hundred and thirty-one of this Act;

M.S.A. 1932, s. 73 (2).

Safety Conv. Art. 4 (2).

(2.)    Any reference in this Part of this Act to a ship constructed before or after any date shall be construed as a reference to a ship the keel of which was laid before or after that date, as the case may be.

(3.)    In construing the word ‘voyage’ as used in this section—

(a) no account shall be taken of any deviation by a ship from her intended voyage due solely to stress of weather or any other circumstance which neither the master nor the owner nor the charterer (if any) of the ship could have prevented or forestalled; and

(b) every colony, overseas territory, protectorate or territory under suzerainty, and every territory in respect of which a mandate has been accepted on behalf of the League of Nations, shall be deemed to be a separate country.”.

Power to exempt ships.

M.S.A. 1932, ss. 21 (2), 67 (2).

11.  Section one hundred and eighty-eight of the Principal Act is amended by adding at the end thereof the following sub-section:—

“(2.)   Notwithstanding anything contained in the last preceding sub-section the provisions of this section, and any proclamation issued thereunder, shall, after the expiration of three months from the commencement of this sub-section, cease to apply to Safety Convention ships plying on international voyages in respect of the exemption of those ships from—

(a) in the case of passenger steamships—any provision of this Act relating to the survey of ships, to life-saving appliances, to wireless telegraphy and to load lines; and

(b) in the case of other ships—any provision of this Act relating to wireless telegraphy and to load lines.”.

 

12.  Section one hundred and ninety-one of the Principal Act is repealed and the following sections inserted in its stead:—

Regulations as to surveys, &c.

Cf. M.S.A. 1932, s 1 (1) and (3). M.S.A. 1894, s. 724 (3).

“191.—(1.)        The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, as to the construction of passenger steamships, the manner in which surveys and inspections of ships shall be made, the equipment to be carried by ships or classes of ships, the conditions under which certificates of survey and of equipment and safety certificates may be granted and the grant of such certificates.

Safety Conv. Art. 5 and regs. I. to VII.

(2.)        Any regulations made under this section may be applied, in whole or in part or with such modifications as are prescribed, to ships registered in Australia or engaged in the coasting trade which do not ply on international voyages.

(3.)        The regulations shall include such requirements as are considered necessary to implement the provisions relating to construction, machinery, equipment, sub-division load lines and surveys which are contained in Chapter II. of the Safety Convention and in the Regulations referred to therein (except in so far as those provisions are otherwise implemented by this Act):

Provided that with the consent in writing of the Minister—

M.S.A. 1932, s. 1 (1) proviso; Safety Conv. Art. 4.

(a) any passenger steamship constructed before the first day of July One thousand nine hundred and thirty-one (not being a steamship converted to passenger service on or after that date) shall be exempt from compliance with any such requirement, if the Minister is satisfied that such steps, if any, as are reasonable and practicable have been taken to make the steamship comply with that requirement;

Ibid.

(b) any such requirement, in its application to passenger steamships plying on any international coasting voyage, may be modified, if, and to the extent to which, the Minister is satisfied that the risks incurred by passenger steamships plying on that voyage are such as to make it unreasonable or unnecessary to require steamships so plying to comply with that requirement;

Ibid.

(c) any such requirement, in its application to steamships for the time being engaged in any passenger trade in which they carry large numbers of unberthed passengers, may be modified, if the Minister is satisfied that compliance with that requirement by steamships so engaged is impracticable and to the extent that he is satisfied that modifications are required by the conditions of the trade; and

M.S.A. 1932, s. 1 (1) proviso.

(d) any such requirement of the construction regulations which implement the provisions of the Safety Convention contained in Regulations IX., X., XV. and XIX. thereof, in their application to any steamship plying

 

on short international voyages, may be modified, if, and to the extent to which, the Minister is satisfied that the requirement is neither reasonable nor practicable in the case of that steamship.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 15 (3); Safety Conv. Art. 51.

(4.) The regulations made under this section—

(a) may prescribe the form of the certificates issued under this Part;

(b) may make such provision as is necessary to give effect to the provisions of Article 51 of the Safety Convention; and

(c) may provide, as regards ships for which a certificate of survey and a safety certificate are both required, for the combining in one document of both those certificates.

Regulations—Discretion of Governor-General and Minister.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 68.

“191a.—(1.) Where under this Part the Governor-General is empowered to make such regulations as appear necessary for the purpose of implementing or giving effect to any of the provisions of the Safety Convention or Load Line Convention, the requirement shall, in the case of a provision the terms of which are such as to vest in the several Governments who are parties to the Convention a discretion as to whether any, and if so what, action should be taken thereunder, be construed as an authority to the Governor-General to make by regulation such provision (if any) with respect to the matter in question as the Governor-General in the exercise of that discretion thinks proper.

(2.)    Notwithstanding any regulation made under any provision of this Division for the purpose of giving effect to, or implementing, any provision of the Safety Convention or Load Line Convention which requires a particular fitting, appliance, or apparatus or type thereof, to be fitted or carried in a ship, or any particular provision to be made in a ship, the Minister may allow any other fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, to be fitted or carried, or any other provision to be made if he is satisfied that that other fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or provision, is at least as effective as that required by the Convention.

Power to amend to correspond with amendments of Safety or Load Line Convention.

M.S.A. 1932, ss. 34, 63.

(3.)        If any provision of the Safety Convention or of the Load Line Convention, in regard to which it is required by this Part that it shall be implemented or given effect by regulation under the Act, is amended in pursuance of Article 61 of the Safety Convention or of Article 20 of the Load Line Convention, as the case may be, the Governor-General may amend the regulation accordingly.

Signalling lamps.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 27; Safety Conv. Art. 46.

“191b.   Every ship registered in Australia, of over one hundred and fifty tons gross registered tonnage, when proceeding to sea on an international voyage shall be provided with a signalling lamp of a type approved by the Director.

Penalty, on owner or master: Twenty pounds.”.

 

13.  The Principal Act is amended by inserting in Division 1 of Part IV., after section one hundred and ninety-two, the following section:—

Foreign ships—Detention or proceedings in respect of—Notice to Consul.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 69.

“192a.   Where under this Part of this Act any foreign ship is detained, or proceedings are taken against the owner or master of a foreign ship, notice shall forthwith be served on the Consular officer for the country to which the ship belongs at or nearest to the port where the ship is for the time being, and such notice shall specify the grounds on which the ship has been detained or the proceedings have been taken.”.

Survey of steamships.

14.  Section one hundred and ninety-three of the Principal Act is amended by omitting the words “power of the Minister to extend the time for re-survey” and inserting in their stead the words “provisions of this Part”.

Uncertificated steamships not to proceed to sea.

15.  Section one hundred and ninety-seven of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by omitting from sub-section (l.) the words “a certificate of survey,” and inserting in their stead the words “the prescribed certificate of survey or of equipment, as the case may be,”;

(b) by inserting after sub-section (1.) the words “Penalty: One hundred pounds.”; and

(c) by omitting sub-sections (2.) and (3.).

16.  The Principal Act is amended by inserting after section one hundred and ninety-seven the following section:—

Modifications as to survey of passenger steamers holding Convention certificate.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 17.

“197a.—(1.)     A safety certificate granted in respect of a ship under this Act, or a valid Safety Convention certificate granted, in respect of a Safety Convention passenger steamship not registered in Australia, by or under the authority of the Government of the country to which the ship belongs, shall be accepted as having, for the purposes of this Act, the same force as a certificate of survey granted under this Act.

“(2.)      Where a valid Safety Convention certificate is produced in respect of a Safety Convention passenger steamship not registered in Australia, the survey of the steamship shall be limited to ascertaining the number of passengers which the steamship is fit to carry, and it shall not be necessary for the declaration of survey to contain any further particulars than those relating to the number of passengers.

“(3.)      Where a surveyor furnishes a declaration of survey as provided for in the last preceding sub-section, a certificate of survey shall be issued under this Act containing only a statement of the number of passengers which the steamship is fit to carry, and a certificate so issued shall have effect as a certificate of survey issued under this Act.

 

“(4.) Where the Minister is satisfied that, under the laws of any country, the number of passengers which a steamship is fit to carry is determined in substantially the same manner as in the case of a steamship registered in Australia, he may direct that on production, in respect of a Safety Convention passenger steamship registered in that country, of a valid Safety Convention certificate and also a certificate showing the number of passengers the steamship is fit to carry, the certificate last mentioned shall be accepted and shall have effect as a certificate of survey issued under this Act.”.

Cancellation of certificates.

17. Section one hundred and ninety-eight of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by omitting from paragraph (b) the words “or a safety certificate”;

(b) by omitting from paragraph (c) the words “or machinery” and inserting in their stead the words “, machinery or equipment”; and

(c) by omitting the words “or safety certificate”.

18.  The Principal Act is amended by inserting, after section one hundred and ninety-eight, the following section:—

Declaration of Survey.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 2.

“198a.   A declaration of survey in respect of a passenger steamship shall state, as regards construction, equipment and machinery respectively, the voyages or class of voyages on which, in the surveyor’s judgment, the steamship is fit to ply, and if in the judgment of the surveyor a passenger steamship is fit to ply on international voyages while engaged in a special passenger trade only, his declaration of survey shall state that fact.”.

Invalid certificates to be delivered up.

19.  Section two hundred of the Principal Act is amended by omitting the words “or safety certificate”.

Extension of time for resurvey.

20.  Section two hundred and one of the Principal Act is amended by inserting after the word “survey” the words “or of equipment, as the case may be,”.

Extension of term of safety certificate.

21.  Section two hundred and one a of the Principal Act is repealed.

Overcrowding steamships.

22.  Section two hundred and two of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by omitting the words “of survey” (wherever occurring); and

(b) by inserting at the end thereof the following sub-section:—

“(4.) For the purposes of this section ‘the certificate of the ship’ means the safety certificate, certificate of survey or certificate of equipment (as the case may be) of the ship.”.

 

Recognition of other certificates.

23.  Section two hundred and four of the Principal Act is amended by inserting at the end of sub-section (1.) the following proviso:—

“Provided that any exemption granted by this sub-section to a steamship not carrying more than twelve passengers shall not operate to exempt the vessel from any prescribed requirement as to survey for a certificate of equipment under this Act.”.

Weight on safety valve.

24.  Section two hundred and five of the Principal Act is amended by omitting the words “steamship an undue weight, or any weight greater than the prescribed weight”, and inserting in their stead the words “ship an undue weight, or any weight greater than that fixed for that safety-valve by a surveyor”.

25.  After section two hundred and six a of the Principal Act the following Division Headings and sections are inserted:—

“Division 2a—Sailing Ships.

Application of Division 2 to sailing ships.

“206b.   The provisions of Division 2 of this Part, relating to steamships, shall, so far as they are applicable, be deemed to apply also to sailing ships over fifty tons gross registered tonnage, registered in Australia or engaged in the coasting trade, and those provisions shall accordingly be read, for the purposes of this Division, as if such sailing ships were included in the word ‘steamships’.

Division 2b.—Safety Convention Requirements.

Australian ships on International voyages—Certificates required.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 14.

“206c.—(1.)      After the expiration of three months from the commencement of this section, a ship registered in Australia, and being a passenger steamship or a ship of sixteen hundred tons gross registered tonnage or upwards, shall not proceed to sea on an international voyage from a port in Australia unless there is in force in respect of the ship—

(a) if the ship is a passenger steamship, either—

(i) a general safety certificate; or

(ii) a short voyage safety certificate; or

(iii) a qualified safety certificate and passenger steamship exemption certificate;

being a certificate or certificates which by the terms thereof is or are applicable to the voyage on which the ship is about to proceed and to the trade in which she is for the time being engaged;

(b) if the ship is not a passenger steamship, either—

(i) such certificate or certificates as would be required in her case by the foregoing provissions of this section if she were a passenger steamship; or

(ii) a wireless telegraphy certificate; or

(iii) a wireless telegraphy exemption certificate which by the terms thereof is applicable to the voyage on which the ship is about to proceed.

 

(2.)        If any ship to which this section applies proceeds, or attempts to proceed, to sea in contravention of this section—

(a) in the case of a ship, being a passenger steamship, the master or owner of the ship shall, without prejudice to any other remedy or penalty under this Act, be liable for each offence to a penalty not exceeding ten pounds for every passenger carried on board the ship, and the master or owner of any tender by means of which passengers are taken on board the ship shall for each offence be liable to a like penalty for every passenger so taken on board; and

(b) in the case of a ship not being a passenger steamship, the master or owner of the ship shall, for each offence, be liable to a penalty not exceeding one hundred pounds.

(3.)        The master of every ship to which this section applies shall produce to the officer of Customs from whom is demanded a clearance for the ship for an international voyage, the certificate or certificates required by the foregoing provisions of this section to be in force when the ship proceeds to sea, and a clearance shall not be granted, and the ship may be detained, until that certificate or those certificates is or are so produced.

(4.)        Where a passenger steamship exemption certificate or wireless telegraphy exemption certificate, issued in respect of any ship to which this section applies, specifies any conditions on which the certificate is issued and those conditions are contravened, the master or owner of the ship shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: One hundred pounds.

Non-Australian ships on international voyages—Certificate required.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 20.

“206d.   The master of every Safety Convention ship not registered in Australia (being a passenger steamship or a ship of sixteen hundred tons gross tonnage or upwards) shall produce to the officer of Customs from whom is demanded a clearance for the ship in respect of an international voyage from a port in Australia, a valid Safety Convention certificate, and a clearance shall not be granted, and the ship may be detained, until such a certificate is so produced.

Declaration of survey.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 3.

“206e.—(1.)      A declaration of survey in respect of a Safety Convention passenger steamship shall state, as regards construction, equipment and machinery respectively, the voyages or class of voyages on which, in the judgment of the surveyor, the steamship is fit to ply.

(2.)        If in the judgment of the surveyor a Safety Convention passenger steamship is fit to ply on international voyages while engaged in a special passenger trade only, his declaration of survey shall state that fact.

 

Alterations of ships after certificate granted.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 3.

“206f.—(1.)      If any ship to which this section applies is altered in respect of her hull, equipment or machinery in a manner which affects her efficiency or seaworthiness, the owner or master of the ship shall, as soon as possible after the alteration is made, give notice thereof in the form and to the person prescribed.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

(2.)        If the Minister has reason to believe that, since the making of the last declaration of survey in respect of any ship—

(a) any alteration as aforesaid has been made in the hull, equipment or machinery of the ship; or

(b) the hull, equipment or machinery of the ship has sustained injury or is otherwise insufficient, he may, without prejudice to action under any other power conferred by this Act, require the ship to be again surveyed to such extent as he thinks fit, and if such requirement is not met, may cancel the certificate granted in respect of the ship.

(3.)        For the purposes of this section the expression “alteration” in relation to the hull, equipment or machinery of a ship includes the renewal of any part thereof.

(4.)        This section applies to every ship, British or foreign (and whether a Safety Convention ship or not) to which any of the following certificates has been granted under this Act and is in force, namely, any safety certificate, certificate of survey or passenger steamship exemption certificate.

Safety Convention certificates.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 15; Safety Conv. Art. 52.

“206g.—(1.)     A safety certificate, wireless telegraphy certificate, or exemption certificate issued under this Part shall not be in force for more than one year from the date of its issue, nor after notice is given by the Minister to the owner, agent or master of the ship in respect of which it has been issued that he has cancelled the certificate.

(2.)        If a ship registered in Australia in respect of which any such certificate has been issued, is absent from Australia at the date when the certificate expires, the Minister, or any person authorized by him for the purpose, may, if it appears proper and reasonable so to do, grant such an extension of the certificate as will allow the ship to return to Australia, but no such extension shall have effect for a period exceeding five months from the said date.

(3.)        Any certificate issued under this Part, including a safety certificate combined in one document with a certificate of survey, may be signed on behalf of the Minister by any person authorized by the Minister for the purpose, and a certificate purporting to be so signed shall be admissible in evidence in any proceedings under this Act.

 

Safety Convention certificate—Issue by one Administration at request and on behalf of another.

M.S.A. 1932, ss. 15 (6) and 16 (1); Safety Conv. Art. 50.

“206h.—(1.)     The Minister may request the Government of a country to which the Safety Convention applies to issue a general safety certificate, a short voyage safety certificate or a wireless telegraphy certificate in respect of a ship registered in Australia, and a certificate issued in pursuance of such a request, and containing a statement that it has been so issued, shall have effect for the purposes of this Act as if it had been issued under this Act.

(2.)        The Minister may, at the request of the Government of a country to which the Safety Convention applies, issue a general safety certificate, a short voyage safety certificate or a wireless telegraphy certificate in respect of a ship of that country if he is satisfied in like manner as in the case of a ship registered in Australia that he can properly issue the certificate, and where a certificate has been issued at such a request it shall contain a statement that it has been so issued.

Regulations—Validity of certificates of overseas ships.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 16 (2); Safety Conv. Arts. 54 and 55.

(3.)        For the purpose of determining the validity in Australia of certificates purporting to be issued in accordance with the Safety Convention in respect of Safety Convention ships not registered in Australia, the Governor-General shall make such regulations as appear to him to be necessary for the purpose of giving effect to Article 55 of the Safety Convention, and for the purposes of the provisions of this Part relating to Safety Convention ships not registered in Australia, the expression ‘a valid Safety Convention certificate’ means a certificate or certificates complying with such of those regulations as are applicable in the circumstances.

Modification of certificates.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 16 (3); Safety Conv. Art. 56.

(4.)        Where a valid Safety Convention certificate is produced in respect of a Safety Convention passenger steamship not registered in Australia, and there is attached to the certificate a memorandum which—

(a) has been issued by or under the authority of the Government of the country to which the steamship belongs; and

(b) modifies for the purpose of any particular voyage, in view of the number of persons actually carried on that voyage, the particulars stated in the certificate with respect to life-saving appliances,

the certificate shall have effect for the purpose of that voyage as if it were modified in accordance with the memorandum.”.

Definition of unseaworthy.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 18 (b).

26.  Section two hundred and seven of the Principal Act is amended by adding at the end thereof the following proviso:—

“Provided that in the case of a Safety Convention passenger steamship, not registered in Australia, in respect of which a valid Safety Convention certificate is produced, the ship shall be deemed seaworthy, as regards the condition of her hull, equipment and machinery, unless it appears, on the report of a surveyor,

 

that she cannot proceed to sea without danger to the passengers or crew owing to the fact that her actual condition does not correspond substantially with the particulars stated in the certificate.”.

Costs against owner.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 70.

27.  Section two hundred and eleven of the Principal Act is amended by omitting from sub-section (2.) the words “was at the time of the detention unseaworthy” and inserting in their stead the words—

“(a) was at the time of the detention unseaworthy; or

(b) was detained in pursuance of any provision of Part IV. of this Act which provides for the detention of a ship until a certain event occurs,”.

28.  Sections two hundred and fifteen and two hundred and sixteen of the Principal Act are repealed and the following sections inserted in their stead:—

Regulations as to life-saving and fire extinction, &c.

Cf. M.S.A. 1932, s. 5. Safety Conv. Arts. 11–25.

“215.—(1.)  The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, as to the life-saving and fire appliances to be provided and carried by ships and as to matters incidental thereto (including the prescribing of all matters which are necessary or convenient for giving effect to so much of the provisions of the Safety Convention as relates to life-saving appliances and fire protection) and in particular with respect to—

Cf. M.S.A. 1894, s. 427.

(a) the arranging of the ships into classes, having regard to the services in which they are employed, the nature and duration of the voyage and the number of persons carried:

(b) the number and description of the boats, life-boats, life-rafts (and their equipment), buoyant apparatus, line-throwing appliances, life-jackets and life-buoys to be carried by ships, according to the class in which included;

Cf.; also M.S. (L.T.A.) Act, 1928, s. 1.

(c) the marking of boats, life-boats, life-rafts and buoyant apparatus as to dimensions and the number of persons authorized to be carried thereon;

M.S.A. 1932, s. 5.

(d) the manning of boats and life-boats and the qualifications and certificates of life-boat men;

(e) the provision to be made for mustering the passengers and crew and for embarking them in the boats and life-boats (including provision as to the lighting of, and as to the means of ingress to, and egress from, different parts of the ship);

(f) the practising of boat drills;

(g) the assignment of specific duties to each member of the crew in the event of emergency; and

(h) the methods to be adopted and the appliances to be carried for the prevention, detection and extinction of fire.

 

M.S.A. 1932, s. 11 (4).

(2.)    The Minister may, in respect to any passenger steamship constructed before the first day of July One thousand nine hundred and thirty-one, approve of compliance with the regulations in regard to life-saving appliances applicable on that date being accepted as compliance with the later regulations made under this section, if he is satisfied that such steps (if any) as are reasonable and practicable have been taken to make the steamship comply with those later regulations.

Cf. M.S.A. 1894, s. 430 (2) and (3).

(3.)    The penalty for a breach of any regulation made under this section, unless the subject of other proceedings under this Act or under other regulations made under this Act, shall be—

(a) on the owner (if in fault): One hundred pounds; and

(b) on the master (if in fault): Fifty pounds.

Exemption from regulations.

M.S.A. 1932. s. 4.

“216.—(1.)  The Minister may, on such conditions as he thinks fit, exempt any steamship constructed before the first day of July One thousand nine hundred and thirty-one, from any provision of the regulations, if and to the extent that he is satisfied that compliance with that provision is either impracticable or unreasonable in the case of that steamer.

(2.)  The Minister may, as respects passenger steamships plying on any international coasting voyage, modify any provision of the regulations, if and to the extent that he is satisfied that the risks incurred by steamships plying on that voyage are such as to make it unreasonable or unnecessary for such steamships to comply with that provision.

(3.)    The Minister may, as respects passenger steamships engaged in any passenger trade in which they carry large numbers of unberthed passengers, if he is satisfied that it is impracticable for steamships so engaged to comply with the said requirements, modify the provisions of the regulations in such manner as appears to him to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of paragraph 5 of Article 12 of the Safety Convention.

(4.)    The Minister may, in respect to any passenger steamship plying on short international voyages, make such modifications of the regulations as appear to him to be authorized by the provisions of the Safety Convention contained in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph 2 of Article 13, paragraph (4.) of Regulation XXXVI., paragraph (11.) of Regulation XXXVII., paragraph (2.) of Regulation XXXVIII., and Regulation XXXIX.

 

(5.)    For the purposes of the last four preceding sub-sections “the regulations” means the regulations made to give effect to the provisions of Chapter III. of the Safety Convention (relating to life-saving and fire appliances) and the regulations referred to therein.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 18 (a).

(6.)     A Safety Convention passenger steamship not registered in Australia, in respect of which a valid Safety Convention certificate is produced, shall be exempt from the provisions of the regulations in regard to life-saving and fire appliances made under the last preceding section.

(7.)     In the case of a British ship (other than a Safety Convention ship) not registered in Australia and not engaged in the coasting trade, it shall be deemed compliance with regulations made under the last preceding section if she complies with the regulations of the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom on the same subject-matter.

Cf. M.S.A. 1906, s. 6.

(8.)        As regards ships other than those provided for in the preceding sub-sections of this section, and not being Safety Convention ships, the Minister may, if he thinks fit, exempt, from any regulation made under the last preceding section, any ship which he is satisfied complies substantially with the requirements of that regulation.

Modification of certificate in respect of life-saving appliances.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 12.

“216a.—(1.)     If, on any international voyage, a passenger steamship, registered in Australia, in respect of which a safety certificate is in force, has on board a total number of persons less than the number stated in that certificate to be the number for which the life-saving appliances on the steamship provide, the Minister or any person authorized by him for the purpose, may, at the request of the master of the steamship, issue a memorandum stating the total number of persons carried on the steamship on that voyage, and the consequent modifications which may be made for the purpose of that voyage in the particulars with respect to life-saving appliances stated in the certificate, and that memorandum shall be annexed to the certificate.

(2.)  Every such memorandum shall be returned to the Minister at the end of the voyage to which it relates.

Penalty: Twenty pounds.”.

Offences as to appliances, &c.

29.    Section two hundred and seventeen of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by inserting in paragraph (a) of sub-section (1.) after the word “life-saving” the words “and fire”;

(b) by inserting in paragraph (b) of sub-section (1.) after the word “life-saving” the words “or fire”;

(c) by inserting in paragraph (c) of sub-section (1.) after the word “life-saving” (wherever occurring) the words “or fire”;

 

(d) by inserting in paragraph, (d) of sub-section (1.) after the word “life-saving” the words “and fire”; and

(e) by adding at the end thereof the following sub-section:—

Cf. Customs Act.

“(2.) In any proceedings under this section against an owner or master for having sent or taken his ship to sea, or permitted his ship to go to sea, without being provided with life-saving and fire appliances as prescribed, the averment of the prosecution, contained in the information, as to a deficiency in the appliances carried by the ship, shall be deemed to be proved in the absence of proof to the contrary.”.

Regulations.

30.  Section two hundred and seventeen a of the Principal Act is repealed.

31.  Sections two hundred and eighteen to two hundred and twenty-seven (inclusive) of the Principal Act are repealed and the following sections inserted in their stead:—

“Preliminary.

Exemptions.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 40.

“218.—(1.)     The following ships are exempt from this Division, namely—

(a) limited coast-trade sailing ships under fifty tons net register;

(b) ships exempted under sub-section (2.) of this section subject to compliance with such conditions as the Minister may think fit;

(c) ships solely engaged in fishing; and

(d) pleasure yachts.

(2.)    The Minister may, on such conditions as he thinks fit, exempt from this Division—

(a) any ship plying between near neighbouring ports in Australia if he is satisfied that the sheltered nature and conditions of the voyages between those ports make it unreasonable or impracticable to apply the provisions of this Division to ships so plying; and

(b) any class of steamships under eighty tons net register, engaged solely in the coasting trade, so long as they do not carry cargo.

Classification of ships for load line purposes.

M.S.A. 1932. s. 41.

“218a.—(1.)     In this Division, ships which are not exempt under the provisions of the last preceding section, are referred to as ‘load line ships’.

(2.)    For the purposes of this Division load line ships are divided into two classes as follows:—

(a) international load line ships, that is to say, ships of one hundred and fifty tons gross registered tonnage or upwards which carry passengers or cargo; and

 

(b) local load line ships, that is to say—

(i) ships of one hundred and fifty tons gross registered tonnage or upwards which do not carry cargo or passengers; and

(ii) ships of less than one hundred and fifty tons gross registered tonnage.

(3.)     International load line ships belonging to countries to which the Load Line Convention applies are hereinafter referred to as ‘Load Line Convention ships’.

Marking and Submersion of Load Lines.

Load line regulations.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 42.

“219.—(1.)   The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of Articles 6 to 10 inclusive of the Load Line Convention and Annex I. and Annex II. thereto (which regulations are in this Act referred to as ‘the load line regulations’).

(2.)     Any regulations made under the last preceding sub-section may be applied, in whole or in part or with such modifications as are prescribed, to load-line ships registered in Australia or engaged in the coasting trade which do not engage in international voyages.

(3.)     Such of the regulations as are made—

(a) when applied to ships engaged on international voyages, to give effect to Part II. of Annex I. to the Load Line Convention; or

(b) when applied to other ships, to give the force of law to the requirements set out in that Part,

are in this Act referred to as ‘the conditions of assignment’.

Marking of deck and load lines.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 43.

“219a.—(1.)     A load line ship registered in Australia, being a ship constructed after the thirtieth day of June One thousand nine hundred and thirty-two, shall not proceed to sea unless—

(a) the ship has been surveyed in accordance with the load line regulations; and

(b) the ship complies with the conditions of assignment; and

(c) the ship is marked on each side with a mark (hereinafter referred to as a ‘deck-line’) indicating the position of the uppermost complete deck as defined by the load line regulations, and with marks (hereinafter referred to as ‘load lines’) indicating the several maximum depths to which the ship can be safely loaded in various circumstances prescribed by the load line regulations; and

(d) the deck-line and load lines are of the description required by the load line regulations, the deck-line is in the position required by those regulations, and the load lines are of the number required by such of those regulations as are applicable to the ship; and

 

(e) the load lines are in the position required by such of the load line regulations as are applicable to the ship.

(2.)  A load line ship, registered in Australia, being a ship constructed before the first day of July One thousand nine hundred and thirty-two, shall not proceed to sea unless—

(a) the ship has been surveyed and marked in accordance with paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) of sub-section (1.) of this section; and

(b) the ship complies with the conditions of assignment, in principle and also in detail, so far as, in the opinion of the Minister, is reasonable and practicable having regard to the efficiency of the protection of openings, the guard rails, the freeing ports and the means of access to the crew’s quarters provided by the arrangements, fittings and appliances existing on the ship at the time when she is first surveyed under this section; and

(c) the load lines are either in the position required by paragraph (e) of sub-section (1.) of this section, or in the position required by the tables used by the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom on the thirty-first day of December One thousand nine hundred and six, for fixing the position of load lines, subject to such modifications of those tables and of the application thereof, approved by the Board of Trade under section four hundred and thirty-eight of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, as were in force immediately before the fifth day of July One thousand nine hundred and thirty.

(3.)  If any ship to which this section applies proceeds or attempts to proceed to sea in contravention of this section, the master or owner thereof shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: One hundred pounds.

(4.)  If any ship to which this section applies attempts to proceed to sea without being surveyed and marked as required by this section, she may be detained until she has been so surveyed and marked.

(5.)  Any ship to which this section applies, which does not comply with the conditions of assignment to the extent required in her case by this section, shall be deemed to be an unseaworthy ship for the purposes of section two hundred and ten of this Act.

Submersion of load lines.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 44.

“219b.—(1.)      A load line ship registered in Australia shall not be so loaded as to submerge in salt water, when the ship has no list, the appropriate load line on each side of the ship, that is to say, the load line indicating or purporting to indicate the maximum depth to which the ship is for the time being entitled under the load line regulations to be loaded.

 

(2.)  A load line ship registered in Australia shall not, while in a port in Australia, be so loaded that when, in the course of the voyage about to be entered upon, she would in ordinary circumstances enter an area in which under the load line regulations a lesser maximum depth of loading is permissible, she would then, when having no list, submerge in salt water the load line indicating or purporting to indicate that lesser maximum depth of loading.

(3.)  If any such ship is loaded in contravention of this section, the owner or master of the ship shall for each offence be liable to a fine not exceeding One hundred pounds, and to such additional fine, not exceeding the amount specified in the next succeeding sub-section, as the court thinks fit to impose, having regard to the extent to which the earning capacity of the ship was, or would have been, increased by reason of the submersion.

(4.)  The additional fine which may be imposed under the last preceding sub-section shall not exceed One hundred pounds for every inch or fraction of an inch by which the appropriate load line on each side of the ship was submerged, or would have been submerged if the ship had been in salt water and had had no list.

(5.)  In any proceedings against an owner or master in respect of a contravention of this section, it shall be a good defence to prove that the contravention was due solely to deviation or delay, being deviation or delay caused solely by stress of weather or other circumstances which neither the master nor the owner nor the charterer (if any) could have prevented or forestalled.

(6.)  Without prejudice to any proceedings under the foregoing provisions of this section, any ship which is loaded in contravention of this section may be detained until she ceases to be so loaded.

Offences as to marks.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 45.

“219c. If—

(a) the owner or master of a bad line ship registered in Australia, which has been marked in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Division, fails without reasonable cause to keep the ship so marked; or

(b) any person conceals, removes, alters, defaces or obliterates, or suffers any person under his control to conceal, remove, alter, deface or obliterate any mark placed on any such ship in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Division, except with the authority of a person entitled under the load line regulations to authorize the alteration of the mark, or except for the purpose of escaping capture by an enemy,

he shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: One hundred pounds.

 

Certificates.

Issue of load line certificates and effect thereof.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 47; Load Line Conv. Arts. 11–13.

“220.—(1.)   Where a load line ship registered in Australia has been surveyed and marked in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Division and complies with the conditions of assignment to the extent required in her case by those provisions, there shall be issued to the owner of the ship, on his application, and on payment of the prescribed fee—

(a) in the case of an international load line ship, a load line certificate (in this Division referred to as ‘a Load Line Convention certificate’); and

(b) in the case of a local load line ship, a load line certificate (in this Division referred to as ‘an Australian load line certificate’).

(2.)  Every such certificate shall be issued either by the Minister or by a person thereto authorized in writing by him, and shall be issued in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the load line regulations.

(3.)  Any such certificate purporting to be signed by the Minister, or by an authorized person, shall be admissible in evidence.

(4.)  The load line regulations shall make such provision with respect to Load Line Convention certificates as appears to be necessary, having regard to the provisions of Rules IV. and LXVIII. of the Load Line Convention, for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of Article 13 of that Convention.

(5.)  The Minister may request the Government of a country to which the Load Line Convention applies to issue a Load Line Convention certificate in respect of a Load Line Convention ship registered in Australia, and a certificate issued in pursuance of such a request, and containing a statement that it has been so issued, shall have effect, for the purpose of this Division, as if it had been issued by the Minister.

(6.)  Where a load line certificate issued in pursuance of this section and for the time being in force, is produced in respect of a ship, the ship shall, for the purpose of the foregoing provisions of this Division, be deemed to have been surveyed as required by those provisions, and, if the deck-line and load lines on the ship are of the number and description required by the load line regulations, and the position of the deck-line and load lines corresponds with the position specified in the certificate, the ship shall be deemed to be marked as Required by those provisions.

Duration, renewal and cancellation of certificates.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 48. Load Line Conv. Art. 14.

“220a.—(1.)     Every load line certificate issued by or under the authority of the Minister shall, unless it is renewed in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2.) of this section, expire at the end of such period, not exceeding five years from the date of its issue, as is specified therein.

 

(2.)  Any load line certificate issued under this Act may, after a survey on each occasion not less effective than the survey required by the load line regulations before the issue of the certificate, be renewed from time to time by the Minister, or by any person authorized by the Minister to issue a load line certificate, for such period (not exceeding five years on any occasion) as the Minister or person thereto authorized by him thinks fit.

(3.)  The Minister may cancel any load line certificate issued under this Act, in force in respect of a ship, if he has reason to believe that—

(a) material alterations have taken place in the hull or superstructures of the ship which affect the position of the load lines; or

(b) the fittings and appliances for the protection of openings, the guard rails, the freeing ports or the means of access to the crew’s quarters have not been maintained on the ship in as effective a condition as they were in when the certificate was issued.

(4.)  The owner of every ship in respect of which a load line certificate has been issued under this Act shall, so long as the certificate remains in force, cause the ship to be surveyed in the prescribed manner once at least in each year after the issue of the certificate, for the purpose of seeing whether the certificate should remain in force, having regard to the last preceding sub-section, and if the ship is not so surveyed the Minister shall cancel the certificate:

Provided that the Minister may, in any particular case, if he thinks fit, extend the period specified in this sub-section.

(5.)  Where any load line certificate issued under this Act has expired or been cancelled, the owner or master of the ship to which the certificate relates shall, on demand by the Minister, forthwith deliver up the certificate to him or as he directs.

Penalty: Ten pounds.

(6.)  If the owner or master of the ship fails or refuses to deliver up, on demand by the Minister, any expired or cancelled load line certificate relating to the ship, the ship may be detained until the demand has been complied with.

Ships not to proceed to sea without certificate.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 49.

“221.—(1.)  An international load line ship, registered in Australia, shall not proceed to sea unless there is in force, in respect of the ship, a Load Line Convention certificate.

(2.)  A local load line ship, registered in Australia, shall not proceed to sea unless there is in force, in respect of the ship, an Australian load line certificate.

 

(3.)  The master of every bad line ship registered in Australia shall produce to the officer of Customs from whom a clearance or transire is demanded, the certificate which is required by this section to be in force when the ship proceeds to sea, and a clearance or transire shall not be granted, and the ship may be detained, until that certificate is so produced.

(4.)  The master of any ship which proceeds, or attempts to proceed, to sea in contravention of this section shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: One hundred pounds.

Publication of load line certificate.

M.S.A. 1933, s. 50 (1).

“221a.   When a load line certificate has been issued under this Act in respect of a load line ship registered in Australia—

(a) the owner of the ship, on receipt of the certificate, shall forthwith cause it to be framed and posted upon some conspicuous place on board the ship, and to be kept so framed and posted up and legible so long as the certificate remains in force and the ship is in use; and

(b) the master of the ship, before making any other entry in the official log-book, shall enter therein the particulars as to the position of the deck-line and load lines specified in the certificate.

Penalty: Twenty pounds.

Publication of particulars as to depth of loading.

M.S.A. 1933, s. 50 (2).

“222.—(1.)  Before any load line ship registered in Australia leaves any dock, wharf, harbour or other place for the purpose of proceeding to sea, the master thereof shall—

(a) enter in the official log-book such particulars relating to the depth to which the ship is, for the time being, loaded as are prescribed; and

(b) cause a notice, in the prescribed form and containing such of the said particulars as are prescribed, to be posted up in some conspicuous place on board the ship, and to be kept so posted up and legible until the ship arrives at some other dock, wharf, harbour or place.

Penalty: Twenty pounds.

(2.)  The regulations may exempt from all or any of the provisions of sub-section (1.) of this section any specified classes of ships, engaged exclusively in the coasting trade.

Special Provisions as to Load Line Convention Ships not registered in Australia.

Load line certificates of Convention ships not registered in Australia.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 52.

“222a.—(1.) The Minister may, at the request of the Government of a country to which the Load Line Convention applies, issue a Load Line Convention certificate in respect of an international load line ship of that country, if he is satisfied, in like

 

manner as in the case of a ship registered in Australia, that he can properly issue the certificate, and, where a certificate is issued at such a request, it shall contain a statement that it has been so issued.

(2.)  For the purpose of determining the validity in Australia of certificates purporting to have been issued in accordance with the Load Line Convention in respect of Load Line Convention ships not registered in Australia, the Governor-General may make such regulations as appear to him to be necessary for the purpose of giving effect to Article 17 of the Load Line Convention, and for the purposes of the provisions of this Part of this Act relating to Load Line Convention ships not registered in Australia the expression ‘a valid Load Line Convention certificate’ means a certificate complying with such of those regulations as are applicable in the circumstances.

Inspection and control of Convention ships not registered in Australia.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 53.

“223.—(1.)  A surveyor may go on board any Load Line Convention ship not registered in Australia, when within any port in Australia, for the purpose of demanding the production of any load line certificate for the time being in force in respect of the ship.

(2.)  If a valid Load Line certificate is produced to the surveyor on any such demand, the surveyor’s powers of inspecting the ship with respect to load line shall be limited to seeing—

(a) that the ship is not loaded beyond the limits allowed by the certificate;

(b) that the position of the load lines on the ship corresponds with the position specified in the certificate;

(c) that no material alterations have taken place in the hull or superstructures of the ship which affect the position of the load lines; and

(d) that the fittings and appliances for the protection of openings, the guard rails, the freeing ports and the means of access to the crew’s quarters have been maintained on the ship in as effective a condition as they were in when the certificate was issued;

and for the purposes of such inspection the surveyor shall have all the powers of a surveyor under this Act.

(3.)  If it is found on any such inspection that the ship is loaded beyond the limits allowed by the certificate, the ship may be detained and proceedings may be taken against the master or owner thereof under the provisions of this Division relating to the submersion of load lines on ships not registered in Australia.

(4.)  If it is found on any such inspection that the load lines on the ship are not in the position specified in the certificate, the ship may be detained until the matter has been, rectified to the satisfaction of the surveyor.

 

(5.)  If it is found on any such inspection that the ship has been so materially altered in respect of the matters referred to in paragraphs (c) and (d) of sub-section (2.) of this section, that the ship is manifestly unfit to proceed to sea without danger to human life, the ship shall be deemed to be unseaworthy for the purposes of section two hundred and ten of this Act:

Provided that where the ship has been detained under that section, the Minister shall order the ship to be released as soon as he is satisfied that she is fit to proceed to sea without danger to human life.

(6.)  If a valid Load Line Convention certificate is not produced to the surveyor on demand as provided in this section, the surveyor shall have the same power of inspecting the ship, for the purpose of seeing that the provisions of this Division have been complied with, as if the ship were a ship registered in Australia.

(7.)  For the purposes of this section a ship shall be deemed to be loaded beyond the limits allowed by the certificate if she is so loaded as would submerge in salt water, if the ship had no list, the appropriate load line on each side of the ship, that is to say, the load line appearing by the certificate to indicate the maximum depth to which the ship is for the time being entitled under the Load Line Convention to be loaded.

Certificates of Convention ships to be produced to Customs.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 54.

“223a.   The master of every Load Line Convention ship not registered in Australia shall produce to the officer of Customs from whom a clearance or transire for the ship from any port in Australia is demanded—

(a) in a case where clearance is demanded in respect of an international voyage—a valid Load Line Convention certificate; and

(b) in a case where clearance or transire is demanded in respect of any other voyage—either a valid Load Line Convention certificate or an Australian load line certificate for the time being in force in respect of the ship;

and a clearance or transire shall not be granted, and the ship may be detained, until the certificate required by this section is so produced.

Modification of provisions of Act for exemption of ships not registered in Australia.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 55.

“224.     Section one hundred and eighty-eight of this Act and any proclamation issued under that section shall cease to apply to Load Line Convention ships plying on international voyages, in respect of the exemption of those ships from any of the provisions of this Division.

General Provisions as to Ships not registered in Australia.

Survey, marking and conditions of assignment in case of ships not registered in Australia.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 56.

“224a.—(1.)  The provisions of section two hundred and nineteen a of this Act shall subject to the provisions of sub-sections (2.) and (3.) of this section apply to load line ships not registered in Australia, proceeding or attempting to proceed to sea from ports

 

in Australia, in like manner as they apply to load line ships registered in Australia.

(2.)  Section two hundred and nineteen a of this Act shall not apply to a Load Line Convention ship not registered in Australia, if a valid Load Line Convention certificate is produced in respect of the ship.

(3.)  Subject to the provisions of the last preceding sub-section, a foreign ship which does not comply with the conditions of assignment, to the extent required in her case by section two hundred and nineteen a, shall be deemed to be unseaworthy for the purpose of section two hundred and ten of this Act.

Submersion of load line on ships not registered in Australia.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 57.

“225.   The provisions of section two hundred and nineteen b of this Act shall apply to load line ships not registered in Australia, while they are within any port in Australia, in like manner as they apply to load line ships registered in Australia, subject to the following modifications, namely:—

(a) a Load Line Convention ship shall not be detained, and proceedings shall not be taken against the owner or master thereof, by virtue of that section, except after an inspection by a surveyor as provided in this Division; and

(b) the expression ‘the appropriate load line’, in relation to any ship not registered in Australia, shall mean—

(i) in the case of a Load Line Convention ship in respect of which there is produced on inspection by a surveyor a valid Load Line Convention certificate, the load line appearing by the certificate to indicate the maximum depth to which the ship is for the time being entitled under the Load Line Convention to be loaded; and

(ii) in any other case, the load line which corresponds with the load line indicating the maximum depth to which the ship is, for the time being, entitled under the load line regulations to be loaded, or, if no load line on the ship corresponds with the load line indicating such maximum depth, the lowest load line thereon.

Inspection of ships not registered in Australia.

M.S.A. 1932, ss. 46 and 53.

“225a.   A surveyor may, for the purpose of seeing that the provisions of this Division have been complied with, inspect any load line ship not registered in Australia (not being a Load Line Convention ship) while within any port in Australia, and for the purpose of any such inspection shall have all the powers of a surveyor under this Act.

 

Load line certificates of ships not registered in Australia.

M.S.A. 1932. s. 59.

“226.—(1.)   The provisions of sections two hundred and twenty and two hundred and twenty a of this Act, relating to the issue, effect, duration, renewal and cancellation of Australian load line certificates, shall apply to load line ships not registered in Australia in like manner as they apply to load line ships registered in Australia, subject to the following modifications, namely:—

(a) any such certificate may be issued in respect of an international load line ship in like manner as in respect of a local load line ship, but so that any such certificate issued in respect of a Load Line Convention ship shall only be valid so long as the ship is not plying on international voyages, and shall be endorsed with a statement to that effect, and shall be cancelled by the Minister if he has reason to believe that the ship is so plying; and

(b) the survey required for the purpose of seeing whether the certificate should remain in force shall take place when required by the Minister.

(2.)    Where he is satisfied—

(a) either—

(i) that, by the law in force in any part of His Majesty’s dominions outside Australia provision has been made for the fixing, marking and certifying of load lines on British ships (or any class or description of British ships) registered in that part of His Majesty’s dominions; or

(ii) that such provision has been made by the law in force in any foreign country with respect to ships (or any class or description of ships) of that country, and has also been so made (or it has been agreed that provision shall be so made) for recognizing Australian load line certificates as having the same effect in ports of that country as certificates issued under the said provision; and

(b) that the provision for the fixing, marking and certifying of load lines is based on the same principles as the corresponding provisions of this Division and is equally effective;

the Governor-General may, by Order, direct that load line certificates issued in pursuance of that provision in respect of British ships (or that class or description of British ships) registered in that part of His Majesty’s dominions, or in respect of ships

 

(or that class or description of ships) of that foreign country, as the case may be, shall have the same effect, for the purpose of this Division, as Australian load line certificates:

Provided that no Order made under this sub-section shall apply to Load Line Convention ships plying on international voyages.

(3.)  Sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (a) of the last preceding sub-section shall apply with respect to any foreign country in which, for the time being, His Majesty has jurisdiction, as if that country were a part of His Majesty’s dominions.

Certificates of ships not registered in Australia—Production to Customs.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 60.

“226a.   The master of every load line ship (other than a ship registered in Australia or a Load Line Convention ship not registered in Australia) shall produce to the officer of Customs, from whom a clearance or transire for the ship from any port in Australia is demanded, either an Australian load line certificate or a certificate having effect under this Act as such a certificate, being a certificate for the time being in force in respect of the ship, and a clearance or transire shall not be granted, and the ship may be detained, until the certificate required by this section is so produced.

Loading of Timber.

Carriage of timber deck cargo.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 61; Load Line Conv. Art. 6.

“227.—(1.)  The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, as to the conditions on which timber may be carried in any uncovered space on the deck of any load line ship (which regulations are hereinafter referred to as ‘the timber cargo regulations’).

(2.)  The timber cargo regulations shall contain such provision as appears to be necessary for the purpose of giving effect to paragraph 2 of Article 6 of the Load Line Convention, and, subject to such provision, may prescribe generally the conditions on which timber may be carried on the deck of any load line ship either on all voyages or on any particular class of voyages, and either at all seasons or at any particular season, and in particular may prescribe the manner and position in which the timber is to be stowed and the provision which is to be made on the chip for the safety of the crew.

(3.)  Subject to sub-section (4.) of this section, if any provision of the timber cargo regulations is contravened in the case of any load line ship registered in Australia the master of the ship shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Five hundred pounds.

(4.)  It shall be a good defence, in any proceedings against a master in respect of a contravention of the timber cargo regulations, to prove that the contravention was due solely to deviation or delay, being deviation or delay caused solely by stress of

 

weather or other circumstances which neither the master nor the owner nor the charterer (if any) could have prevented or forestalled.

(5.)  For securing the observance of the timber cargo regulations, a surveyor may inspect any load line ship carrying timber cargo in any uncovered space on her deck, and for that purpose shall have all the powers of a surveyor under this Act.

(6.)  The provisions of this section and the timber cargo regulations shall apply to load line ships, not registered in Australia, while they are within any port in Australia, in like manner as they apply to load line ships registered in Australia.”.

Ships to be furnished with distress signals.

32.  Section two hundred and twenty-eight of the Principal Act is amended by omitting the words “signals of distress” and inserting in their stead the words “means of making signals of distress”.

33.  Sections two hundred and twenty-nine and two hundred and thirty of the Principal Act are repealed and the following sections inserted in their stead:—

Signals of distress and urgency.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 25 (1) and (2).

“229.—(1.)   The Governor-General may make regulations prescribing the signals which shall, for the purposes of this Act, be signals of distress and urgency respectively, the circumstances in which any signal of distress or urgency may be used, the circumstances in which it shall be revoked, the speed at which any message sent by wireless telegraphy in connexion with any such signal shall be transmitted and generally making such provision as appears to the Governor-General to be necessary for the purpose of giving effect to Articles 42 and 43 of the Safety Convention and to Article 44 thereof so far as it relates to signals of distress and urgency.

(2.)  If the master of a ship, or any other person, uses or displays, or causes or permits any person under his authority to use or display—

(a) any signal declared under sub-section (1.) of this section to be a signal of distress or urgency except in the circumstances and for the purposes prescribed; or

(b) any private signal, whether registered or not, which is liable to be mistaken for any such signal of distress or urgency,

he shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Compensation for loss occasioned by improper use of signals.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 25 (3);

Safety Conv. Art. 42.

“230.     If any person uses a signal of distress or urgency in contravention of the provisions of the last preceding section he shall, in addition to any penalty incurred under that section, be liable to pay compensation for any labour undertaken, risk incurred or loss sustained in consequence of the signal having been supposed to be a signal of distress or urgency, and that

 

compensation may, without prejudice to any other remedy, be recoverable in the same manner as salvage is recoverable under Part VII. of this Act.”.

Wireless telegraphy apparatus.

Cf. M.S.A. 1932, s. 7 (3).

34.  Section two hundred and thirty-one of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by omitting from sub-section (1.) the words “Except as prescribed,” and inserting in their stead the words “Except as provided in this and the next succeeding section,”;

(b) by adding at the end of sub-section (2.) the following proviso:—

“Provided that in no case shall an exemption be granted in respect of a ship engaged on an international voyage except as provided for in Article 27 or Article 28 of the Safety Convention and the Annex to the last-mentioned Article.”;

(c) by omitting from paragraph (b) of sub-section (3.) the word “and”;

(d) by inserting at the end of sub-section (3.) the following paragraph:—

M.S.A. 1932, s. 7 (1).

“and (d) the entries to be made by the master in the official log-book relating to the operation of the wireless telegraph installation and the maintenance of the wireless telegraph service.”; and

s. 6 (1).

(e) by adding at the end of sub-section (3.) the following sub-sections:—

“(3a.) The regulations shall include such requirements as appear to be necessary to implement the provisions of Chapter IV. of the Safety Convention (except in so far as those provisions are otherwise implemented by this Act).

(3b.) The regulations may provide for the exemption from any or all of the requirements of this Division of ships or classes of ships to which the requirements of Chapter IV. of the Safety Convention, relating to wireless telegraphy, do not apply, or which, under that Convention, may properly be exempted from those requirements, and in particular for the exemption of—

(a) river and bay ships: and

Nav. (W. T.) Regs.

(b) limited coast-trade ships which in the course of their voyages do not proceed more than one hundred nautical miles from principal port of departure.

Wireless direction finder.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 6 (2); Safety Conv. Art. 47.

(3c.) On and after a date to be proclaimed, being not later than two years after the commencement of this sub-section, the wireless telegraph installation to be provided on passenger steamers of five thousand tons gross tonnage or upwards, engaging on an international voyage, shall include a wireless direction finding apparatus as required by Article 47 and paragraph 17 of Article 31 of the Safety Convention.

 

Cf. M.S.A. 1932, s. 8.

(3d.) The Minister may appoint any duly qualified officer of the Postmaster-General’s Department to be a wireless telegraphy surveyor for the purposes of this Act.

Surveys by wireless telegraphy surveyors.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 9.

(3e.) The survey under this Act for—

(a) a safety certificate,

(b) a certificate of survey, or

(c) a certificate of equipment,

of a ship required by this section to be provided with a wireless telegraph installation shall include a survey by a wireless telegraphy surveyor.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 19 (1).

(3f.) A Safety Convention ship not registered in Australia, in respect of which is produced a valid Safety Convention certificate showing that the ship is wholly exempt from the provisions of the Safety Convention relating to wireless telegraphy, shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.

(3g.) Notwithstanding anything contained in the last preceding sub-section—

(a) a wireless telegraphy surveyor may inspect the ship for the purpose of seeing that the wireless telegraph installation and the number of certificated operators and watchers carried on the ship correspond substantially with the particulars stated in the certificate; and

(b) if it appears to him that the installation or the number of operators and watchers does not correspond substantially with those particulars, and that in consequence the ship cannot proceed to sea without danger to the passengers and crew, he shall give notice in writing to the master pointing out the deficiency and stating what in his opinion is requisite to remedy the deficiency, and thereupon the Deputy Director may detain the ship until the deficiency has been made good:

Provided that in the case of a foreign ship, notice of the detention of the ship shall be given to the nearest consul of the country to which the ship belongs.”.

35.  The Principal Act is amended by inserting in Division 6a of Part IV., after section two hundred and thirty-one, the following section:—

Wireless telegraphy certificates.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 13.

“231a.—(1.)     If the Minister is satisfied that a ship registered in Australia (other than a passenger steamship or a ship for which a certificate of survey or a safety certificate is required) complies with the requirements of the Safety Convention relating to wireless telegraphy, he may issue to the owner of the ship a wireless telegraphy certificate, in the prescribed form, stating that the ship complies with these requirements.

 

Exemption certificates.

(2.)     Where any ship is exempted from any of the requirements of the Safety Convention relating to wireless telegraphy, or where a ship to which the Safety Convention does not apply is exempted from any requirements of this Division, the Minister, on application by the owner of the ship, may issue an exemption certificate in the prescribed form, stating that the ship is so exempted and specifying the voyages and conditions (if any) on which the ship is so exempted.”.

Compasses to be adjusted.

36.  Section two hundred and thirty-two of the Principal Act is amended by inserting after the word “Penalty”, appearing at the foot thereof, the words “, on master or owner”.

Collision, boat and fire drills.

37.  Section two hundred and thirty-five of the Principal Act is amended by inserting in sub-section (1.), after paragraph (b), the following paragraph:—

M.S.A. 1932, s. 5 (5).

“and, (c) on any occasion on which a drill is not practised as prescribed, enter in the official log book a statement of the reasons why such was not done.”.

38.    After section two hundred and fifty-three of the Principal Act the following section is inserted:—

Regulations as to dangerous goods.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 28; Safety Conv. Art. 24

“253a.—(1.)  The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, prescribing all matters necessary or convenient to be prescribed in regard to the carriage of dangerous goods in ships, and in particular in relation to—

(a) the classes of ships in which dangerous goods may be carried;

(b) the quantities of dangerous goods that may be carried from any port in Australia in such ships;

(c) the precautions to be observed in connexion with the loading and unloading of dangerous goods at any port in Australia; and

(d) the conditions as to packing and stowage of dangerous goods, and the ventilation of holds containing dangerous goods, loaded at any port in Australia.

Carriage of dangerous goods.

(2.)  No person shall send by, or carry in, any ship any dangerous goods which do not, or the packing, stowage or carriage of which does not, comply with such conditions as are prescribed.

Penalty: Three hundred pounds.”.

Rules for collisions, lights and signals.

39.    Section two hundred and fifty-eight of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by omitting from sub-section (1.) the words “and signals are to be” and inserting in their stead the words “are to be carried and exhibited, and what fog signals are to be carried and”; and

(b) by adding at the end thereof the following sub-sections:—

“(5.)   In any proceedings against a master of a ship for a breach of the regulations for the prevention of collisions, the Court shall hear the case with the assistance of one or more assessors of nautical experience drawn from the list of assessors appointed under Part IX. of this Act.

 

(6.)  Every assessor shall be paid, for his services, such fees and travelling expenses as are prescribed to be paid to assessors in attendance on a Court of Marine Inquiry.”.

40.    After section two hundred and fifty-eight a of the Principal Act the following section is inserted:—

Method of giving helm orders.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 29; Safety Conv. Art. 41.

“258b.—(1.)      No person on any ship registered in Australia or engaged in the coasting trade shall, when the ship is going ahead, give a helm or steering order containing the word “starboard” or “right”, or any equivalent of “starboard” or “right”, unless he intends that the head of the ship shall move to the right, or give a helm or steering order containing the word “port” or “left”, or any equivalent of “port” or “left”, unless he intends that the head of the ship shall move to the left.

Penalty: One hundred pounds.

(2.)  This section shall apply to all ships registered in Australia (in whatever trade engaged) and to all ships (wherever registered) engaged in the coasting trade while within Commonwealth jurisdiction, whether upon the high seas or in waters used by ships engaged in trade or commerce with other countries or among the States.

Penalty: Twenty pounds.”.

41.  Section two hundred and sixty-five of the Principal Act is repealed and the following section inserted in its stead:—

Wireless distress call—Obligation to render assistance.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 26; Safety Conv. Art. 45.

“265.—(1.)  The master of a ship registered in Australia, on receiving on his ship a signal of distress by wireless telegraphy from any other ship, shall proceed with all speed to the assistance of the persons in distress, unless he is unable, or in the special circumstances of the case considers it unreasonable or unnecessary, to do so, or unless he is released under the provisions of sub-section (3.) or sub-section (4.) of this section.

(2.)  The master of any ship in distress may, after consultation so far as possible with the masters of the ships which answer his signal of distress, requisition such one or more of those ships as he considers best able to render assistance, and it shall be the duty of the master of any ship registered in Australia, which is so requisitioned, to comply with the requisition by continuing to proceed with all speed to the assistance of the persons in distress.

(3.)  A master shall be released from the obligation imposed by sub-section (1.) of this section as soon as he is informed by the master of the ship requisitioned, or where more ships than one are requisitioned, all the masters of the ships requisitioned, that he is or they are complying with the requisition.

(4.)  A master shall be released from the obligation imposed by sub-section (1.) of this section and, if his ship has been requisitioned, from the obligation imposed by sub-section (2.) of this section, if he receives information that assistance is no longer required.

 

(5.)  If the master of a ship registered in Australia fails to comply with the foregoing provisions of this section, he shall be guilty of an indictable offence.

(6.)  If the master of a ship registered in Australia, on receiving on his ship a signal of distress by wireless telegraphy from another ship, is unable or, in the special circumstances of the case, considers it unreasonable or unnecessary, to go to the assistance of the persons in distress, he shall forthwith send a message by wireless telegraphy informing the master of that other ship accordingly, and enter in the official log-book his reasons for not going to the assistance of those persons.

Penalty, for an offence against this sub-section: One hundred pounds.

(7.)  Nothing in this section shall affect the provisions of section three hundred and seventeen a of this Act, and compliance by the master of a ship with the provisions of this section shall not affect his right, or the right of any other person, to salvage.”.

Report of dangers to navigation.

M.S.A. 1932, s. 24; Safety Conv. Art. 34.

42.  Section two hundred and sixty-nine a of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by omitting from paragraph (a) of sub-section (1.) the words “the wireless danger call specified in Schedule IV. to this Act, followed, as provided in that Schedule,” and inserting in their stead the words “the prescribed safety signal, followed ”;

(b) by omitting from sub-section (2.) the words “wireless danger call” and inserting in their stead the words “prescribed safety signal ”;

(c) by omitting from sub-section (4.) the words “the wireless distress call specified in Schedule IV. to this Act.” and inserting in their stead the words “any signal of distress by wireless telegraphy.”; and

(d) by adding at the end thereof the following sub-section:—

“(6.) The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, prescribing all matters necessary or convenient to be prescribed for the carrying out or giving effect to the provisions of this section and of Articles 34 and 44 (so far as the last-mentioned refers to safety messages) of the Safety Convention and of Regulation XLVI. of the Regulations annexed thereto, relating to the report of dangers to navigation.”.

Liability of master or owner of vessel under pilotage.

Cf. 2 and 3, Geo. 5, C. 31. s. 15.

43.  Section three hundred and fifty-one of the Principal Act is amended by omitting sub-section (2.) thereof and inserting in its stead the following sub-sections:—

“(2.) Notwithstanding anything contained in any Act or State Act, the owner or master of a vessel navigating under circumstances in which pilotage is compulsory shall be answerable for any loss or damage caused by the vessel or by any fault of the navigation of the vessel in the same manner as he would if pilotage were not compulsory.

 

(3.)  For the purposes of this section ‘pilot’ includes any pilot employed or licensed by any State Government, Marine Board or other State authority to pilot ships in any port or district in which the employment of a pilot is compulsory.”.

Seal of Minister.

44.  Section four hundred and nineteen of the Principal Act is amended by omitting the words “Minister for Trade and Customs” and inserting in their stead the words “Marine Administration— Minister”.

Wireless distress and danger calls.

45.  Schedule IV. to the Principal Act is repealed.

46.  After Schedule V. to the Principal Act the following Schedules are added:—

SCHEDULE VI.

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1929.

CHAPTER I.—PRELIMINARY.

Article 1.

The Contracting Governments undertake to give effect to the provisions of the present Convention for the purpose of promoting safety of life at sea, to promulgate all regulations and to take all other steps which may be necessary to give the present Convention full and complete effect.

The provisions of the present Convention are completed by Regulations contained in Annex 1., which have the same force and take effect at the same time as the present Convention. Every reference to the present Convention implies at the same time a reference to the Regulations annexed thereto.

Article 2.

Applications and Definitions.

1.    The provisions of the present Convention shall apply to ships belonging to countries the Governments of which are Contracting Governments, and to ships belonging to territories to which the present Convention is applied under Article 62, as follows:—

Chapter II.—(Construction) to passenger ships (mechanically propelled) on international voyages.

Chapter III.—(Life-saving Appliances) to passenger ships (mechanically propelled) on international voyages.

Chapter IV.—(Radiotelegraphy) to all ships engaged on international voyages except cargo ships of less than 1,600 tons gross tonnage.

Chapter V.—(Safety of Navigation) to all ships on all voyages.

Chapter VI.—(Certificates) to all the ships to which Chapters II.,III. and IV. apply.

2.    The classes of ships to which each Chapter applies are more precisely defined, and the extent of the application is shown, in each Chapter.

3.    In the present Convention, unless expressly provided otherwise—

(a) a ship is regarded as belonging to a country if it is registered at a port of that country;

(b) the expression “Administration” means the Government of the country in which the ship is registered;

(c) an international voyage is a voyage from a country to which the present Convention applies to a port outside such country, or conversely; and for this purpose every colony, overseas territory, protectorate or territory under suzerainty or mandate is regarded as a separate country;

(d) a ship is a passenger ship if it carries more than twelve passengers;

(e) the expression “Regulations” means the Regulations contained in Annex 1.

4.    The present Convention, unless expressly provided otherwise, does not apply to ships of war.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

Article 3.

Cases of Force Majeure.

No ship, which is not subject to the provisions of the present Convention at the time of its departure on any voyage, shall become subject to the provisions of the present Convention on account of any deviation from its intended voyage due to stress of weather or any other cause of force majeure.

Persons who are on board a ship by reason of force majeure or in consequence of the obligation laid upon the master to carry shipwrecked or other persons shall not be taken into account for the purpose of ascertaining the application to a ship of any provisions of the present Convention.

————

CHAPTER II.—CONSTRUCTION.

Article 4.

Application.

1.    This Chapter, except where it is otherwise expressly provided, applies to new passenger ships engaged on international voyages.

2.    A new passenger ship is a ship the keel of which is laid on or after 1st July, 1931. or a ship which is converted to passenger service on or after that date, all other passenger ships being described as existing passenger ships.

3.    Each Administration may, if it considers that the route and the conditions of the voyage are such as to render the application of the requirements of this Chapter unreasonable or unnecessary, exempt from the requirements of this Chapter individual ships or classes of ships belonging to its country which, in the course of their voyage, do not proceed more than 20 miles from the nearest land.

4.    In the case of a passenger ship which, in the course of its voyage, does not proceed more than 200 miles from the nearest land, the Administration of the country to which the ship belongs may allow relaxations from such of the requirements of Regulations IX., X., XV. and XIX., as may be proved to the satisfaction of the Administration to be neither reasonable nor practicable.

5.    In the case of existing passenger ships engaged on international voyages which do not already comply with the provisions of this Chapter relating to new passenger ships, the arrangements on each ship shall be considered by the Administration of the country to which the ship belongs, with a view to improvements being made to provide increased safety where practicable and reasonable.

6.    In the case of passenger ships engaged on international voyages which are employed in the carriage of large numbers of unberthed passengers in special trades, such, for example, as the pilgrim trade, an Administration, if satisfied that it is impracticable to enforce compliance with the requirements of this Chapter, may exempt such ships, when they belong to its country, from those requirements on the following conditions:—

(a) That the fullest provision which the circumstances of the trade will permit shall be made in the matter of construction.

(b) That steps shall be taken to formulate general rules which shall be applicable to the particular circumstances of these trades. Such rules shall be formulated in concert with such other Contracting Governments, if any, as may be directly interested in the carriage of such passengers.

7.    This Chapter does not apply to ships which are not mechanically propelled or to wooden ships of primitive build, such as dhows, junks, &c.

Article 5.

Watertight Subdivision of Ships.

1.    Ships shall be as efficiently subdivided as is possible having regard to the nature of the service for which they are intended. The requirements respecting subdivision are given in the following Articles and in the Regulations.

2.    The degree of subdivision provided for by these requirements varies with the length of the ship and with the service, in such manner that the highest degree of subdivision corresponds with the ships of greatest length primarily engaged in the carriage of passengers.

Schedule VI.—continued.

3.    Regulations I. to V. indicate the method to be followed in order to determine the degree of subdivision applicable to a ship.

4.    In order that the required degree of subdivision shall be maintained, a loadline corresponding to the approved subdivision draft shall be assigned and marked on the ship’s sides. A ship having spaces which are specially adapted for the accommodation of passengers and the carriage of cargo alternatively may, if the owners desire, have one or more additional loadlines assigned and marked to correspond with the subdivision drafts which the Administration may approve for the alternative service conditions. The freeboard corresponding to each approved subdivision loadline, and the conditions of service for which it is approved, shall be clearly indicated on the Safety Certificate. Subdivision loadlines shall be marked and recorded in the manner provided in Regulation VII.

Article 6.

Peak and Machinery Space Bulkheads, Shaft Tunnels, &c.

All ships shall be fitted with watertight forward and after peak bulkheads and with watertight bulkheads at the extremities of the machinery space, and, in screw ships, with watertight shaft tunnels or equivalent subdivision in accordance with the provisions of Regulation VI.

Article 7.

Construction, Testing, &c.

Regulations VIII. to XIII. and XV. to XXI. prescribe rules for—

(a) the construction and testing of subdivision bulkheads, inner bottoms, watertight decks, trunks, ventilators, fire-resisting bulkheads, &c.;

(b) the conditions governing openings in bulkheads, in the ship’s sides and in the weather deck, and the character and use of means which shall be provided for closing these openings;

(c) the tests and the periodical inspections and operation of the means of closing openings in bulkheads and in the ship’s side;

(d) exits from watertight compartments;

(e) pumping arrangements; and

(f) power for going astern and auxiliary steering apparatus.

Article 8.

Stability Test.

Every new passenger ship shall be inclined upon its completion and the elements of its stability determined. The operating personnel shall be supplied with such information on this subject as is necessary to permit efficient handling of the ship.

Article 9.

Entries in the Official Log Book.

A record of the closing and opening of watertight doors, &c., and of all inspections and drills, shall be entered in the official log book as required by Regulation XIV.

Article 10.

Initial and Subsequent Surveys of Ships.

The general principles which shall govern the survey of ships, whether new or existing, as regards hull, main and auxiliary boilers and machinery, and equipments, are stated in Regulation XXII. Each Contracting Government undertakes—

(1) to draw up detailed regulations in accordance with these general principles, or to bring its existing regulations into agreement with these principles;

(2) to secure that these regulations shall be enforced.

The detailed regulations referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be in all respects such as to secure that, from the point of view of safety of life, the ship is fit for the service for which it is intended.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

CHAPTER III.—LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES, ETC.

Article 11.

Interpretation.

For the purposes of this Chapter—

(a) the expression “new ship” means a ship the keel of which is laid on or after the 1st July, 1931, all other ships being described as existing ships;

(b) the expression “short international voyage” means an international voyage in the course of which a ship is not more than 200 miles from the nearest land;

(c) the expression “buoyant apparatus” means buoyant deck seats, or buoyant deck chairs, or any other buoyant apparatus excepting boats, life-buoys and life-jackets.

Article 12.

Application.

1.    This Chapter, except where it is otherwise expressly provided, applies to new passenger ships which are mechanically propelled and engaged on international voyages.

2.    Special provisions are laid down in Articles 13, 14, 19 and 25 with regard to new passenger ships engaged on short international voyages.

3.    Each Administration, if it considers that the route and the conditions of the voyage are such as to render the application of the full requirements of this Chapter unreasonable or unnecessary, may to that extent exempt from the requirements of this Chapter individual ships or classes of ships belonging to its country which, in the course of their voyage, do not go more than 20 miles from the nearest land.

4.    In the case of existing passenger ships which are mechanically propelled and engaged on international voyages and which do not already comply with the provisions of this Chapter relating to new passenger ships, the arrangements on each ship shall be considered by the Administration of the country to which the ship belongs, with a view to securing, so far as this is practicable and reasonable, compliance with the general principles set out in Article 13 not later than the 1st July, 1931, and substantial compliance with the other requirements of this Chapter.

5.    In the case of passenger ships which are mechanically propelled and engaged on international voyages and which are employed in the carriage of large numbers of unberthed passengers in special trades, such, for example, as the pilgrim trade, an Administration, if satisfied that it is impracticable to enforce compliance with the requirements of this Chapter, may exempt such ships, when they belong to its country, from those requirements on the following conditions:—

(a) That the fullest provision which the circumstances of the trade will permit shall be made in the matter of life-boats and other life-saving appliances and fire protection.

(b) That all such boats and apparatus shall be readily available within the meaning of Article 13.

(c) That a life-jacket shall be provided for every person on board.

(d) That steps shall be taken to formulate general rules which shall be applicable to the particular circumstances of these trades. Such rules shall be formulated in concert with such other Contracting Governments, if any, as may be directly interested in the carriage of such passengers.

Article 13.

Lifeboats and Buoyant Apparatus.

The general principles governing the provision of lifeboats and buoyant apparatus in a ship to which this Chapter applies are that they shall be readily available in case of emergency and shall be adequate.

1.    To be readily available, the lifeboats and buoyant apparatus must comply with the following conditions:—

(a) They must be capable of being got into the water safely and rapidly even under unfavorable conditions of list and trim.

(b) It must be possible to embark the passengers in the boats rapidly and in good order.

(c) The arrangement of each boat and article of buoyant apparatus must be such that it will not interfere with the operation of other boats and buoyant apparatus.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

2.    To be adequate, the provision of lifeboats and buoyant apparatus must satisfy the following conditions:—

(a) Subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph there must be accommodation in boats for all persons on board, and there must, in addition, be buoyant apparatus for 25 per cent. of the persons on board.

(b) In the case of passenger ships engaged on short international voyages, the boats must be provided in accordance with the requirements set out in the table in Regulation XXXIX., and there must be, in addition, buoyant apparatus so that the boats and buoyant apparatus together provide accommodation for all on board as set out in Regulation XXXVIII. There must, in addition, be buoyant apparatus for 10 per cent. of the persons on board.

(c) No more boats shall be required on any passenger ship than are sufficient to accommodate all persons on board.

Article 14.

Ready Availability and Adequacy.

The arrangements for securing the principles of ready availability and adequacy mentioned in Article 13 shall be in accordance with the provisions of Regulations XXXVII., XXXVIII. and XXXIX.

Article 15.

Standard types of Boats. Life Rafts. Buoyant Apparatus.

All the lifeboats, life rafts and buoyant apparatus shall comply with the conditions fixed by this Convention and Regulations XXIV. to XXIX.

Article 16.

Construction of Boats.

All boats must be properly constructed, and shall be of such form and proportions that they shall have ample stability in a seaway, and sufficient freeboard when loaded with their full complement of persons and equipment.

Each boat must be of sufficient strength to enable it to be safely lowered into the water when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment.

Article 17.

Embarkation of the Passengers in the Boats.

Suitable arrangements shall be made for embarking the passengers in the boats at an embarkation deck. There shall also be a suitable ladder provided at each set of davits.

Article 18.

Capacity of Boats and Life Rafts.

The number of persons that a boat of one of the standard types or an approved life raft or buoyant apparatus can accommodate and the conditions of approval of life rafts and buoyant apparatus shall be ascertained in accordance with the provisions of Regulations XXX. to XXXV. inclusive.

Article 19.

Equipment of Boats and Life Rafts.

Regulation XXXVI. prescribes the equipment for boats and life rafts.

Article 20.

Life-jackets and Life-buoys.

1.    Every ship to which this Chapter applies shall carry for every person on board a life-jacket of a type approved by the Administration, and in addition, unless these life-jackets can be adapted for use by children, a sufficient number of life-jackets suitable for children.

2.    Every such ship shall also carry life-buoys of a type approved as aforesaid to the number required by Regulation XL.

3.    A life-jacket or life-buoy shall not be approved by an Administration unless it satisfies the requirements of Regulation XL. applicable to life-jackets and life-buoys respectively.

4.    In this Article the expression “life-jacket” includes any appliance capable or being fitted on the body, having the same buoyancy as a life-jacket.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

Article 21.

Means of Ingress and Egress. Emergency Lighting.

1.    Proper arrangements shall be made for ingress to and egress from the different compartments, decks, &c.

2.    Provision shall be made for an electric or other system of lighting, sufficient for all requirements of safety, in the different parts of the ship, and particularly upon the decks on which the lifeboats are stowed. On ships in which the boat deck is more than 9.15 metres (30 feet) above the waterline at the lightest seagoing draught, provision shall be made for the illumination from the ship of the lifeboats when alongside and in process of or immediately after being launched. There must be a self-contained source capable of supplying, when necessary, this safety lighting system, end placed in the upper parts of the ship above the bulkhead deck.

3.    The exit from every main compartment occupied by passengers or crew shall be continuously lighted by an emergency lamp. The power for these emergency lamps shall be so arranged that they will be supplied from the independent installation referred to in the preceding paragraph in the event of failure of the main generating plant.

Article 22.

Certificated Lifeboatmen. Manning of the Boats.

1.    In every ship to which this Chapter applies there must be, for any boat or life raft carried in order to comply with this Chapter, such number of certificated lifeboatmen as is required by Regulation XLI. for that boat.

2.    The allocation of the certificated lifeboatman to each boat and life raft remains within the discretion of the master, according to the circumstances.

3.    By “certificated lifeboatman” is meant any member of the crew who holds a certificate of efficiency issued under the authority of the Administration in accordance with the conditions laid down in the afore-mentioned Regulation.

4.    The manning of the boats shall be as prescribed in Regulation XLII.

Article 23.

Line-Throwing Appliances.

Every ship to which this Chapter applies shall carry a line-throwing appliance of a type approved by the Administration.

Article 24.

Dangerous Goods. Fire Protection.

1.    The carriage, either as cargo or ballast, of goods which by reason of their nature, quantity, or mode of stowage, are, either singly, or collectively, liable to endanger the lives of the passengers or the safety of the ship, is forbidden.

This provision does not apply to the ship’s distress signals, nor to the carriage of naval or military stores for the public service of the State under conditions authorized by the Administration.

Each Administration shall, from time to time by official notice, determine what goods are to be considered dangerous goods, and shall indicate the precautions which must be taken in the packing and stowage thereof.

2.    The arrangements to be made for the detection and extinction of fire shall be as prescribed in Regulation XLIII.

Article 25.

Muster Roll and Drills.

Special duties for the event of an emergency shall be allotted to each member of the crew.

The muster list shall show all these special duties and shall indicate, in particular, the station to which each man must go, and the duties that he has to perform.

Before the vessel sails, the muster list shall be drawn up and exhibited, and the proper authority shall be satisfied that the muster list has been prepared for the ship. It shall be posted in several parts of the ship, and in particular in the crew’s quarters.

Regulations XLIV. and XLV. prescribe the conditions under which musters of the crew and drills shall take place.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

CHAPTER IV.—RADIOTELEGRAPHY.

Article 26.

Application and Definition.

1.    This Chapter applies to all ships engaged on international voyages except cargo ships of less than 1,600 tons gross tonnage.

2.    For the purposes of this Chapter a cargo ship means any ship not being a passenger ship.

Article 27.

Fitting of Radio Installation.

1.    All ships to which this Chapter applies shall, unless exempted under Article 28, be fitted with a radiotelegraph installation complying with the provisions of Article 31, as follows:—

(a) All passenger ships, irrespective of size.

(b) All cargo ships of 1,600 tons gross tonnage and upwards.

2.    Each Administration may delay the application of the provisions of paragraph 1 (b) to cargo ships belonging to its country of less than 2,000 tons gross tonnage for a period not exceeding five years from the date of the coming into force of the present Convention.

Article 28.

Exemptions from the Requirements of Article 27.

1.    Each Administration may, if it considers that the route and the conditions of the voyage are such as to render a radiotelegraph installation unreasonable or unnecessary, exempt ships belonging to its country from the requirements of Article 27 as follows:—

I.—Passenger Ships—

(a) Individual passenger ships or classes of passenger ships which, in the course of their voyage, do not go more than—

(i) 20 miles from the nearest land; or

(ii) 200 miles in the open sea between two consecutive ports.

(b) Passenger ships which make voyages entirely within the restricted areas specified in the Annex to this Article.

II.—Cargo Ships.—Individual cargo ships or classes of cargo ships which, in the course of their voyage, do not go more than 150 miles from the nearest land.

2.    Each Administration may, in addition, exempt ships belonging to its country of the following classes:—

I.—Barges in tow and existing sailing ships. An existing sailing ship is one the keel of which is laid before the 1st July, 1931.

II.—Ships of primitive build, such as dhows, junks, &c., if it is practically impossible to fit them with a radiotelegraph installation.

III.—Ships which are not normally engaged on international voyages, but which in exceptional circumstances are required to undertake a single voyage of that kind.

Annex to Article 28.

1.    The Baltic Sea and approaches thereto East of a line drawn from Utsire (Norway) in the North to Texel (Netherlands) in the South, outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics.

2.    The portions of the Gulf of Tartary and the Sea of Okhotsk covered in voyages between ports in Hokkaido and ports in Japanese Sakhalin.

3.    The Chosen (Tyosen) Strait between a line in the North drawn from Kawajiri Misaki (Cape Natsungu) to Fusan, and a line in the South drawn from Nagasaki to Giffard Island (off the South-west point of Quelpart Island) and thence to Tin To (Amherst Island).

4.    The Yellow Sea North of Parallel 37° North.

5.    The Formosa Strait between a line in the North drawn from Fuki Kaku (Syauki Point) to Foochow and a line in the South drawn from South Cape (the South point of Formosa) to Hong Kong.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

6.      The area within the following limits:—

Parallel 10° N. from long. 94° E. to the coast of Asia, coast of Asia to Saigon (Cape Tiwan), straight lines between Cape Tiwan, lat. 4° 30′ N. lone. 110° E., south point of Palawan Island, Palmas (Miangas) Island, lat. 0° long, 140° E., lat. 0° long. 148° E., lat. 10° S. long. 148° E., Cape York, north coast of Australia from Cape York to Port Darwin (Cape Charles), straight lines between Cape Charles, Ashmore Reef (East Island), lat. 10° S. long. 109° E., Christmas Island, lat. 2° N. long. 94° E., lat. 10° N. long. 94° E., outside the territorial jurisdiction of Australia and of the United States of America.

7.      The Caribbean Sea, outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States of America, in relation to voyages made by sailing ships only.

8.      The area of the South Pacific Ocean bounded by the Equator, Meridian 130° W., Parallel 34° S., and the coast of Australia, outside the territorial jurisdiction of Australia.

9.      The Tong King Gulf and portions of the China Sea lying to the West of a line drawn from Hong Kong to Lat. 17° N. Long. 110° E., thence due South to Latitude 10° N., and thence West to Saigon.

10.    The portions of the Indian Ocean covered in voyages between ports in Madagascar, Reunion and the Mauritius Islands.

11.    The portions of the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea covered in voyages between Casablanca (Morocco) and Oran (Algeria) and intermediate ports.

Article 29.

Watches.

1.      Passenger Ships.—Each passenger ship which, in accordance with Article 27, is required to be fitted with a radiotelegraph installation, shall, for safety- purposes, carry a qualified operator, and, if not fitted with an auto-alarm, shall, whilst at sea, keep watches by means of a qualified operator or a certified watcher, as under:—

(a) All passenger ships under 3,000 tons gross tonnage, as determined by the Administration concerned;

(b) All passenger ships of 3,000 tons gross tonnage and over, continuous watch.

Each Administration is authorized to exempt passenger ships belonging to its country from 3,000 tons to 5,500 tons gross tonnage, both included, from the requirement of a continuous watch for a period not exceeding one year from the date of the coming into force of the present Convention, provided that during the period of such exemption they shall maintain a watch of at least 8 hours per day.

2.      Cargo Ships.—Each cargo ship which, in accordance with Article 27, is required to be fitted with a radiotelegraph installation, shall, for safety purposes, carry a qualified operator, and, if not fitted with an auto-alarm, shall, whilst at sea, keep watches by means of a qualified operator or a certified watcher, as under:—

(a) All cargo ships under 3,000 tons gross tonnage, as determined by the Administration concerned;

(b) Cargo ships from 3,000 to 5,500 tons gross tonnage, both included, at least 8 hours’ watch per day;

(c) Cargo ships over 5,500 tons gross tonnage, continuous watch.

Each Administration is authorized to exempt ships belonging to its country included in (c) above from the requirement of a continuous watch for a period not exceeding one year from the date of the coming into force of the present Convention, provided that during the period of such exemption thoy shall maintain a watch of at least 8 hours per day.

Each Administration is also authorized to exempt ships belonging to its country from 5,500 tons to 8,000 tons gross tonnage from the requirement of a continuous watch for a further period of one year, provided that during this further period of exemption they shall maintain a watch of at least 16 hours per day.

3.      On all ships fitted with an auto-alarm this auto-alarm shall, whilst the ship is at sea, always be in operation when the operator or watcher is not on watch.

On ships for which the hours of watch are to be determined by the Administration concerned, such watch should be maintained preferably at hours, prescribed for radio-telegraph service by the International Radiotelegraph Convention in force.

On ships which are required to keep 8 hours’ or 16 hours’ watch per day, such watch shall be maintained at the hours prescribed for radiotelegraph service by the International Radiotelegraph Convention in force.

Schedule VI.—continued.

4.      By auto-alarm is meant an automatic alarm receiver which complies with the requirements of Article 19, section 21, of the General Regulations annexed to the International Radiotelegraph Convention, 1927.

5.      By qualified operator is meant a person holding a certificate complying with the provisions of the General Regulations annexed to the International Radiotelegraph Convention in force.

6.      By certified watcher is meant any person holding a watcher’s certificate issued under the authority of the Administration.

Article 30.

Watchers.

1.      A watcher’s certificate shall not be granted by a Contracting Government unless the applicant proves that he is capable—

(a) of receiving and understanding the alarm, distress, safety and urgency signals when these signals occur among a series of other signals;

(b) of correct reception by ear of code groups (mixed letters, figures and punctuation marks) at a speed of sixteen groups per minute, each group being composed of five characters and each figure or punctuation mark counting as two characters;

(c) of regulating the receivers used in the ship’s radiotelegraph installation.

2.      The Contracting Governments undertake to take steps to ensure that certified watchers observe the secrecy of correspondence.

Article 31.

Technical Requirements.

The radiotelegraph installations required by Article 27 above and the direction finding apparatus required by Article 47 shall comply with the following requirements:—

1.      The ship’s station must be placed in accordance with the detailed Regulations of the Government of the country to which the ship belongs, in the upper part of the ship in a position of the greatest possible safety, as high as practicable above the deepest load water line.

2.      There shall be provided, between the bridge of the ship and the wireless telegraph room, means of communication either by voice pipe or by telephone or in some other manner equally efficient.

3.      A reliable clock with a seconds hand must be provided in the wireless telegraph room.

4.      A reliable emergency light must be provided in the wireless telegraph room.

5.      The installation shall comprise a main installation and an emergency (reserve) installation. If, however, the main installation complies with all the requirements of an emergency (reserve) installation the latter is not then obligatory.

6.      The main and emergency (reserve) installations must be capable of transmitting and receiving on the frequencies (wave lengths) and types of waves assigned by the International Radiotelegraph Convention in force for the purpose of distress and safety of navigation to ships compulsorily fitted with radiotelegraph installations in accordance with the present Convention.

7.      The main and emergency (reserve) transmitters shall have a note frequency of at least 100.

8.      The main transmitter shall have a normal range of 100 nautical miles, that is to say, it must be capable of transmitting clearly perceptible signals from ship to ship over a range of at least 100 nautical miles by day under normal conditions and circumstances, the receiver being assumed to be one employing a rectifier of the crystal type without amplification.*

9.      Sufficient power must be available in a ship station at all times to operate the main radiotelegraph installation efficiently under normal conditions over the above range.

* Unless a more precise and practical method is available to determine the range of transmitters it is recommended that, as a guide, the following relations between the range in nautical miles (from ship to ship under normal conditions in daytime) and the power of the ship transmitter in metre ampères for 500 kilocycles per second (600 m) be used:—

100 nautical miles....................................................................................................	60 M A
80 nautical miles......................................................................................................	45 M A
50 nautical miles......................................................................................................	25 M A

M being the actual height in metres of the aerial from its highest point to the load line.

A being the current in ampères measured at the base of the aerial in case of B, or fully modulated A2, transmitters.

Schedule VI.—continued.

10.     All parts of the emergency (reserve) installation shall be placed in the upper part of the ship in a position of the greatest possible safety, as high above the deepest load water line as practicable. The emergency (reserve) installation must be provided with a source of energy independent of the propelling power of the ship and of the main electricity system and must be capable of being put into operation rapidly and of working for at least six continuous hours.

For the emergency (reserve) installation, the normal range as defined in paragraph 8 above must be at least 80 nautical miles for ships required to maintain a continuous watch and at least 50 nautical miles for all other ships.*

11.     The receiving installation must permit of the reception of such of the waves used for the transmission of time signals and meteorological messages as may be considered necessary by the Administration.

12.     The receiver must be so arranged as to be capable of maintaining reception by means of a rectifier of the crystal type.

13.     In ships in which watch is kept by means of an automatic alarm receiver a means of giving audible warning shall be provided in the wireless telegraph room, in the wireless operator’s cabin, and on the bridge, which shall operate continuously after the receiver has been operated by the alarm signal or distress call until stopped. Only one switch for stopping the warning shall be provided and this shall be situated In the wireless telegraph room.

14.     In such ships the wireless operator, when going off watch, shall connect the automatic alarm receiver to the aerial and test its efficiency. He shall report to the master or the officer on watch on the bridge whether it is in working order.

15.     Whilst the ship is at sea the emergency source of power shall be maintained at its full efficiency and the automatic alarm receiver shall be tested at least once every 24 hours. A statement that both these requirements have been fulfilled must be inserted in the ship’s official log daily.

16.     A wireless log shall be carried by every ship compulsorily equipped with wireless transmitting apparatus. This document shall be kept in the wireless telegraph room, and in it shall be inserted the names of the operators and watchers as well as all incidents and occurrences connected with the wireless service which may appear to be of importance to safety of life at sea, and in particular all distress messages and distress traffic in full.

17.     The direction-finding apparatus required by Article 47 shall be efficient and capable of receiving clearly perceptible signals and of taking bearings from which the true bearing and direction may be determined. It shall be capable of receiving signals on the frequencies prescribed for distress, direction finding and wireless telegraph beacons by the International Radiotelegraph Convention in force.

Efficient communication shall be provided between the apparatus and the bridge.

Article 32.

Competence.

The matters governed by the International Radiotelegraph Convention, Washington, 1927, and the Regulations annexed thereto remain, and will continue, subject to the provisions:—

(1) Of that Convention and of the Regulations annexed thereto, and of any Convention and Regulations which may in the future be substituted therefor;

(2) Of the present Convention in regard to all the points in which it supplements the aforementioned documents.

CHAPTER V.—SAFETY OF NAVIGATION.

Article 33.

Application.

The provisions of this Chapter referring to ships, unless otherwise expressly provided, apply to all ships on all voyages.

* Unless a more precise and practical method is available to determine the range of transmitters It is recommended that, as a guide, the following relations between the range in nautical miles (from ship to ship under normal conditions in daytime) and the power of the ship transmitter in metre ampères for 500 kilocycles per second (600 m) be used:—

100 nautical miles........................................................................................................	60 M A
80 nautical miles..........................................................................................................	45 M A
50 nautical miles..........................................................................................................	25 M A

M being the actual height In metres of the aerial from its highest point to the load line.

A. being the current in ampères measured at the base of the aerial in case of B, or fully modulated A 2, transmitters.

Schedule VI.—continued.

Article 34.

Danger Messages.

The master of every ship which meets with dangerous ice, a dangerous derelict, a dangerous tropical storm or any other direct danger to navigation is bound to communicate the information, by all the means of communication at his disposal, to the ships in the vicinity, and also to the competent authorities at the first point of the coast with which he can communicate. It is desirable that the said information be sent in the manner set out in Regulation XLVI.

Each Administration will take all steps which it thinks necessary to ensure that when intelligence of any of the dangers specified in the previous paragraph is received, it will be promptly brought to the knowledge of those concerned and communicated to other Administrations interested.

The transmission of messages respecting the dangers specified is free of cost to the ships concerned.

Article 35.

Meteorological Services.

The Contracting Governments undertake to encourage the collection of meteorological data by ships at sea, and to arrange for their examination, dissemination and exchange in the manner most suitable for the purpose of aiding navigation.

In particular, the Contracting Governments undertake to co-operate in carrying out, as far as practicable, the following meteorological arrangements:—

(a) to warn ships of gales, storms and tropical storms, both by the issue of wireless messages and by the display of appropriate signals at coastal points;

(b) to issue daily, by radio, weather bulletins suitable for shipping, containing data of existing weather conditions and forecasts;

(c) to arrange for certain selected ships to take meteorological observations at specified hours, and to transmit such observations by wireless telegraphy for the benefit of other ships and of the various official meteorological services; and to provide coast stations for the reception of the messages transmitted;

(d) to encourage all ship-masters to inform surrounding ships whenever they experience wind force of 10 or above on the Beaufort scale (force 8 or above on the decimal scale).

The information provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this article will be furnished in form for transmission in accordance with Article 31, §§ 1, 3 and 5, and Article 19, § 25, of the General Regulations annexed to the International Radiotelegraph Convention, Washington, 1927, and during transmission “to all stations” of meteorological information, forecasts and warnings, all ship stations must conform to the provisions of Article 31, § 2, of those General Regulations.

Weather observations from ships addressed to national meteorological services will be transmitted with the priority specified in Article 3, Additional Regulations, International Radiotelegraph Convention, Washington, 1927.

Forecasts, warnings, synoptic and other meteorological reports intended for ships shall be issued and disseminated by the national service in the best position to serve various zones and areas, in accordance with mutual arrangements made by the countries concerned.

Every endeavour will be made to obtain a uniform procedure in regard to the International meteorological services specified in this Article, and, as far as is practicable, to conform to the recommendations made by the International Meteorological Organization, to which organization the Contracting Governments may refer for study and advice any meteorological questions which may arise in carrying out the present Convention.

Article 36.

Ice Patrol. Derelicts.

The Contracting Governments undertake to continue a service of ice patrol and a service for study and observation of ice conditions in the North Atlantic. Further, they undertake to take all practicable steps to ensure the destruction or removal of derelicts in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean east of the line drawn from Cape Sable to a point in latitude 34° N. longitude 70° W. if this destruction or

removal is considered necessary at the time.

Schedule VI.—continued.

The Contracting Governments undertake to provide not more than three vessels for these three services. During the whole of the ice season they shall be employed in guarding the south-eastern, southern and south-western limits of the regions of icebergs in the vicinity of the Great Bank of Newfoundland for the purpose of informing trans-Atlantic and other passing vessels of the extent of this dangerous region; for the observation and study of ice conditions in general; for the destruction or removal of derelicts; and for the purpose of affording assistance to vessels and crews requiring aid within the limits of operation of the patrol vessels.

During the rest of the year the study and observation of ice conditions shall be maintained as advisable, and one vessel shall always be available for the search for, and destruction or removal of derelicts.

Article 37.

Ice Patrol.—Management and Cost.

The Government of the United States is invited to continue the management of these services of ice patrol, study and observation of ice conditions, and derelict destruction and removal. The Contracting Governments specially interested in these services, whose names are given below, undertake to contribute to the expense of maintaining and operating these services in the following proportions:—

	Per cent.
Belgium.........................................................................................	2
Canada..........................................................................................	3
Denmark.......................................................................................	2
France...........................................................................................	6
Germany.......................................................................................	10
Great Britain and Northern Ireland................................................	40
Italy...............................................................................................	6
Japan.............................................................................................	1
Netherlands...................................................................................	5
Norway.........................................................................................	3
Spain.............................................................................................	1
Sweden..........................................................................................	2
Union of Socialist Soviet Republics..............................................	1
United States of America...............................................................	18

Each of the Contracting Governments has the right to discontinue its contribution to the expense of maintaining and operating these services after the 1st September, 1932. Nevertheless, the Contracting Government which avails itself of this right will continue responsible for the expense of working up to the 1st September following the date of giving notice of intention to discontinue its contribution. To take advantage of the said right it must give notice to the other Contracting Governments at least six months before the said 1st September; so that, to be free from this obligation on the 1st September, 1932, it must give notice on the 1st March, 1932, at the latest, and similarly for each subsequent year.

If, at any time, the United States Government should not desire to continue these services, or if one of the Contracting Governments should express a wish to relinquish responsibility for the pecuniary contribution defined above, or to have its percentage of obligation altered, the Contracting Governments shall settle the question in accordance with their mutual interests.

The Contracting Governments which contribute to the cost of the three above mentioned services shall have the right by common consent to make from time to time such alterations in the provisions of this Article and of Article 36 as appear desirable.

Article 38.

Speed Near Ice.

When ice is reported on, or near, his course, the master of every ship at night is bound to proceed at a moderate speed or to alter his course so as to go well clear of the danger zone.

Article 39.

North Atlantic Routes.

The practice of following recognized routes across the North Atlantic in both directions has contributed to safety of life at sea, but the working of these routes should be further investigated and studied with a view to the introduction of such variations as experience may show to be necessary.

Schedule VI.—continued.

The selection of the routes and the initiation of action with regard to them is left to the responsibility of the steamship companies concerned. The Contracting Governments will assist the companies, when requested to do so, by placing at their disposal any information bearing on the routes which may be in the possession of the Governments.

The Contracting Governments undertake to impose on the companies the obligation to give public notice of the regular routes which they propose their vessels should follow, and of any changes made in these routes; they will also use their influence to induce the owners of all vessels crossing the Atlantic to follow, so far as circumstances will permit, the recognized routes, and to induce the owners of all vessels crossing the Atlantic bound to or from ports of the United States via the vicinity of the Great Bank of Newfoundland to avoid, as far as practicable, the fishing banks of Newfoundland north of latitude 43° N. during the fishing season, and to pass outside regions known or believed to be endangered by ice.

The Administration managing the ice patrol service is requested to report to the Administration concerned any ship which is observed not to be on any regular, recognized or advertised route, or which crosses the above-mentioned fishing banks during the fishing season, or which, when proceeding to or from ports of the United States, passes through regions known or believed to be endangered by ice.

Article 40.

Collision Regulations.

The Contracting Governments agree that the alterations in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea shown in Annex II. are desirable and ought to be made. The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is requested to forward full particulars of the alterations to the other Governments who have accepted the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, and ascertain whether they will adopt these alterations; to report the results to the Governments represented at this Conference, and to endeavour to arrange that the revised regulations shall come in force on the 1st July, 1931.

Article 41.

Helm Orders.

The Contracting Governments agree that after midnight on the 30th June, 1931, helm or steering orders, i.e., orders to the steerman, shall on all their ships be given in the direct sense, e.g., when the ship is going ahead an order containing the word “starboard” or “right” or any equivalent of “starboard” or “right” shall only be used when it is intended, on ships as at present generally constructed and arranged, that the wheel, the rudder-blade and the head of the ship, shall all move to the right.

Article 42.

Misuse of Distress Signals.

The use of an international distress signal, except for the purpose of indicating that a vessel is in distress, and the use of any signal which may be confused with an international distress signal, are prohibited on every ship.

Article 43.

Alarm, Distress and Urgency Signals.

The alarm signal and the distress signal may only be used by ships in serious and imminent danger which require immediate assistance. In all other cases in which assistance is required, or in which a vessel desires to issue a warning that it may become necessary to send out the alarm signal or the distress signal at a later stage, use must be made of the urgency signal (XXX) established by the International Radiotelegraph Convention, Washington, 1927.

If a ship has sent out the alarm or distress signal and subsequently finds that assistance is no longer required such ship shall immediately notify all stations concerned as provided for by the Radiotelegraph Convention in force.

Article 44.

Speed of Distress Messages.

The speed of transmission of messages in connexion with cases of distress, urgency or safety, shall not exceed 16 words per minute.

Schedule VI.—continued.

Article 45.

Distress Messages. Procedure.

1.      The master of a ship on receiving on his ship a wireless distress signal from any other ship, is bound to proceed with all speed to the assistance of the persons in distress, unless he is unable, or in the special circumstances of the case, considers it unreasonable or unnecessary to do so, or unless he is released under the provisions of paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article.

2.      The master of a ship in distress, after consultation, so far as may be possible, with the masters of the ships which answer his call for assistance, has the right to requisition such one or more of those ships as he considers best able to render assistance, and it shall be the duty of the master or masters of the ship or ships requisitioned to comply with the requisition by continuing to proceed with all speed to the assistance of the persons in distress.

3.      A master shall be released from the obligation imposed by paragraph 1 of this Article as soon as he is informed by the master of the ship requisitioned, or, where more ships than one are requisitioned, all the masters of the ships requisitioned, that he or they are complying with the requisition.

4.      A master shall be released from the obligation imposed by paragraph 1 of this Article, and, if his ship has been requisitioned, from the obligation imposed by paragraph 2 of this Article, if he is informed by a ship which has reached the persons in distress, that assistance is no longer necessary.

5.      If a master of a ship, on receiving a wireless distress call from another ship, is unable, or in the special circumstances of the case considers it unreasonable or unnecessary to go to the assistance of that other ship, he must immediately inform the master of that other ship accordingly, and enter in his log-book his reasons for failing to proceed to the assistance of the persons in distress.

6.      The provisions of this Article do not prejudice the International Convention for the unification of certain rules with respect to Assistance and Salvage at Sea, signed at Brussels on the 23rd September, 1910, particularly the obligation to render assistance imposed by Article 11 of that Convention.

Article 46.

Signalling Lamp.

All ships of over 150 tons gross tonnage, when engaged on international voyages, shall have on board an efficient signalling lamp.

Article 47.

Direction-Finding Apparatus.

Every passenger ship of 5,000 tons gross tonnage and upwards shall, within two years from the date on which the present Convention comes in force, be provided with an approved direction-finding apparatus (radio compass), complying with the provisions of Article 31 (17) of the present Convention.

Article 48.

Manning.

The Contracting Governments undertake, each for its national ships, to maintain, or, if it is necessary, to adopt, measures for the purpose of ensuring that, from the point of view of safety of life at sea, all ships shall be sufficiently and efficiently manned.

CHAPTER VI.—CERTIFICATES.

Article 49.

Issue of Certificates.

A certificate called a Safety Certificate shall be issued, after inspection and survey, to every passenger ship which complies in an efficient manner with the requirements of Chapters II., III. and IV. of the Convention.

A certificate called a Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificate, shall be issued after inspection to every ship other than a passenger ship which complies in an efficient manner with the requirements of Chapter IV. of the present Convention.

Schedule VI.—continued.

A certificate called an Exemption Certificate shall be issued to every ship to which exemption is granted by a Contracting Government under, and in accordance with, the provisions of Chapters II., III. and IV. of the present Convention.

The inspection and survey of ships, so far as regards the enforcement of the provisions of the present Convention and the annexed Regulations applicable to such ships and the granting of exemptions therefrom, shall be carried out by officers of the country in which the ship is registered, provided that the Government of each country may entrust the inspection and survey of its ships either to Surveyors nominated for this purpose or to organizations recognized by it. In every case the Government concerned fully guarantees the completeness and efficiency of the inspection and survey.

A Safety Certificate, Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificate, and Exemption Certificate shall be issued either by the Government of the country in which the ship is registered or by any person or organization duly authorized by that Government. In every case that Government assumes full responsibility for the certificate.

Article 50.

Issue of Certificate by Another Government.

A Contracting Government may, at the request of the Government of a country in which a ship coming under the present Convention is registered, cause that ship to be surveyed, and, if satisfied that the requirements of the present Convention are complied with, issue a Safety Certificate or Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificate to such ship, under its own responsibility. Any certificate so issued must contain a statement to the effect that it has been issued at the request of the Government of the country in which the ship is registered, and it shall have the same force and receive the same recognition as a certificate issued under Article 49 of the present Convention.

Article 51.

Form of Certificates.

All certificates shall be drawn up in the official language or languages of the country by which they are issued.

The form of the certificates shall be that of the models given in Regulation XLVII. The arrangement of the printed part of the standard certificates shall be exactly reproduced in the certificates issued, or in certified copies thereof, and the particulars inserted by hand shall in the certificates issued, or in certified copies thereof, be inserted in Roman characters and Arabic figures.

The Contracting Governments undertake to communicate one to another a sufficient number of specimens of their certificates for the information of their officers. This exchange shall be made, so far as possible, before the 1st January, 1932.

Article 52.

Duration of Certificates.

Certificates shall not be issued for a period of more than twelve months.

If a ship at the time when its certificate expires is not in a port of the country in which it is registered the certificate may be extended by a duly authorized officer of the country to which the ship belongs; but such extension shall be granted only for the purpose of allowing the ship to complete its return voyage to its own country, and then only in cases in which it appears proper and reasonable so to do.

No certificate shall be extended for a longer period than five months, and a ship to which such extension is granted shall not, on returning to its own country, be entitled by virtue of such extension to leave the country again without having obtained a new certificate.

Article 53.

Acceptance of Certificates.

Certificates issued under the authority of a Contracting Government shall be accepted by the other Contracting Governments for all purposes covered by the present Convention. They shall be regarded by the other Contracting Governments as having the same force as the certificates issued by them to their own ships.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

Article 54.

Control.

Every ship holding a certificate issued under Article 49 or Article 50 is subject, in the porta of the other Contracting Governments to control by officers duly authorized by such Governments in so far as this control is directed towards verifying that there is on board a valid certificate, and if necessary, that the conditions of the vessel’s seaworthiness correspond substantially with the particulars of that certificate, that is to say, so that the ship can proceed to sea without danger to the passengers and the crew.

In the event of this control giving rise to intervention of any kind, the officer carrying out the control shall forthwith inform the Consul of the country in which the ship is registered of all the circumstances in which intervention is deemed to be necessary.

Article 55.

Privileges.

The privileges of the present Convention may not be claimed in favour of any ship unless it holds a proper valid certificate.

Article 56.

Qualification of Certificate.

If in the course of a particular voyage the ship has on board a number of crew and passengers less than the maximum number which the ship is licensed to carry, and is in consequence, in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention, free to carry a smaller number of life-boats and other life-saving appliances than that stated in the certificate, a memorandum may be issued by the officers or other authorized persons referred to in Articles 49 and 52 above.

This memorandum shall state that in the circumstances there is no infringement of the provisions of the present Convention. It shall be annexed to the certificate and shall be substituted for it in so far as the life-saving appliances are concerned. It shall be valid only for the particular voyage in regard to which it is issued.

CHAPTER VII.—GENERAL PROVISIONS.

Article 57.

Equivalents.

Where in the present Convention it is provided that a particular fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, shall be fitted or carried in a ship, or that any particular arrangement shall be adopted, any Administration may accept in substitution therefor any other fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or any other arrangement, provided that such Administration shall have been satisfied by suitable trials that the fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or the arrangement substituted is at least as effective as that specified in the present Convention.

Any Administration which so accepts a new fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or new arrangement, shall communicate the fact to the other Administrations, and, upon request, the particulars thereof, together with a report on the trials made.

Article 58.

Laws, Regulations, Reports.

The Contracting Governments undertake to communicate to each other—

(1) The text of laws, decrees and regulations which shall have been promulgated on the various matters within the scope of the present Convention;

(2) All available official reports or official summaries of reports in so far as they show the results of the provisions of the present Convention, provided always that such reports or summaries are not of a confidential nature.

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is invited to serve as an intermediary for collecting all this information and for bringing it to the knowledge of the other Contracting Governments.

Schedule VI.—continued.

Article 59.

Measures taken after Agreement.

Where the present Convention provides that a measure may be taken after agreement between all or some of the Contracting Governments, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is invited to approach the other Contracting Governments with a view to ascertaining whether they accept such proposals as may be made by any Contracting Government for effecting such a measure, and to inform the other Contracting Governments of the results of the enquiries thus made.

Article 60.

Prior Treaties and Conventions.

1.    The present Convention replaces and abrogates the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, which was signed at London on the 20th January, 1914.

2.    All other treaties, conventions and arrangements relating to safety of life at sea, or matters appertaining thereto, at present in force between Governments parties to the present Convention, shall continue to have full and complete effect during the terms thereof as regards—

(a) ships to which the present Convention does not apply;

(b) ships to which the present Convention applies, in respect of subjects for which it has not expressly provided.

To the extent, however, that such treaties, conventions or arrangements conflict with the provisions of the present Convention, the provisions of the present Convention shall prevail.

3.    All subjects which are not expressly provided for in the present Convention remain subject to the legislation of the Contracting Governments.

Article 61.

Modifications. Future Conferences.

1.    Modifications of the present Convention which may be deemed useful or necessary improvements may be at any time proposed by any Contracting Government to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and such proposals shall be communicated by the latter to all the other Contracting Governments, and if any such modifications are accepted by all the Contracting Governments (including Governments which have deposited ratifications or accessions which have not yet become effective) the present Convention shall be modified accordingly.

2.    Conferences for the purpose of revising the present Convention shall be held at such times and places as may be agreed upon by the Contracting Governments.

A Conference for this purpose shall be convoked by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland whenever, after the present Convention has been in force for five years, one-third of the Contracting Governments express a desire to that effect.

CHAPTER VIII.—FINAL PROVISIONS.

Article 62.

Application to Colonies, &c.

1.    A Contracting Government may, at the time of signature, ratification, accession or thereafter, by a declaration in writing addressed to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, declare its desire that the present Convention shall apply to all or any of its colonies, overseas territories, protectorates or territories under suzerainty or mandate, and the present Convention shall apply to all the territories named in such declaration, two months after the date of the receipt thereof, but failing such declaration, the present Convention will not apply to any such territories.

2.    A Contracting Government may at any time by a notification in writing addressed to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland express its desire that the present Convention shall cease to apply to all or any of its colonies, overseas territories, protectorates or territories under suzerainty or mandate to which the present Convention shall have, under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, been applicable for a period of not less than five years, and in such case the present Convention shall cease to apply one year after the date of the receipt of such notification by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to all territories mentioned therein.

Schedule VI.—continued.

3.    The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland shall inform all the other Contracting Governments of the application of the present Convention to any colony, overseas territory, protectorate or territory under suzerainty or mandate under the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article, and of the cessation of any such application under the provisions of paragraph 2, stating in each case the date from which the present Convention has become or will cease to be applicable.

Article 63.

Authentic Texts. Ratification.

The present Convention of which both the English and French texts shall be authentic shall bear this day’s date.

The present Convention shall be ratified.

The instruments of ratification shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which will notify all the other signatory or acceding Governments of all ratifications deposited and the date of their deposit.

Article 64.

Accession.

A Government (other than the Government of a territory to which Article 62 applies) on behalf of which the present Convention has not been signed shall be allowed to accede thereto at any time after the Convention has come into force. Accessions may be effected by means of notifications in writing addressed to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and shall take effect three months after their receipt.

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland shall inform all signatory and acceding Governments of all accessions received and of the date of their receipt.

A Government which intends to accede to the present Convention but desires to add an area to those specified in the Annex to Article 28 shall, before notifying its accession, inform the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland of its desire for communication to all the other Contracting Governments. If all the Contracting Governments signify their assent thereto, the area shall be added to those mentioned in the aforesaid Annex when such Government notifies its accession.

Article 65.

Date of coming in Force.

The present Convention shall come into force on the 1st July, 1931, as between the Governments which have deposited their ratifications by that date, and provided that at least five ratifications have been deposited with the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Should five ratifications not have been deposited on that date, the present Convention shall come into force three months after the date on which the fifth ratification is deposited. † Ratifications deposited after the date on which the present Convention has come into force shall take effect three months after the date of their deposit.

Article 66.

Denunciation.

The present Convention may be denounced on behalf of any Contracting Government at any time after the expiration of five years from the date on which the Convention comes into force in so far as that Government is concerned. Denunciation shall be effected by a notification in writing addressed to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which will notify all the other Contracting Governments of all denunciations received and of the date of their receipt.

A denunciation shall take effect twelve months after the date on which notification thereof is received by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In faith whereof, the Plenipotentiaries have signed hereafter.

Done at London this thirty-first day of May, 1929, in a single copy, which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which shall transmit certified true copies thereof to all signatory Governments.

† The Convention came into force on 1st January, 1933.

Schedule VI.—continued.

annex I.

REGULATIONS.

Construction.

Regulation I.—Definitions.

1.    The subdivision loadline is the waterline used in determining the subdivision of the ship.

The deepest subdivision loadline is that which corresponds to the greatest draught.

2.    The length of the ship is the length measured between perpendiculars taken at the extremities of the deepest subdivision loadline.

3.    The breadth of the ship is the extreme width from outside of frame to outside of frame at or below the deepest subdivision loadline.

4.    The bulkhead deck is the uppermost deck up to which the transverse watertight bulkheads are carried.

5.    The margin line is a line drawn parallel to the bulkhead deck at side and 3 inches (76 millimeters) below the upper surface of that deck at side.

6.    The draught is the vertical distance from the top of keel amidships to the subdivision loadline in question.

7.    The permeability of a space is the percentage of that space which can be occupied by water.

The volume of a space which extends above the margin line shall be measured only to the height of that line.

8.    The machinery space is to be taken as extending from the top of keel to the margin line and between the extreme main transverse watertight bulkheads bounding the spaces devoted to the main and auxiliary propelling machinery, boilers when installed, and all permanent coal bunkers.

9.    Passenger spaces are those which are provided for the accommodation and use of passengers, excluding baggage, store, provision and mail rooms.

For the purposes of Regulations III. and IV., spaces provided below the margin line for the accommodation and use of the crew shall be regarded as passenger spaces.

10.  In all cases volumes shall be calculated to moulded lines.

Regulation II.—Floodable Length.

1.    The floodable length at any point of the length of a ship shall be determined by a method of calculation which takes into consideration the form, draught and other characteristics of the ship in question.

2.    In a ship with a continuous bulkhead deck, the floodable length at a given point is the maximum portion of the length of the ship, having its centre at the point in question, which can be flooded under the definite assumptions hereafter set forth in Regulation III. without the ship being submerged beyond the margin line.

3.    In the case of a ship not having a continuous bulkhead deck, the floodable length at any point may be determined to an assumed continuous margin line, up to which, having regard to sinkage and trim after damage, the sides of the ship and the bulkheads concerned are carried watertight.

Regulation III.—Permeability.

1.    The definite assumptions referred to in Regulation II. relate to the permeabilities of the spaces below the margin line.

In determining the floodable length, a uniform average permeability shall be used throughout the whole length of each of the following portions of the ship below the margin line:—

(a) the machinery space as defined in Regulation I. (8);

(b) the portion forward of the machinery space; and

(c) the portion abaft the machinery space.

2. (a)  For steamships the uniform average permeability throughout the machinery space shall be determined from the formula—

a= volume of the passenger spaces, as defined in Regulation I. (9), which are situated below the margin line within the limits of the machinery space.

c= volume of between deck spaces below the margin line within the limits of the machinery space which are appropriated to cargo, coal or stores.

v= whole volume of the machinery space below the margin line.

Schedule VI.—continued.

(b) For ships propelled by internal combustion engines, the uniform average permeability shall be taken as 5 greater than that given by the above formula.

(c) Where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Administration that the average permeability, as determined by detail calculation, is less than that given by the formula, the calculated value may be substituted. For the purposes of such calculation, the permeabilities of passenger spaces, as denned in Regulation I. (9), shall be taken as 95, that of all cargo, coal and store spaces as 60, and that of double bottom, oil fuel and other tanks at such values as may be approved in each case by the Administration.

3.    The uniform average permeability throughout the portion of the ship before (or abaft) the machinery space shall be determined from the formula—

a= volume of the passenger spaces, as defined in Regulation I. (9), which are situated below the margin line, before (or abaft) the machinery space, and

v= whole volume of the portion of the ship below the margin line before (or abaft) the machinery space.

4.    If a between deck compartment between two watertight transverse bulkheads contains any passenger or crew space, the whole of that compartment, less any space completely enclosed within permanent steel bulkheads and appropriated to other purposes, shall be regarded as passenger space. If, however, the passenger or crew space in question is completely enclosed within permanent steel bulkheads, only the space so enclosed need be considered as passenger space.

Regulation IV.—Permissible Length of Compartments.

1.    Factor of Subdivision.—The maximum permissible length of a compartment having its centre at any point in the ship’s length is obtained from the floodable length by multiplying the latter by an appropriate factor called the factor of subdivision.

The factor of subdivision shall depend on the length of the ship, and for a given length shall vary according to the nature of the service for which the ship is intended. It shall decrease in a regular and continuous manner—

(a) as the length of the ship increases, and

(b) from a factor A, applicable to ships primarily engaged in the carriage of cargo, to a factor B., applicable to ships primarily engaged in the carriage of passengers.

The variations of the factors A and B shall be expressed by the following formula (i) and (ii) where L is the length of the ship as defined in Regulation I. (2):—

L in feet.

L in meters.

                                 (i)

L in feet.

L in meters.

.................................. (ii)

Schedule VI.—continued.

2.    Criterion of Service.—For a ship of given length the appropriate factor of subdivision shall be determined by the Criterion of Service Numeral (hereinafter called the Criterion Numeral) as given by the following formulas (iii) and (iv) where:—

C_S= the Criterion Numeral;

L= length of the ship, as defined in Regulation I. (2);

M= the volume of the machinery space, as defined in Regulation I. (8); with the addition thereto of the volume of any permanent oil fuel bunkers which may be situated above the inner bottom and before or abaft the machinery space;

P= the whole volume of the passenger spaces below the margin line, as defined in Regulation I. (9);

V= the whole volume of the ship below the margin line;

P₁= KN where:—

N= number of passengers for which the ship is to be certified, and

K has the following values:—

Value of K.

Length in feet and volumes in cubic feet..................................................... .6L

Length in meters and volumes in cubic meters......................................... .056L.

Where the value of KN is greater than the sum of P and the whole volume of the actual passenger spaces above the margin line the lower figure may be taken provided that the value of P₁ used is not less than ⅔ KN.

When P₁ is greater than P

............................................................ (iii)

and in other cases

............................................................. (iv)

For ships not having a continuous bulkhead deck the volumes are to be taken up to the actual margin lines used in determining the floodable lengths.

(3) Rules for Subdivision.—(a) The subdivision abaft the fore peak of ships 430 feet (131 metres) in length and upwards having a criterion numeral of 23 or less shall be governed by the factor A given by formula (i); of those having a criterion numeral of 123 or more by the factor B given by formula (ii); and of those having a criterion numeral between 23 and 123 by the factor F obtained by linear interpolation between the factors A and B, using the formula:—

.................................................... (v)

Where the factor F is less than .40 and it is shown to the satisfaction of the Administration to be impracticable to comply with the factor F in a machinery compartment of the ship, the subdivision of such compartment may be governed by an increased factor, which, however, shall not exceed 40.

(b) The subdivision abaft the fore peak of ships less than 430 feet (131 metres) but not less than 260 feet (79 metres) in length having a criterion numeral equal to S, where—

 (L in feet) (L in metres)

shall be governed by the factor unity; of those having a criterion numeral of 123 or more by the factor B given by the formula (ii); of those having a criterion numeral between S and 123 by the factor F obtained by linear interpolation between unity and the factor B, using the formula—

....................................................... (vi)

(c) The subdivision abaft the fore peak of ships less than 430 feet (131 metres) but not less than 260 feet (79 metres) in length and having a criterion numeral less than S, and of all ships less than 260 feet (79 metres) in length shall be governed by the factor unity, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Administration to be impracticable to comply with this factor in any part of the ship, in which case, the Administration may allow such relaxation as may appear to be justified, having regard to all the circumstances.

Schedule VI.—continued.

(d) The provisions of sub-paragraph (c) shall apply also to ships of whatever length, which are to be certified to carry a number of passengers exceeding 12 but not exceeding—

.

Regulation V.—Special Rules Concerning Subdivision.

1.    A compartment may exceed the permissible length determined by the rules of Regulation IV. provided the combined length of each pair of adjacent compartments to which the compartment in question is common does not exceed either the floodable length or twice the permissible length, whichever is the less.

If one of the two adjacent compartments is situated inside the machinery space, and the second is situated outside the machinery space, and the average permeability of the portion of the ship in which the second is situated differs from that of the machinery space, the combined length of the two compartments shall be adjusted to the mean average permeability of the two portions of the ship in which the compartments are situated.

Where the two adjacent compartments have different factors of subdivision, the combined length of the two compartments shall be determined proportionately.

2.    In ships 430 feet (131 metres) in length and upwards, one of the main transverse bulkheads abaft the fore peak shall be fitted at a distance from the forward perpendicular which is not greater than the permissible length.

3.    A main transverse bulkhead may be recessed provided that all parts of the recess lie inboard of vertical surfaces on both sides of the ship, situated at a distance from the shell plating equal to one-fifth the breadth of the ship, as defined in Regulation I. (3), and measured at right angles to the centreline at the level of the deepest subdivision loadline.

Any part of a recess which lies outside these limits shall be dealt with as a step in accordance with the following paragraph.

4.    A main transverse bulkhead may be stepped provided that—

(a) the combined length of the two compartments, separated by the bulkhead in question, does not exceed 90 per cent, of the floodable length, or

(b) additional subdivision is provided in way of the step to maintain the same measure of safety as that secured by a plane bulkhead.

5.    Where a main transverse bulkhead is recessed or stepped, an equivalent plane bulkhead shall be used in determining the subdivision.

6.    If the distance between two adjacent main transverse bulkheads, or their equivalent plane bulkheads, or the distance between the transverse planes passing through the nearest stepped portions of the bulkheads, is less than 10 feet (3.05 metres) plus 2 per cent, of the length of the ship, only one of these bulkheads shall be regarded as forming part of the subdivision of the ship in accordance with the provisions of Regulation IV.

7.    Where a main transverse watertight compartment contains local subdivision and it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Administration that, after any assumed side damage extending over a length of 10 feet (3.05 metres) plus 2 per cent. of the length of the ship, the whole volume of the main compartment will not be flooded. a proportionate allowance may be made in the permissible length otherwise required for such compartment.

In such a case the volume of effective buoyancy assumed on the undamaged side shall not be greater than that assumed on the damaged side.

8.    Where it is proposed to fit watertight decks, inner skins or longitudinal bulkheads, watertight or non-watertight, the Administration shall be satisfied that the safety of the ship will not be diminished in any respect, particularly having in view the possible listing effect of flooding in way of such structural arrangements.

Regulation VI.—Peak and machinery Space Bulkheads, Shaft Tunnels, &c.

1.    Every ship shall have a forepeak or collision bulkhead, which shall be watertight up to the bulkhead deck. This bulkhead shall be fitted not less than 5 per cent. of the length of the ship, and not more than 10 feet (3.05 metres) plus 5 per cent. of the length of the ship from the forward perpendicular.

Schedule VI.—continued.

If the ship has a long forward superstructure, the forepeak bulkhead shall be extended weathertight to the deck next above the bulkhead deck. The extension need not be fitted directly over the bulkhead below, provided it is at least 5 per cent. of the length of the ship from the forward perpendicular, and the part of the bulkhead deck which forms the step is made effectively weathertight.

2.    An afterpeak bulkhead, and bulkheads dividing the machinery space, as defined in Regulation I. (8), from the cargo and passenger spaces forward and aft, shall also be fitted and made watertight up to the bulkhead deck. The afterpeak bulkhead may, however, be stopped below the bulkhead deck, provided the degree of safety of the ship as regards subdivision is not thereby diminished.

3.    In all cases stern tubes shall be enclosed in watertight spaces. The stern gland shall be situated within a watertight shaft tunnel or other space of such volume that if flooded by leakage through the stern gland the margin line will not be submerged.

Regulation VII.—Assigning, Marking and Recording of Subdivision Loadlines.

1.    The subdivision loadlines assigned and marked under the provisions of Article 5 of the Convention shall be recorded in the Safety Certificate, and shall be distinguished by the notation C. 1 for the principal passenger condition, and C.2, C.3, &c., for the alternative conditions.

2.    The freeboard corresponding to each of these loadlines inserted in the Safety Certificate shall be measured at the same position and from the same deck line as the freeboards determined by recognized national Freeboard Regulations.

3.    In no case shall any subdivision loadline mark be placed above the deepest loadline in salt water as determined by the strength of the ship and/or recognized national Freeboard Regulations.

4.    Whatever may be the position of the subdivision loadline marks, a ship shall in no case be loaded so as to submerge the loadline mark appropriate to the season and locality as determined by the recognized national Freeboard Regulations.

Regulation VIII.—Construction and Initial Testing of Watertight Bulkheads, &c.

1.    Watertight subdivision bulkheads, whether transverse or longitudinal, shall be constructed in such a manner that they shall be capable of supporting with a proper margin of resistance, the pressure due to a head of water up to the margin line in way of each bulkhead. The construction of these bulkheads shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration

2.    Steps and recesses in bulkheads shall be watertight and as strong as the bulkhead at the place where each occurs.

Where frames or beams pass through a watertight deck or bulkhead, such deck or bulkhead shall be made structurally watertight without the use of wood or cement.

3.    Testing main compartments by filling them with water is not compulsory. A complete examination of the bulkheads shall be made by a surveyor; and, in addition, a hose test shall be made in all cases.

4.    The forepeak shall be tested with water to a head up to the deepest subdivision loadline.

5.    Double bottoms, including duct keels, and inner skins are to be subjected to a head of water up to the margin line.

6.    Tanks which are intended to hold liquids, and which form part of the subdivision of the ship, shall be tested for tightness with water to a head up to the deepest subdivision loadline or to a head corresponding to two-thirds of the depth from the top of keel to the margin line in way of the tanks, whichever is the greater; provided that in no case shall the test head be less than* 3 feet (.92 metre) above the top of the tank.

Regulation IX.—Openings in Watertight Bulkheads.

1.    The number of openings in watertight bulkheads shall be reduced to the minimum compatible with the design and proper working of the ship; satisfactory means shall be provided for closing these openings.

2.—(a)  Where pipes, scuppers, electric-light cables, &c., are carried through watertight subdivision bulkheads, arrangements shall be made to ensure the integrity of the watertightness of the bulkheads.

(b) Sluice valves shall not be permitted in the watertight sub-division bulkheads.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

3.—(a)  No doors, manholes, or access openings are permitted—

(i) in the collision bulkhead below the margin line;

(ii) in watertight transverse bulkheads dividing a cargo space from an adjoining cargo space or from a permanent or reserve bunker, except as provided in paragraph (7).

(b) The collision bulkhead may be pierced below the margin line by not more than one pipe for dealing with fluid in the fore peak tank, provided that the pipe is fitted with a screwdown valve capable of being operated from above the bulkhead deck, the valve chest being secured inside the fore peak to the collision bulkhead.

4.—(a)  Watertight doors fitted in bulkheads between permanent and reserve bunkers, shall be always accessible, except as provided in sub-paragraph 9 (b) for between deck bunker doors.

(b) Satisfactory arrangements shall be made by means of screens or otherwise, to prevent the coal from interfering with the closing of watertight bunker doors.

5.    Within the machinery space and apart from bunker and shaft tunnel doors not more than one door may be fitted in each main transverse bulkhead for inter-communication. These doors shall be located so as to have the sills as high as practicable.

6.—(a)  The only types of watertight doors permissible are hinged doors, sliding doors, and doors of other equivalent patterns, excluding plate doors secured only by bolts.

(b) A hinged door shall be fitted with catches workable from each side of the bulkhead.

(c) A sliding door may have a horizontal or vertical motion. If required to be hand operated only, the gearing shall be capable of being worked at the door itself and also at an accessible position above the bulkhead deck.

(d) If a door is required to be closed by dropping or by the action of a dropping weight, it shall be fitted with a suitable arrangement to regulate the closing movement, and the gearing shall be so arranged that the door can be released both at the door itself and at an accessible position above the bulkhead deck. Hand gear shall also be provided, so arranged as to operate at the door itself and above the bulkhead deck, and also, so that after being disengaged for dropping, it can be quickly re-engaged from either the upper or the lower position.

(e) If a door is required to be power operated from a central control, the gearing shall be so arranged that the door can be operated by power also at the door itself. The arrangement shall be such that the door will close automatically if opened by the local control after being closed from the central control, and also such that any door can be kept closed by local arrangements, which will prevent that door from being opened from the central control. Such power operated doors shall be provided with hand gear, workable both at the door itself and from an accessible position above the bulkhead deck.

(f) In all classes of doors indicators shall be fitted at all operating stations other than at the door itself, showing whether the door is opened or closed.

7.—(a)  Hinged watertight doors in passenger, crew, and working spaces are only permitted above a deck, the underside of which, at its lowest point at side, is at least 7 feet (2.13 metres) above the deepest subdivision loadline, and they are not permitted in those spaces below such deck.

(b) Hinged watertight doors of satisfactory construction may be fitted in bulkheads dividing cargo between deck spaces, in levels in which side cargo doors would be permitted under the provisions of Regulation X (11). These doors shall be closed before the voyage commences and shall be kept closed during the voyage, and the time of opening such doors in port and of closing them before the ship leaves port shall be entered in the official log book. Where it is proposed to fit such doors, the number and arrangements shall receive the special consideration of the Administration, and a statement shall be required from the owners certifying as to the absolute necessity of such doors.

8.    All other watertight doors shall be sliding doors.

9.—(a)  When any watertight doors which may be sometimes opened at sea, excluding those at the entrances of tunnels, are fitted in the main transverse watertight bulkheads at such a height, that their sills are below the deepest subdivision loadline, the following rules shall apply:—

(I.) When the number of such doors exceeds five all the watertight sliding doors shall be power operated and shall be capable of being simultaneously closed from a station situated on the bridge, simultaneous closing of these doors being preceded by a warning sound signal.

Schedule VI.—continued.

(II.) When the number of such doors does not exceed five—

(i) if the criterion numeral does not exceed 30, all the watertight sliding doors may be operated by hand only;

(ii) if the criterion numeral exceeds 30, but does not exceed 60, all the watertight sliding doors may be either dropping doors fitted with releasing and hand gear operated at the door and from above the bulkhead deck or doors operated by power.

(iii) if the criterion numeral exceeds 60, all the watertight sliding doors shall be operated by power.

(b) If watertight doors which have sometimes to be open at sea for the purpose of trimming coal are fitted between bunkers in the between-decks below the bulkhead deck, these doors shall be operated by power. The opening and closing of these doors shall be recorded in the official log book.

(c) When trunkways in connexion with refrigerated cargo are carried through more than one main transverse watertight bulkhead, and the sills of the openings are less than 7 feet (2.13 metres) above the deepest subdivision loadline, the watertight doors at such openings shall be operated by power.

10.  Portable plates on bulkheads shall not be permitted except in machinery spaces. Such plates shall always be in place before the ship leaves port, and shall not be removed at sea except in case of urgent necessity. The necessary precautions shall be taken in replacing them to ensure that the joints shall be watertight.

11.  All watertight doors shall be kept closed during navigation except when necessarily opened for the working of the ship, and shall always be ready to be immediately closed.

12.  Where trunkways or tunnels for access from crew’s accommodation to the stokehole, for piping, or for any other purpose are carried through main transverse watertight bulkheads, they shall be watertight and in accordance with the requirements of Regulation XII. The access to at least one end of each such tunnel or trunkway, if used as a passage at sea, shall be through a trunk extending watertight to a height sufficient to permit access above the margin line. The access to the other end of the trunkway or tunnel may be through a watertight door of the type required by its location in the ship. Such trunkways or tunnels shall not extend through the first subdivision bulkhead abaft the collision bulkhead.

Where it is proposed to fit tunnels or trunkways for forced draft, piercing main transverse watertight bulkheads, these shall receive the special consideration of the Administration.

Regulation X.—Openings in Ship’s Sides below the Margin Line.

1.    The arrangement and efficiency of the means for closing any opening in the ship’s sides shall be consistent with its intended purpose and the position in which it is fitted and generally to the satisfaction of the Administration.

2. (a)  If in a between decks, the sills of any sidescuttles are below a line drawn parallel to the bulkhead deck at side and having its lowest point 2½ per cent. of the breadth of the ship above the deepest subdivision loadline, all sidescuttles in that between deck shall be of a non-opening type.

(b) If in a between decks, the sills of any sidescuttles other than those required to be of a non-opening type by sub-paragraph (a) are below a line drawn parallel to the bulkhead deck at side and having its lowest point at a height of 12 feet (3.66 metres) plus 2½ per cent. of the breadth of the ship above the deepest subdivision loadline, all sidescuttles in that between decks shall be of such construction as will effectively prevent any person opening them without the consent of the master of the ship.

(c) Other sidescuttles may be of any ordinary opening type.

(d) If in a between decks, the sills of any of the sidescuttles referred to in sub-paragraph (b) are below a line drawn parallel to the bulkhead deck at side and having its lowest point 4½ feet (1.37 metres), plus 2½ per cent. of the breadth of the ship above the loadline at which the ship is floating on her departure from any port, all the sidescuttles in that between decks shall be closed watertight and locked before the ship leaves port and they shall not be opened during navigation.

The time of opening such sidescuttles in port and of closing and locking them before the ship leaves port shall be entered in the official log book.

Schedule VI.—continued.

The Administration may indicate the limiting mean draught at which these sidescuttles will have their sills above the line defined in this paragraph and at which it will be permissible to open them at sea on the responsibility of the master. In tropical waters in fair weather this limiting draught may be increased by 1 foot (.305 metres).

3.    Efficient hinged inside deadlights arranged so that they can be easily and effectively closed and secured watertight shall be fitted to all sidescuttles—

(a) which are required to be of a non-opening type.

(b) which are to be fitted within one-eighth of the ship’s length of the forward perpendicular;

(c) which are to be fitted in positions defined in sub-paragraph (2) (b);

(d) which will not be accessible during navigation;

(e) which are to be fitted in spaces intended for the accommodation of sailors and firemen:

(f) which are to be fitted in spaces intended for the accommodation of steerage passengers.

4.    Sidescuttles fitted below the bulkhead deck, other than those referred to in the preceding paragraph, shall be fitted with efficient inside deadlights which may be portable and stowed adjacent to the sidescuttles.

5.    Sidescuttles and their deadlights, which will not be accessible during navigation, shall be closed and secured before the ship proceeds to sea.

6.    No sidescuttles shall be fitted in any spaces which are appropriated exclusively to the carriage of cargo or coal.

7.    Automatic ventilating sidescuttles shall not be fitted in the ship’s sides below the margin line without the special sanction of the Administration.

8.    All machinery and other inlets and discharges in the ship’s sides shall be arranged so as to prevent the accidental admission of water into the ship.

9.    The number of scuppers, sanitary discharges and other similar openings in the ship’s sides shall be reduced to the minimum either by making each discharge serve for as many as possible of the sanitary and other pipes, or in any other satisfactory manner.

10.  Discharges led through the ship’s sides from spaces below the margin line shall be fitted with efficient and accessible means for preventing water from passing inboard. It is permissible to have for each separate discharge either one automatic non-return valve fitted with a positive means of closing it from above the bulkhead deck, or, alternatively, two automatic non-return valves without such means, the upper of which valves is so situated above the deepest subdivision loadline as to be always accessible for examination under service conditions.

Where a positive action valve is fitted, the operating position above the bulkhead deck shall always be readily accessible and means shall be provided for indicating whether the valve is open or closed.

11.  Gangway, cargo and coaling ports fitted below the margin line shall be of sufficient strength. They shall be effectively closed and secured watertight before the ship leaves port, and shall be kept closed during navigation.

Cargo and coaling ports which are to be fitted partly or entirely below the deepest subdivision loadline shall receive the special consideration of the Administration.

12.  The inboard opening of each ash-shoot, rubbish-shoot, &c., shall be fitted with an efficient cover.

If the inboard opening is situated below the margin line, the cover shall be watertight, and in addition an automatic non-return valve shall be fitted in the shoot in an easily accessible position above the deepest subdivision loadline. When the shoot is not in use both the cover and the valve shall be kept closed and secured.

Regulation XI.—Construction and Initial Tests of Watertight Doors, Sidescuttles, &c.

1.    The design, materials and construction of all watertight doors, sidescuttles, gangway, cargo and coaling ports, valves, pipes, ash shoots and rubbish-shoots referred to in these Regulations shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

2.    Each watertight door shall be tested by water pressure to a head up to the margin line. The test shall be made before the ship is put in service, either before or after the door is fitted.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

Regulation XII.—Construction and Initial Tests of Watertight Decks, Trunks, &c.

1.    Watertight decks, trunks, tunnels, duct keels and ventilators shall be of the same strength as watertight bulkheads at corresponding levels. The means used for making them watertight, and the arrangements adopted for closing openings in them, shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration. Watertight ventilators and trunks shall be carried at least up to the margin line.

2.    After completion a hose or flooding test shall be applied to watertight decks and a hose test to watertight trunks, tunnels and ventilators.

Regulation XIII.—Periodical Operation and Inspection of Watertight Doors, &c.

In all new and existing ships drills for the operating of water-tight doors, sidescuttles, valves, and closing mechanisms of scuppers, ash-shoots and rubbish-shoots, shall take place weekly. In ships in which the voyage exceeds one week in duration a complete drill shall be held before leaving port, and others thereafter at least once a week during the voyage, provided that all watertight power doors and hinged doors, in main transverse bulkheads, in use at sea shall be operated daily.

The watertight doors and all mechanisms and indicators connected therewith, and all valves the closing of which is necessary to make a compartment watertight, shall be periodically inspected at sea, at least once a week.

Regulation XIV.—Entries in the Official Log Book.

In all new and existing ships hinged doors, portable plates, sidescuttles, gangway, cargo and coaling ports and other openings, which are required by these Regulations to be kept closed during navigation, shall be closed before the ship leaves port. The time of closing, and the time of opening (if permissible under these Regulations), shall be recorded in the official log book.

A record of all drills and inspections required by Regulation XIII. shall be entered in the official log book with an explicit record of any defects which may be disclosed.

Regulation XV.—Double Bottoms.

1.    In ships 200 feet (61 meters) and under 249 feet (76 meters) in length a double bottom shall be fitted at least from the machinery space to the fore peak bulkhead, or as near thereto as practicable.

2.    In ships 249 feet (76 meters) and under 330 feet (100 meters) in length a double bottom shall be fitted at least outside the machinery space, and shall extend to the fore and after peak bulkheads, or as near thereto as practicable.

3.    In ships 330 feet (100 meters) in length and upwards a double bottom shall be fitted amidships, and shall extend to the fore and after peak bulkheads, or as near thereto as practicable.

4.    Where a double bottom is required to be fitted the inner bottom shall be continued out to the ship’s sides in such a manner as to protect the bottom to the turn of bilge.

Such protection will be deemed satisfactory if the line of intersection of the outer edge of the margin plate with the bilge plating is not lower at any part than a horizontal plane passing through the point of intersection with the frame line amidships of a transverse diagonal line inclined at 25 degrees to the base line and outting it at a point one-half the ship’s moulded breadth from the middle line.

5.    Wells constructed in the double bottom in connexion with the drainage arrangements shall not extend downwards more than necessary, nor shall they be less than 18 inches (457 millimeters) from the outer bottom or from the inner edge of the margin plate. A well extending to the outer bottom is, however, permitted at the after end of the shaft tunnel of screw ships.

Regulation XVI.—Fire-resisting Bulkheads.

Ships shall be fitted above the bulkhead deck with fire-resisting bulkheads which shall be continuous from side to side of the ship and arranged to the satisfaction of the Administration.

They shall be constructed of metal or other fire-resisting material, effective to prevent for one hour, under the conditions for which the bulkheads are to be fitted in the ship, the spread of fire generating a temperature of 1,500′ F. (815′ C.) at the bulkhead.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

Steps and recesses and the means for closing all openings in these bulkheads shall be fire-resisting and flametight.

The mean distance between any two adjacent fire-resisting bulkheads in any superstructure shall in general not exceed 131 feet (40 meters).

Regulation XVII.—Side and other Openings, &c., above the Margin Line.

1.    Sidescuttles, gangway, cargo and coaling ports, and other means for closing openings in the ship’s sides above the margin line shall be of efficient design and construction and of sufficient strength having regard to the spaces in which they are fitted and their positions relative to the deepest subdivision loadline.

2.    The bulkhead deck of a deck above it shall be weather-tight in the sense that in ordinary sea conditions water will not penetrate in a downward direction. All openings in the exposed weather deck shall have coamings of ample height and strength, and shall be provided with efficient means for expeditiously closing them weathertight.

3.    Freeing ports and/or scuppers shall be fitted as necessary for rapidly clearing the weather deck of water under all weather conditions.

Regulation XVIII.—Exits from Watertight Compartments.

1.    In passenger and crew spaces, practicable means of exit to the open deck shall be provided for the occupants from each watertight compartment.

2.    Practicable means of escape for the crew shall be provided from each engine room, shaft tunnel, stokehold compartment, and other working spaces, independent of watertight doors.

Regulation XIX.—Pumping Arrangements.

Steamships.

1.    Ships shall be provided with an efficient pumping plant capable of pumping from and draining any watertight compartment under all practicable conditions after a casualty whether the ship is upright or listed. For this purpose wing suctions will generally be necessary except in narrow compartments at the ends of the ship. Where close ceiling is fitted over the bilges, arrangements shall be made whereby water in the compartment may find its way to the suction pipes. Efficient means shall be provided for draining water from insulated holds.

2.    In addition to the ordinary bilge pump, worked by the main engines, or its equivalent engine room pump, two independent power bilge pumps shall be provided, except that in ships less than 300 feet (91–5 meters) in length, having a criterion numeral less than 30, either two efficient hand pumps of the crank type fitted one forward and one aft, or a portable power pump, may be substituted for one of the additional independent power bilge pumps.

Sanitary, ballast and general service pumps may be accepted as independent power bilge pumps if fitted with the necessary connexions to the bilge pumping system.

3.    Where two or more independent power pumps are required, the arrangement shall be such that at least one power pump will be available for use in all ordinary circumstances in which a vessel may be flooded at sea. One of the power pumps shall, therefore, be an emergency pump of a reliable submersible type. A source of power situated above the bulkhead deck shall be available for this pump in any case of emergency.

4.    Where practicable, the power bilge pumps shall be placed in separate watertight compartments so arranged or situated that these compartments will not readily be flooded by the same damage. If the engines and boilers are in two or more watertight compartments, the pumps available for bilge service shall be distributed through these compartments as far as is possible.

5.    With the exception of pumps which may be provided for peak compartments only, each bilge pump, whether operated by hand or by power, shall be arranged to draw water from any hold or machinery compartment in the ship.

6.    Each independent power bilge pump shall be capable of giving a speed of water through the main bilge pipe of not less than 400 feet (122 metres) per minute, and it shall have a separate direct suction, to the compartment in which it is situated, of a diameter not less than that of the bilge main. The direct suctions from each independent power bilge pump shall be arranged to pump from either

side of the ship.

Schedule VI.—continued.

7.    Main circulating pumps shall have direct suction connexions, provided with non-return valves, to the lowest drainage level in the machinery space, and of a diameter at least two-thirds that of the main sea inlet. Where the fuel is, or may be, coal, and there is no watertight bulkhead between the engines and boilers, a direct discharge overboard shall be fitted from at least one circulating pump, or, alternatively, a bye-pass may be fitted to the circulating discharge.

8.—(a)  All pipes from the pumps which are required for draining, cargo or machinery spaces shall be entirely distinct from pipes which may be used for filling or emptying spaces where water or oil is carried.

(b) Lead pipes shall not be used under coal bunkers or oil fuel storage tanks, nor in boiler or machinery spaces, including motor rooms in which oil settling tanks or oil fuel pump units are situated.

9.    The Administration shall make rules relating to the diameters of the bilge main and branch pipes which shall be proportioned respectively in relation to the size of the ship and the sizes of the compartments to be drained.

10.  The arrangements of the bilge and ballast pumping system shall be such as to prevent the possibility of water passing from the sea and from water ballast spaces into the cargo and machinery spaces, or from one compartment to another. Special provision shall be made to prevent any deep tank having bilge and ballast connexions being inadvertently run up from the sea when containing cargo, or pumped out through a bilge pipe when containing water ballast.

11.  Provision shall be made to prevent the compartment served by any bilge suction pipe being flooded, in the event of the pipe being severed or otherwise damaged, by collision or grounding, in any other compartment. For this purpose, where the pipe is at any part situated near the side of the ship or in a duct keel, there shall be fitted to the pipe in the compartment containing the open end either a non-return valve, or a screwdown valve which can be operated from a position above the bulkhead deck.

12.  All distribution boxes, cocks and valves in connexion with the bilge pumping arrangement shall be in positions which are accessible at all times under ordinary circumstances. They shall be so arranged that in the event of flooding the emergency bilge pump may be operative on any compartment. If there is only one system of pipes common to all the pumps, the necessary cocks or valves for controlling the bilge suctions must be workable from above the bulkhead deck. If in addition to the main bilge pumping system an emergency bilge pumping system is provided, it shall be independent of the main system and so arranged that the emergency pump is capable of operating on any compartment under flooding conditions.

Motor Ships.

13.  The bilge pumping arrangements in motor ships shall, so far as practicable, be equivalent to those required for steamships of similar size, except as regards main circulating pumps.

Regulation XX.—Power for Going Astern.

Ships shall have sufficient power for going astern to secure proper control of the ship in all circumstances.

Regulation XXI.—Auxiliary Steering Apparatus.

Ships shall be provided with an auxiliary steering apparatus which, however, may be of less power than the main apparatus, and need not be worked by steam or other mechanical power, provided adequate arrangements for manual operation are practicable. A duplicate main steering power plant shall be considered as an auxiliary steering apparatus within the meaning of this Regulation.

Regulation XXII.—Initial and Subsequent Surveys of Ships.

1.    Every new or existing ship shall be subjected to the surveys specified below

(a) A survey before the ship is put in service.

(b) A periodical survey once every twelve months.

(c) Additional surveys, as occasion arises.

Schedule VI.—continued.

2.    The surveys referred to above shall be carried out as follows:—

(a) The survey before the ship is put in service shall include a complete inspection of the hull, machinery and equipments, including the outside of the ship’s bottom and the inside and outside of the boilers. This survey shall be such is to ensure that the arrangements, material, and scantlings of the hull, boilers, and their appurtenances, main and auxiliary machinery, life-saving appliances, and other equipments, fully comply with the requirements of the present Convention and of the detailed regulations promulgated as a result thereof by the Government of the country to which the ship belongs for ships of the service for which it is intended. The survey shall also be such as to ensure that the workmanship of all parts of the ship and its equipments is in all respects satisfactory.

(b) The periodical survey shall include an inspection of the whole of the hull, boilers, machinery, and equipments, including the outside of the ship’s bottom. The survey shall be such as to ensure that the ship, as regards the hull, boilers, and their appurtenances, main and auxiliary machinery, life-saving appliances, and other equipments, is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended, and that it complies with the requirements of the present Convention, and of the detailed regulations promulgated as a result thereof by the Government of the country to which the ship belongs.

(c) A Survey either general or partial, according to the circumstances, shall be made every time an accident occurs or a defect is discovered which affects the safety of the ship or the efficiency or completeness of its life-saving appliances or other equipments, or whenever any important repairs or renewals are made. The survey shall be such as to ensure that the necessary repairs or renewals have been effectively made, that the material and workmanship of such repairs or renewals are in all respects satisfactory, and that the ship complies in all respects with the provisions of the present Convention and of the detailed regulations promulgated as a result thereof by the Government of the country to which the ship belongs.

3.    The detailed regulations referred to in sub-paragraph (2) shall prescribe the requirements to be observed as to the initial and subsequent hydraulic tests to which the main and auxiliary boilers, connexions, steam-pipes, high-pressure receivers, and fuel tanks for oil motors are to be submitted, including the test pressure to be applied, and the intervals between two consecutive tests.

Main and auxiliary boilers, connexions, tanks and receivers, also steam-piping of more than 3 inches (76 millimetres) internal diameter shall be satisfactorily tested by hydraulic pressure when new. Steam pipes of more than 3 inches (76 millimetres) internal diameter shall be tested by hydraulic pressure periodically.

Regulation XXIII.—Maintenance of Conditions after Survey.

After the survey of the ship as provided in Regulation XXII. has been completed no change shall be made in the structural arrangements, machinery, equipments, &c., covered by the survey, without the sanction of the Administration.

Life Saving Appliances, etc.

Regulation XXIV.—Standard Types of Boats.

The standard types of boats are classified as follows:—

Class I.—Open boats with rigid sides having either (a) internal buoyancy only, or (b) internal and external buoyancy.

Class II.—(a) Open boats with internal and external buoyancy—upper parts of sides collapsible, and (b) decked boats with either fixed or collapsible watertight bulwarks.

No boat may be approved the buoyancy of which depends upon the previous adjustment of one of the principal parts of the hull, or which has not a cubic capacity of at least 3.5 cubic metres (equivalent to 125 cubic feet).

No boat may be approved the weight of which when fully laden with persons and equipment exceeds 20,300 kilogrammes (equivalent to 20 tons).

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

Regulation XXV.—Lifeboats of Class I.

Lifeboats of Class I. must have a mean sheer at least equal to 4 per cent. of their length.

The air cases of lifeboats of Class I. shall be so placed as to secure stability when fully laden under adverse weather conditions.

In boats certified to carry 100 or more persons the volume of the buoyancy shall be increased to the satisfaction of the Administration.

Lifeboats of Class I. must also satisfy the following conditions:—

(a) Lifeboats with Internal Buoyancy only.—The buoyancy of a wooden boat of this type shall be provided by watertight air-cases, the total volume of which shall be at least equal to one-tenth of the cubic capacity of the boat.

The buoyancy of a metal boat of this type shall not be less than that required above for a wooden boat of the same cubic capacity, the volume of watertight air-cases being increased accordingly.

(b) Lifeboats with Internal and External Buoyancy.—The internal buoyancy of a wooden boat of this type shall be provided by watertight air-cases, the total volume of which is at least equal to 7½ per cent. of the cubic capacity of the boat.

The external buoyancy may be of cork or of any other equally efficient material, but such buoyancy shall not be obtained by the use of rushes, cork shavings, loose granulated cork or any other loose granulated substance, or by any means dependent upon inflation by air.

If the buoyancy is of cork, its volume, for a wooden boat, shall not be less than thirty-three thousandths of the cubic capacity of the boat; if of any material other than cork, its volume and distribution shall be such that the buoyancy and stability of the boat are not less than that of a similar boat provided with buoyancy of cork.

The buoyancy of a metal boat shall be not less than that required above for a wooden boat of the same cubic capacity, the volume of the watertight air-cases and that of the external buoyancy being increased accordingly.

Regulation XXVI.—Boats of Class II.

Boats of Class II. must satisfy the following conditions:—

(a) Open Boats with Internal and External Buoyancy—Upper Part of Sides Collapsible.—A boat of this type shall be fitted both with watertight air-cases and with external buoyancy the aggregate volume of which, for each person which the boat is able to accommodate, shall be at least equal to the following amounts:—

—	Cubic Decimetres.	Cubic Feet.
Air-cases...................................................................	43	1.5
External buoyancy (if of cork)..................................	6	0.2

The external buoyancy may be of cork or of any other equally efficient material, but such buoyancy shall not be obtained by the use of rushes, cork shavings, loose granulated cork, or any other loose granulated substance, or by any means dependent upon inflation by air.

If of any material other than cork, its volume and distribution shall be such that the buoyancy and stability of the boat are not less than that of a similar boat provided with buoyancy of cork.

A metal boat of this type shall be provided with internal and external buoyancy to ensure that the buoyancy of the boat shall be at least equal to that of a wooden boat.

The minimum freeboard of boats of this type shall be fixed in relation to their length; and it shall be measured vertically to the top of the solid hull at the side amidships, from the water-level, when the boat is loaded.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

The freeboard in fresh water shall not be less than the following amounts:—

Length of Lifeboat.		Minimum Freeboard.
Metres.	Equivalent in Feet to–	Millimetres.	Equivalent in Inches to–
7.90	26	200	8
8.50	28	225	9
9.15	30	250	10

The freeboard of boats of intermediate lengths is to be found by interpolation.

The collapsible sides must be watertight.

(b) Decked Boats with either Fixed or Collapsible Watertight Bulwarks—(i) Decked Boats having a Well Deck.—The area of the well deck of a boat of this type shall be at least 30 per cent. of the total deck area. The height of the well deck above the waterline at all points shall be at least equal to ½ per cent. of the length of the boat, this height being increased to 1½ per cent. of the length of the boat at the ends of the well.

The freeboard of a boat of this type shall be such as to provide for a reserve buoyancy of at least 35 per cent.

(ii) Decked Boats having a Flush Deck.—The minimum freeboard of boats of this type is independent of their lengths and depends only upon their depths. The depth of the boat is to be measured vertically from the underside of the garboard strake to the top of the deck at the side amidships and the freeboard is to be measured from the top of the deck at the side amidships to the water-level when the boat is loaded.

The freeboard in fresh water shall not be less than the following amounts, which are applicable without correction to boats having a mean sheer equal to 3 per cent. of their length:—

For intermediate depths the freeboard is obtained by interpolation.

If the sheer is less than the standard sheer defined above, the minimum freeboard is obtained by adding to the figures in the table one-seventh of the difference between the standard sheer and the actual mean sheer measured at the stem and stern post; no deduction is to be made from the freeboard on account of the sheer being greater than the standard sheer or on account of the camber of the deck.

(iii) All decked lifeboats shall be fitted with efficient means for clearing the deck of water.

Regulation XXVII.—Motor Boats.

A motor boat carried as part of the lifesaving appliances of a vessel, whether required by Regulation XXXVI. (2) or not, shall comply with the following conditions:—

(a) It shall comply with the requirements for a lifeboat of Class I., and proper appliances shall be provided for putting it into the water speedily.

(b) It shall be adequately provided with fuel, and kept so as to be at all times ready for use.

Schedule VI.—continued.

(c) The motor and its accessories shall be suitably enclosed to ensure operation under adverse weather conditions, and provision shall be made for going astern.

(d) The speed shall be at least six knots when fully loaded in smooth water.

The volume of the internal buoyancy and, where fitted, the external buoyancy shall be increased in sufficient proportion to compensate for the difference between the weight of the motor, the searchlight, and the wireless telegraph installation and their accessories, and the weight of the additional persons which the boat could accommodate if the motor, the searchlight and the wireless telegraph installation and their accessories were removed.

Regulation XXVIII.—Life Rafts.

No type of life raft may be approved unless it satisfies the following conditions:—

(a) It shall be of approved material and construction;

(b) It shall be effective and stable when floating either way up;

(c) It shall be fitted with fixed or collapsible bulwarks of wood, canvas or other suitable material on both sides;

(d) It shall have a line securely becketed round the outside;

(e) It shall be of such strength that it can be launched or thrown from the vessel’s
deck without being damaged, and if to be thrown it shall be of such size and weight that it can be easily handled;

(f) It shall have not less than 85 cubic decimetres (equivalent to three cubic feet) of air-cases or equivalent buoyancy for each person to be carried thereon;

(g) It shall have a deck area of not less than 3,720 square centimetres (equivalent to four square feet) for each person to be carried thereon, and it shall effectively support the occupants out of the water;

(h) The air-cases or equivalent buoyancy shall be placed as near as possible to the sides of the life raft, and such buoyancy shall not be by any means dependent on inflation by air.

Regulation XXIX.—Buoyant Apparatus.

Buoyant apparatus, whether buoyant deck seats, buoyant deck chairs or other buoyant apparatus, shall be deemed sufficient, so far as buoyancy is concerned, for a person or number of persons to be ascertained by dividing the number of kilogrammes of iron which it is capable of supporting in fresh water by 14.5 (equivalent to the number of pounds divided by 32), and if the apparatus depends for its buoyancy on air it shall not require to be inflated before use in an emergency.

The number of persons for whom the apparatus is deemed suitable shall be determined by the least of the numbers ascertained either as above or by the number of 30.5 centimetres (equivalent to 1 foot) in the perimeter.

Such approved buoyant apparatus shall comply with the following conditions:—

(1) It shall be constructed with proper workmanship and materials.

(2) It shall be effective and stable when floating either way up.

(3) It shall be of such size, strength and weight that it can be handled without mechanical appliances and, if necessary, thrown without damage from the vessel’s deck on which it is stowed.

(4) The air-cases or equivalent buoyancy shall be placed as near as possible to the sides of the apparatus.

(5) It shall have a line securely becketed round the outside of the apparatus.

Regulation XXX.—Cubic Capacity of Lifeboats of Class I.

1.    The cubic capacity of a lifeboat of Class I. shall be determined by Stirling’s (Simpson’s) Rule or by any other method giving the same degree of accuracy. The capacity of a square-sterned boat shall be calculated as if the boat had a pointed stem.

2.    For example, the capacity in cubic metres (or cubic feet) of a boat, calculated by the aid of Stirling’s Rule, may be considered as given by the following formula:—

(l) being the length of the boat in metres (or feet) from the inside of the planking or plating at the stem to the corresponding point at the stern post; in the case of a boat with a square stern, the length is measured to the inside of the transom.

Schedule VI.—continued.

A, B, C denote respectively the areas of the cross-sections at the quarter length forward, amidships, and the quarter length aft, which correspond to the three points obtained by dividing l into four equal parts (the areas corresponding to the two ends of the boat are considered negligible).

The areas A, B, C shall be deemed to be given in square metres (or square feet) by the successive application of the following formula to each of the three cross-sections:—

h being the depth measured in metres (or in feet) inside the planking or plating from the keel to the level of the gunwale, or, in certain cases, to a lower level, as determined hereafter.

a, b, c, d, e denote the horizontal breadths of the boat measured in metres (or in feet) at the upper and lower points of the depth and at the three points obtained by dividing h into four equal parts (a and e being the breadths at the extreme points, and c at the middle point, of h).

3.    If the sheer of the gunwale, measured at the two points situated at a quarter of the length of the boat from the ends, exceeds 1 per cent. of the length of the boat, the depth employed in calculating the area of the cross-sections A or C shall be deemed to be the depth amidships plus 1 per cent. of the length of the boat.

4.    If the depth of the boat amidships exceeds 45 per cent. of the breadth, the depth employed in calculating the area of the midship cross-section B shall be deemed to be equal to 45 per cent. of the breadth, and the depth employed in calculating the areas of the quarter length sections A and C is obtained by increasing this last figure by an amount equal to 1 per cent. of the length of the boat, provided that in no case shall the depths employed in the calculation exceed the actual depths at these points.

5.    If the depth of the boat is greater than 122 centimetres (equivalent to 4 feet) the number of persons given by the application of this rule shall be reduced in proportion to the ratio of 122 centimetres to the actual depth, until the boat has been satisfactorily tested afloat with that number of persons on board, all wearing life-jackets.

6.    Each Administration shall impose, by suitable formulae, a limit for the number of persons allowed in boats with very fine ends and in boats very full in form.

7.    Each Administration reserves the right to assign to a boat a capacity equal to the product of the length, the breadth and the depth multiplied by 0.6 if it is evident that this formula does not give a greater capacity than that obtained by the above method. The dimensions shall then be measured in the following manner:—

Length.—From the intersection of the outside of the planking with the stem to the corresponding point at the stern post or, in the case of a square sterned boat, to the after side of the transom.

Breadth.—From the outside of the planking at the point where the breadth of the boat is greatest.

Depth.—Amidships inside the planking from the keel to the level of the gunwale, but the depth used in calculating the cubic capacity may not in any case exceed 45 per cent. of the breadth.

In all cases the shipowner has the right to require that the cubic capacity of the boat shall be determined by exact measurement.

8.    The cubic capacity of a motorboat is obtained from the gross capacity by deducting a volume equal to that occupied by the motor and its accessories, and. when carried, the wireless telegraphy installation and the searchlight with their accessories.

Regulation XXXI.—Deck Area of Boats of Class II.

1.    The area of the deck of a decked boat shall be determined by the method indicated below or by any other method giving the same degree of accuracy. The same rule is to be applied in determining the area within the fixed bulwarks of a boat of Class II. (a).

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

2.    For example, the surface in square metres (or square feet) of a boat may be deemed to be given by the following formula:—

l being the length in metres (or in feet) from the intersection of the outside of the planking with the stem to the corresponding point at the stern post.

a, b, c, d, e denote the horizontal breadths in metres (or in feet) outside the planking at the points obtained by dividing l into four equal parts and sub-dividing the foremost and aftermost parts into two equal parts (a and e being the breadths at the extreme sub-divisions, c at the middle point of the length, and b and d at the intermediate points).

Regulation XXXII.—Marking of Boats, Life Rafts and Buoyant Apparatus.

The dimensions of the boat and the number of persons which it is authorized to carry, shall be marked on it in clear permanent characters. These marks shall be specifically approved by the officers appointed to inspect the ship.

Life rafts and buoyant apparatus shall be marked with the number of persons in the same manner.

Regulation XXXIII.—Carrying Capacity of Boats.

1.    The number of persons which a boat of one of the standard types can accommodate is equal to the greatest whole number obtained by dividing the capacity in cubic metres (or cubic feet), or the surface in square metres (or square feet), of the boat by the standard unit of capacity, or unit of surface (according to circumstances), defined below for each type.

2.    The standard units of capacity and surface for determining the number of persons are as follows:—

Unit of Capacity.	Cubic Metres.	Equivalent in Cubic Feet.
Open boats, Class I. (a).............................................	0.238	10
Open boats, Class I. (b).............................................	0.255	9
Unit of Surface.	Square Metres.	Equivalent in Square Feet.
Class II.	0.325	3½

3.    The Administration may accept, in place of 0.325 or 3½, as the case may be, a smaller divisor, if it is satisfied after trial that the number of persons for whom there is seating accommodation in the decked boat in question is greater than the number obtained by applying the above divisor, provided always that the divisor adopted in place of 0.325 or 3½, as the case may be, may never be less than 0.280 or 3, as the case may be.

The Administration which accepts a lower divisor in this way shall communicate to the other Administrations particulars of the trial and drawings of the decked boat in question.

Regulation XXXIV.—Capacity Limits.

No boat shall be marked for a greater number of persons than that obtained in the manner specified in these Regulations.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

This number shall be reduced—

(1)   when it is greater than the number of persons for which there is proper seating accommodation; the latter number shall be determined in such a way that the persons when seated do not interfere in any way with the use of the oars;

(2)   when, in the case of boats other than those of Class I., the freeboard when the boat is fully loaded is less than the freeboard laid down for each type respectively; the number shall be reduced until the freeboard when the boat is fully loaded is at least equal to the standard freeboard laid down above.

In boats of Class II. (b) (i), the raised part of the deck at the sides may be regarded as affording seating accommodation.

Regulation XXXV.—Equivalent for and Weight of the Persons.

In the tests for determining the number of persons which a boat or life raft can accommodate, each person shall be assumed to be an adult person wearing a life-jacket.

In verifications of freeboard the decked boats shall be loaded with a weight of at least 75 kilogrammes (165 lb.) for each adult person that the decked boat is authorized to carry.

In all cases two children under 12 years of age shall be reckoned as one person.

Regulation XXXVI.—Equipment of Boats and Life Rafts.

1.    The normal equipment of every boat shall consist of:—

(a) A single banked complement of oars, two spare oars and a steering oar; one set and a half of thole pins or crutches; a boat hook.

(b) Two plugs for each plug hole (plugs are not required when proper automatic valves are fitted); a bailer and a galvanized iron bucket.

(c) A rudder and a tiller or yoke and yoke lines.

(d) Two hatchets.

(e) A lamp filled with oil and trimmed.

(f) A mast or masts with one good sail at least, and proper gear for each.

(g) An efficient compass.

(h) A life-line becketed round the outside.

(i) A sea-anchor.

(j) A painter.

(k) A vessel containing four and a half litres (equivalent to one gallon) of vegetable or animal oil. The vessel shall be so constructed that the oil can be easily distributed on the water, and so arranged that it can be attached to the sea-anchor.

(l) An airtight receptacle containing one kilogramme (equivalent to two pounds) of provisions for each person.

(m) A watertight receptacle provided with a dipper with lanyard containing one litre (equivalent to one quart) of fresh water for each person.

(n) At least one dozen self-igniting “red lights” and a box of matches in watertight containers.

(o) Half a kilogramme (equivalent to one pound) of condensed milk for each person.

(p) A suitable locker for the stowage of the small items of the equipment.

(q) Any boat which is certified to carry 100 or more persons shall be fitted with a motor and shall comply with the requirements of Regulation XXVII.

A motor lifeboat need not carry a mast or sails or more than half the complement of oars, but it shall carry two boathooks.

Decked lifeboats shall have no plug-hole, but shall be provided with at least two bilge-pumps.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

In the case of a ship which carries passengers in the North Atlantic north of 35° North Latitude, only a proportion of the boats, to be fixed by the Administration, need be equipped with masts and sails, and only one-half the quantity of condensed milk need be carried.

2.    Where the number of lifeboats carried on a ship is more than 13, one shall be a motor boat, and where the number is more than 19, two shall be motor boats. These motor lifeboats shall be fitted with a wireless telegraph installation and a searchlight.

The wireless telegraph installation shall comply with conditions as to range and efficiency to be decided by each Administration.

The searchlight shall include a lamp of at least 80 watts, an efficient reflector and a source of power which will give effective illumination of a light coloured object over a width of about 18 metres (60 feet) at a distance of 180 metres (200 yards) for a total period of six hours, and it shall be capable of working for three hours continuously.

Where the power for the wireless equipment and the searchlight are derived from the same source, this shall be sufficient to provide for the adequate working of both appliances.

3.    The normal equipment of every approved life raft shall consist of—

(a) Four oars.

(b) Five rowlocks.

(c) A self-igniting lifebuoy light.

(d) A sea-anchor,

(e) A painter.

(f) A vessel containing four and a half litres (equivalent to one gallon) of vegetable or animal oil. The vessel shall be so constructed that the oil can be easily distributed on the water, and so arranged that it can be attached to the sea-anchor.

(g) An airtight receptacle containing one kilogramme (equivalent to two pounds) of provisions for each person.

(h) A watertight receptacle provided with a dipper with lanyard containing one litre (equivalent to one quart) of fresh water for each person.

(i) At least one dozen self-igniting red lights and a box of matches in watertight containers.

4.    In the case of a ship which is engaged in short international voyages, the Administration may exempt the boats from carrying the equipment specified under sub-paragraphs (f), (l) and (o) of paragraph 1 and from the requirements of paragraph 2, and may also exempt the life rafts from carrying the equipment specified in paragraph 3 (g).

Regulation XXXVII.—Stowage and Handling of Boats and Life Rafts.

1.    Subject to the conditions of regulation XXXVIII., the lifeboats may be stowed one above the other, or they may, subject to such conditions as the Administration may impose, be fitted one within another, but where boats so fitted require lifting before being launched they shall only be permitted if mechanical power appliances for lifting are provided.

2.    The lifeboats and life rafts additional to boats stowed under boats attached to davits may be stowed across a deck, bridge or poop and so secured that they will have the best chance of floating free of the ship if there is no time to launch them.

3.    As large a number as possible of the additional boats referred to in paragraph 2 shall be capable of being launched on either side of the ship by means of approved appliances for transferring them from one side of the deck to the other.

4.    Boats may only be stowed on more than one deck on condition that proper measures are taken to prevent boats on a lower deck being fouled by those stowed on a deck above.

5.    Boats shall not be placed in the bows of the ship or in any positions in which they would be brought into dangerous proximity to the propellers at the time of launching.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

6.    Davits shall be of approved form and so disposed on one or more decks that the boats placed under them can be safely lowered without interference from the operation of any other davits.

7.    The davits, blocks, falls and all other gear shall be of such strength that the boats can be safely lowered with the full complement of persons and equipment, with the ship listed to 15 degrees either way. The falls shall be long enough to reach the water with the vessel at her lightest sea-going draught and with a list of 15 degrees.

8.    The davits shall be fitted with gear of sufficient power to ensure that the boats, fully equipped and manned, but not otherwise loaded with passengers, can be turned out against the maximum list at which the lowering of the boats is possible.

9.    The boats attached to the davits shall have the falls ready for service, and means shall be provided for speedily, but not necessarily simultaneously, detaching the boats from the falls.

10.  Where more than one boat is served by the same set of davits, if the falls are of rope, separate falls shall be provided to serve each boat, but where wire falls are used with mechanical appliances for recovering them, separate falls need not be provided. The appliances used must be such as to ensure lowering the boats in turn and rapidly.

Where mechanical appliances are fitted for the recovery of the falls efficient hand gear shall also be provided.

11.  On short international voyages where the height of the boat deck above the water line when the vessel is at her lightest sea-going draught does not exceed 4.5 metres (15 feet), the requirements as to strength of davits and turning-out gear in sub-paragraphs 7, 8 and 10 shall not apply.

Regulation XXXVIII.—Number and Capacity of Boats, Life Rafts, &c., and Davits.

1.    A ship shall be provided with sets of davits in accordance with its length as provided in Column A of the table in Regulation XXXIX., provided that a number of sets of davits greater than the number of boats necessary for the accommodation of all the persons on board shall not be required.

Each set of davits shall have a boat of Class I. attached to it. If the lifeboats attached to davits do not provide sufficient accommodation for all the persons on board, additional lifeboats of one of the standard types shall be provided. One additional lifeboat shall, in the first place, be stowed under each of the boats attached to davits. After these have been fitted other boats shall be carried inboard, but an Administration may, if it is of opinion that life rafts will be more readily available and otherwise more satisfactory than these lifeboats in a case of emergency, allow life rafts to be carried provided that the total capacity of the boats on the ship will be at least up to the minimum capacity required by Column C of the Table in Regulation XXXIX.

When in the opinion of the Administration it is neither practicable nor reasonable to place on a ship the number of sets of davits required by Column A of the Table in Regulation XXXIX., the Administration may authorize, under exceptional conditions, a smaller number of sets of davits, provided always that this number shall never be less than the minimum number fixed by Column B of the Table and that the total capacity of the boats on the ship will be at least up to the minimum capacity required by Column C.

2.    A ship engaged on short international voyages shall be provided with sets of davits in accordance with its length as provided in Column A of the Table in Regulation XXXIX. Each set of davits shall have a boat of Class I. attached to it. If the lifeboats attached to davits do not provide the minimum cubic capacity specified in Column D of the Table in Regulation XXXIX. or provide accommodation for all persons on board, additional life-boats of one of the standard types, approved life rafts or other approved buoyant apparatus shall be provided, and the accommodation thus provided shall be sufficient for all on board.

When in the opinion of the Administration it is neither practicable nor reasonable to place on a ship engaged in short international voyages, the number of sets of davits required by Column A of the Table in Regulation

Schedule VI.—continued.

XXXIX., the Administration may authorize, under exceptional conditions, a smaller number of sets of davits, provided always that this number shall never be less than the minimum number fixed by Column B of the Table, and that the total capacity of the boats on the ship will be at least up to the minimum capacity required by Column D.

Regulation XXXIX.—Table relating to davits and life-boat capacity.

The following table fixes, according to the length of the ship:—

(A) The minimum number of sets of davits to be provided to each of which must be attached a boat of Class I. in accordance with Regulation XXXVIII. above.

(B) The smaller number of sets of davits which may be authorized exceptionally under Regulation XXXVIII.

(C) The minimum, life-boat capacity required, including the life-boats attached to davits and the additional boats, in accordance with Regulation XXXVIII.

(D) The minimum life-boats capacity required for a ship engaged in short international voyages.

Registered Length of the Ship.								(A.) Minimum Number of Sets of Davits.	(B.) Smaller Number of Sets of Davits authorized exceptionally.	(C.) Minimum Capacity of Lifeboats.		(D.) Minimum Capacity of Lifeboats.
Metres.				Feet.						Cubic Metres.	Cubic Feet.	Cubic Metres.	Cubic Feet.
31	And	under	37	100	and	under	120	2	2	28	980	11	400
37	”		43	120	”		140	2	2	35	1,220	17	600
43	”		49	140	”		160	2	2	44	1,550	24	850
49	”		53	160	”		175	3	3	53	1,880	33	1,150
53	”		58	175	”		190	3	3	68	2,390	37	1,300
58	”		63	190	”		205	4	4	78	2,740	41	1,450
63	”		67	205	”		220	4	4	94	3,330	45	1,600
67	”		70	220	”		230	5	4	110	3,900	48	1,700
70	”		75	230	”		245	5	4	129	4,560	52	1,850
75	”		78	245	”		255	6	5	144	5,100	60	2,100
78	”		82	255	”		270	6	5	160	5,640	68	2,400
82	”		87	270	”		285	7	5	175	6,190	76	2,700
87	”		91	285	”		300	7	5	196	6,930	85	3,000
91	”		96	300	”		315	8	6	214	7,550	94	3,300
96	”		101	315	”		330	8	6	235	8,290	105	3,700
101	”		107	330	”		350	9	7	255	9,000	116	4,100
107	”		113	350	”		370	9	7	273	9,630	125	4,400
113	”		119	370	”		390	10	7	301	10,650	133	4,700
119	”		125	390	”		410	10	7	331	11,700	144	6,100
125	”		133	410	”		435	12	9	370	13,060	156	5,500
133	”		140	435	”		460	12	9	408	14,430	170	6,000
140	”		149	460	”		490	14	10	451	15,920	185	6,550
149	”		159	490	”		520	14	10	490	17,310	201	7,100
159	”		168	520	”		550	16	12	530	18,720	217	7,650
168	”		177	550	”		580	16	12	576	20,350
177	”		186	580	”		610	18	13	620	21,900
186	”		195	610	”		640	18	13	671	23,700
195	”		204	640	”		670	20	14	717	25,350
204	”		213	670	”		700	20	14	766	27,050
213	”		223	700	”		730	22	15	808	28,560
223	”		232	730	”		760	22	15	854	30,180
232	”		241	760	”		790	24	17	908	32,100
241	”		250	790	”		820	24	17	972	34,350
250	”		261	820	”		855	26	18	1,031	36,450
261	”		271	855	”		890	26	18	1,097	38,750
271	”		282	890	”		925	28	19	1,160	41,000
282	”		293	925	”		960	28	19	1,242	43,880
293	”		303	960	”		995	30	20	1,312	46,350
303	”		314	995	”		1,030	30	20	1,380	48,750

Note on (A) and (B).—When the length of the ship exceeds 314 metres (equivalent to 1,030 feet) the Administration shall determine the minimum number of sets of davits for that ship; full particulars of its decision shall be communicated to the other Administrations.

Note on (C) and (D).—For the purposes of this table the capacity of a boat of Class II. is obtained by multiplying the number of persons for which the boat is certified by 0.283 to obtain the capacity in cubic metres and by 10 to obtain the capacity in cubic feet.

Note on (D).—When the length of a ship is under 31 metres (equivalent to 100 feet) or over 168 metres (equivalent to 550 feet) the cubic capacity of the lifeboats shall be prescribed by the Administration.

Schedule VI.—continued.

Regulation XL.—Life-Jackets and Life-Buoys.

1.    A life-jacket shall satisfy the following requirements:—

(a) It shall be constructed with proper workmanship and materials.

(b) It shall be capable of supporting in fresh water for 24 hours 7.5 kilogrammes of iron (equivalent to 16½ pounds);

(c) It shall be reversible.

Life-jackets the buoyancy of which depends on air compartments are prohibited.

2.    A life-buoy shall satisfy the following requirements:—

(a) It shall be of solid cork or any other equivalent material;

(b) It shall be capable of supporting in fresh water for 24 hours at least 14.5 kilogrammes (equivalent to 32 pounds) of iron.

Life-buoys filled with rushes, cork shavings or granulated cork, or any other loose granulated material, or whose buoyance depends upon air compartments which require to be inflated, are prohibited.

3.    The minimum number of life-buoys with which ships are to be provided is fixed by the following table:—

Length of the Ship.		Minimum Number of Buoys.
Metres.	Equivalent in Feet.
Under 61...........................................................	Under 200.....................	8
61 and under 122............................................	200 and under 400	12
122 and under 183............................................	400 and under 600	18
183 and under 244............................................	600 and under 800	24
244 and over.....................................................	800 and over.................	30

4.    All the buoys shall be fitted with beckets securely seized. At least one buoy on each side shall be fitted with a life-line of at least 27.5 metres (15 fathoms) in length. Not less than one-half of the total number of life-buoys, and in no case less than six, shall be provided with efficient self-igniting lights which cannot be extinguished in water, and these shall be kept near the buoys to which they belong, with the necessary means of attachment.

5.    All the life-buoys and life-jackets shall be so placed as to be readily accessible to the persons on board; their position shall be plainly indicated so as to be known to the persons concerned.

The life-buoys shall always be capable of being rapidly cast loose and shall not be permanently secured in any way.

Regulation XLI.—Certificated Lifeboatmen.

In order to obtain the special lifeboatman’s certificate provided for in Article 22 of the present Convention, the applicant must prove that he has been trained in all the operations connected with launching lifeboats and the use of oars; that he is acquainted with the practical handling of the boats themselves; and, further, that he is capable of understanding and answering the orders relative to lifeboat service.

There shall be for each boat or life-raft a number of lifeboatmen at least equal to that specified in the following table:—

If the Prescribed Complement is—	The Minimum Number of Certificated Life-boatmen shall be—
Less than 41 persons........................................................................	2
From 41 to 61 persons.....................................................................	3
From 62 to 85 persons.....................................................................	4
Above 85 persons............................................................................	5

3921.—13

Schedule VI.—continued.

Regulation XLII.—Manning of Boats.

A deck officer or certificated lifeboatman shall be placed in charge of each boat or life-raft and a second in command shall also be nominated. The person in charge shall have a list of its crew, and shall see that the men placed under his orders are acquainted with their several duties.

A man capable of working the motor shall be assigned to each motor boat.

A man capable of working the wireless and searchlight installations shall be assigned to boats carrying this equipment.

The duty of seeing that the boats, life-rafts and buoyant apparatus and other lifesaving apparatus are at all times ready for use shall be assigned to one or more officers.

Regulation XLIII.—Fire Detection and Extinction.

1.    An efficient patrol system shall be maintained, so that any outbreak of fire may be promptly detected. In addition, a fire alarm or fire detecting system shall be provided, which will automatically indicate or register at one or more points or stations, where it can be most quickly observed by officers and crew, the presence or indication of fire in any part of the ship not accessible to the patrol system.

2.    Every ship shall be provided with powerful pumps, operated by steam or other means. On ships of less than 4,000 tons gross there shall be two, and on larger ships three of these pumps. Each of the pumps shall be capable of delivering a sufficient quantity of water in two powerful jets simultaneously in any given part of the ship, and shall be available for immediate use before the ship leaves port.

3.    The service pipes shall permit of two powerful jets of water being simultaneously directed on any given part of a deck occupied by passengers and crew, when the watertight and fire-resisting doors are closed. The service pipes and hoses shall be of ample size and made of suitable material. The branches of the pipes shall be so placed on each deck that the fire hose can be easily coupled to them.

4.    Provision shall be made whereby at least two powerful jets of water can be rapidly and simultaneously directed into any space containing cargo. In addition, arrangements shall be made whereby smothering gas sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 30 per cent. of the grots volume of the largest hold in the ship can be promptly conveyed by a permanent piping system into each compartment in which cargo is carried. Steam in adequately equivalent proportion may be accepted in place of smothering gas on steam-driven ships. Provision for the supply of smothering gas or steam need not be required in ships of less than 1,000 tons gross.

5.    A sufficient number of portable fluid fire extinguishers shall be provided, at least two being carried in each machinery space.

6.    Two equipments, consisting of a smoke helmet or breathing apparatus and a safety lamp, shall be carried on board, and kept in two widely separated places.

7.    In steamships in which the main boilers are oil fired, there shall be provided in addition to means whereby two powerful jets of water may be rapidly and simultaneously directed into any part of the machinery spaces—

(a) Suitable conductors for spraying water on oil without undue disturbance of the surface.

(b) In each firing space, a receptacle containing 283 cubic decimetres (10 cubic feet) of sand, sawdust impregnated with soda, or other approved dry materials, and scoops for distributing the same.

(c) In each boiler room, and in each of the machinery spaces in which a part of the oil fuel installation is situated, two approved portable extinguishers of a type discharging froth or other approved medium suitable for quenching oil fires.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

(d) Means whereby froth may be rapidly discharged and distributed over the whole of the lower part of the boiler room or of any one boiler room, if there are more than one, or of any machinery space in which oil fuel units or settling tanks are situated. The quantity of froth which can be discharged shall be ample to cover to a depth of 15.24 centimetres (6 inches) the whole area of the plating formed in any one compartment by the inner bottom plating, or by the shell plating of the vessel, if there is no double-bottom tank. If the engine and boiler rooms are not entirely separate, and fuel can drain from the boiler room bilges into the engine room, the combined engine and boiler rooms shall be considered as one compartment. The apparatus shall be operated and controlled from outside the compartment in which the fire may occur.

(e) In addition to the foregoing, one extinguisher of the froth type of at least 136 litres (30 gallons) capacity in steamships having one boiler room and two such extinguishers in steamships with more than one boiler room. These extinguishers shall be provided with hoses on reels suitable for reaching any part of the boiler rooms and spaces containing oil-fuel pumping units. Equally efficient apparatus may be accepted in place of the 130 litres (30 gallons) extinguishers.

(f) All containers and valves by which they are operated shall be easily accessible and so placed that they will not readily be cut off from use by an outbreak of fire.

8.    In vessels propelled by internal combustion engines there shall be provided in each of the machinery spaces, in addition to means whereby two powerful jets of water may be rapidly and simultaneously directed into any part of the machinery spaces, together with suitable spraying conductors, froth extinguishers as follows:—

(a) At least one approved 45 litres (10 gallons) extinguisher with an addition of one approved 9 litres (2 gallons) extinguisher for each 1,000 B.H.P. of the engines, but the total number of 9 litres (2 gallons) extinguishers so supplied shall be not less than two and need not exceed six.

(b) When a donkey boiler is situated in the machinery space there shall be provided, in place of the 45 litres (10 gallons) extinguisher mentioned above, one of 136 litres (30 gallons) capacity, fitted with suitable hose attachments or other approved methods for distributing the froth.

9.    In steamships using oil fuel, if the engine and boiler rooms are not entirely separated by a steel bulkhead, and if fuel oil can drain from the boiler-room bilges into the engine room, one of the fire pumps shall be situated in the tunnel or other space outside the machinery compartment.

When more than two pumps are required they shall not all be fitted in the same space.

10.  Where any special type of appliance, extinguishing medium or arrangement is specified, any other type of appliance, &c, may be allowed, provided that it is not less effective than the specified one. For example— a Carbon Dioxide system may be accepted in place of a froth installation (paragraph (7), sub-paragraphs (d) and (e) ), provided that the quantity of carbon dioxide carried is sufficient to give a gas saturation of about 25 per cent. for the gross volume of the stokehold to about the top of the boilers.

11.  All the fire-extinguishing appliances shall be thoroughly examined at least once each year by a surveyor appointed by the Administration.

Regulation XLIV.—Muster List.

The muster list shall assign duties to the different members of the crew in connexion with—

(a) The closing of the watertight doors, valves, &c.

(b) The equipment of the boats, life-rafts and buoyant apparatus generally.

(c) The launching of the boats attached to davits.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

(d) The general preparation of the other boats, the life-rafts and buoyant apparatus.

(e) The muster of the passengers.

(f) The extinction of fire.

The muster list shall assign to the members of the stewards’ department their several duties in relation to the passengers at a time of emergency.

These duties shall include—

(a) Warning the passengers.

(b) Seeing that they are dressed and have put on their life-jackets in a proper manner,

(c) Assembling the passengers at muster stations,

(d) Keeping order in the passages and on the stairways, and, generally, controlling the movements of the passengers.

The muster list shall specify definite signals for calling all the crew to their boat and fire stations, and shall give full particulars of these signals.

Regulation XLV.—Musters and Drills.

Musters of the crew for boat drill shall take place weekly when practicable, and in vessels in which the voyage exceeds one week, before leaving port. The dates upon which musters are held shall be recorded in the Official Log Book and, if in any week a muster is not held, an entry shall be made stating why a muster was not practicable.

In ships in which the voyage exceeds one week practice musters of passengers should be held at an early period of each voyage.

Different groups of boats shall be used in turn at successive boat drills.

The drills and inspections shall be so arranged that the crew thoroughly understand and are practised in the duties they have to perform, and that all lifesaving appliances with the gear appertaining to them are always ready for immediate use.

The emergency signal for summoning passengers to muster stations shall be a succession of more than six short blasts followed by one long blast on the whistle or syren. This shall be supplemented on all ships except those engaged in short international voyages by other electrically operated signals throughout the ship controlled from the bridge. The meaning of all signals affecting passengers shall be clearly stated in different languages on cards posted in their cabins and in other passenger quarters.

Safety of Navigation.

Regulation XLVI.—Transmission of Information.

The transmission of information regarding ice, derelicts, tropical storms or any other direct danger to navigation is obligatory. The form in which the information is sent is not obligatory. It may be transmitted either in plain language (preferably English) or by means of the International Code of Signals (Wireless Telegraphy Section). It should be issued CQ to all ships, and should also be sent to the first point of the coast to which communication can be made with a request that it be transmitted to the appropriate authority.

All messages issued under Article 34 of the present Convention will be preceded by the safety signal TTT following by an indication of the nature of the danger, thus: TTT Ice; TTT Derelict; TTT Storm; TTT Navigation.

Information Required.

The following information is desired, the time in all cases being Greenwich Mean Time:—

(a) Ice, Derelicts and other Direct Dangers to Navigation.

(1) the kind of ice, derelict or danger observed;

(2) the position of the ice, derelict or danger when last observed.

(3) The time and date when the observation was made.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

(b) Tropical Storms.—(Hurricanes in the West Indies, Typhoons in the China Seas, Cyclones in Indian waters, and storms of a similar nature in other regions).

(1) A Statement that a Tropical Storm has been Encountered.—This obligation should be interpreted in a broad spirit, and information transmitted whenever the master has good reason to believe that a tropical storm exists in his neighbourhood.

(2) Meteorological Information.—In view of the great assistance given by accurate meteorological data in fixing the position and movement of storm centres, each shipmaster should add to his warning message as much of the following meteorological information as he finds practicable:—

(a) barometric pressure (millibars, inches or millimetres);

(b) change in barometric pressure (the change during the previous two to four hours);

(c) wind direction (true not magnetic);

(d) wind force (Beaufort or decimal scale);

(e) state of the sea (smooth, moderate, rough, high);

(f) swell (slight, medium, heavy) and the direction from which it comes.

When barometric pressure is given the word “millibars”, “inches” or “millimetres”, as the case may be, should be added to the reading, and it should always be stated whether the reading is corrected or uncorrected.

When changes of the barometer are reported the course and speed of the ship should also be given.

All directions should be true, not magnetic.

(3) Time and Date and Position of the Ship.—These should be for the time and position when the meteorological observations reported were made and not when the message was prepared or despatched. The time used in all cases should be Greenwich Mean Time.

(4) Subsequent Observations.—When a master has reported a tropical storm it is desirable, but not obligatory, that other observations be made and transmitted at intervals of three hours, so long as the ship remains under the influence of the storm.

Examples.

Ice.

TTT Ice. Large berg sighted in 4605 N., 4410 W., at 0800 GMT. May 15.

Derelict.

TTT Derelict. Observed derelict almost submerged in 4006 N., 1243 W., at 1630 GMT. April 21.

Danger to Navigation.

TTT Navigation. Alpha lightship not on station. 1800 GMT. January 3,

Tropical Storm.

TTT Storm. Experiencing tropical storm. Barometer corrected 994 millibars, falling rapidly. Wind NW., force 9, heavy squalls. Swell E. Course ENE., 5 knots. 2204 N., 11354 E. 0030 GMT. August 18.

TTT Storm. Appearances indicate approach of hurricane. Barometer corrected 29.64 inches falling. Wind NE., force 8. Swell medium from NE. Frequent rain squalls. Course 35°, 9 knots. 2200 N., 7236 W. 1300 GMT. September 14.

TTT Storm. Conditions indicate intense cyclone has formed. Wind S. by W. force 5. Barometer uncorrected 753 millimetres, fell 5 millimetres last three hours. Course N. 60 W., 8 knots. 1620 N., 9302 E. 0200 GMT. May 4.

TTT Storm. Typhoon to south-east. Wind increasing from N. and barometer falling rapidly. Position 1812 N., 12605 E. 0300 GMT. June 12.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

CERTIFICATES.

Regulation XLVII.

Form of Safety Certificate for Passenger Ships.

SAFETY CERTIFICATE.

(Official Seal.)                                                                                                                (Country.)

Issued under the provisions of the

International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1929.

Name of Ship.	Distinctive Number or Letters.	Port of Registry.	Gross Tonnage.

The		(Name) Government certifies
I, the undersigned,		(Name) certify

I. That the above-mentioned ship has been duly surveyed in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention referred to above.

II. That the survey showed that the ship complied with the requirements of the said Convention as regards—

(1) the hull, main and auxiliary boilers and machinery;

(2) the watertight subdivision arrangements and details;

(3) the following subdivision loadlines:—

Subdivision loadlines assigned and marked on the ship’s side at amidships (Convention Article 5).	Freeboard.	To apply when the spaces in which passengers are carried include the following alternative spaces.
C. 1	..	..
C. 2	..	..
C. 3	..	..

(4) the boats, life-rafts and life-saving appliances which provide for a total number (crew and

passengers) of............... persons, and no more, viz.:—
	.............. boats capable of accommodating			.............. persons.
	.............. Life-rafts	”	”	..............		”
	.............. buoyant apparatus capable of supporting				................. persons.
	.............. life-buoys.
	.............. life-jackets.
	.............. certificated lifeboatmen.

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

(5) the radiotelegraph installations:—

——	Requirements of Articles....................... of the said Convention.	Actual Provision.
Hours of watch...............................................	..	..
Whether approved auto-alarm fitted...............	..	..
Whether separate emergency installation fitted	..	..
Minimum number of operators.......................	..	..
Additional operators or watchers....................	..	..
Whether direction-finding apparatus fitted.....	..	..

III. That in all other respects the ship complies with the requirements of the said Convention, so far as those requirements apply thereto.

This certificate is issued under the authority of the Government. It will remain in force until

Issued at

the

day of

Here follows the seal or signature of the authority entitled to issue this certificate.

                                                                                                                                    (Seal.)

If signed, the following paragraph is to be added:—

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorized by the said Government to issue this certificate.

                                                                                                                              (Signature.)

Form of Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificate.

SAFETY RADIOTELEGRAPHY CERTIFICATE.

(Official Seal.)                                                                                                         (Country.)

Issued under the provisions of the

International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1929.

Name of Ship.	Distinctive Number or Letters.	Port of Registry.	Gross Tonnage.

The		(Name) Government certify
I, the undersigned,		(Name) certify

That the above-mentioned ship complies with the provisions of the International Convention referred to as above as regards Radiotelegraphy:—

——	Requirements of Articles....................... of the said Convention.	Actual Provision.
Hours of watch...............................................	..	..
Whether approved auto-alarm fitted...............	..	..
Whether separate emergency installation fitted	..	..
Minimum number of operators.......................	..	..
Additional operators or watchers....................	..	..
Whether direction-finding apparatus fitted.....	..	..

Schedule VI.—continued.

This certificate is issued under the authority of the

Government. It will remain in force until

Issued at                           the                               day of

Here follows the seal or signature of the authority entitled to issue this certificate.

(Seal.)

If signed, the following paragraph is to be added:—

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorized by the said Government to issue this certificate.

(Signature.)

Form of Exemption Certificate.

EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE.

(Official Seal.)                                                                                                             (Country.)

Issued under the provisions of the

International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1929.

                                                                       

That the above-mentioned ship is under the authority conferred by Article.................... of the International Convention referred to above exempted from the requirements of†...................................... of

the Convention on the voyages............................................... to................................

* Insert here the conditions, if any, on which the exemption certificate is granted.

This certificate is issued under the authority of the Government. It will remain in force until

Issued at                           the                               day of…………...

Here follows the seal or signature of the authority entitled to issue this certificate.

(Seal.)

If signed, the following paragraph is to be added:—

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorized by the said Government to issue this certificate.

(Signature.)

 

Schedule VI.—continued.

ANNEX II.

——

INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS
AT SEA.*

SCHEDULE VII.

International Convention Respecting Load Lines, 1930.

chapter i.—preliminary.

Article 1.

General Obligation of Convention.

So that the load lines prescribed by this Convention shall be observed, the Contracting Governments undertake to give effect to the provisions of this Convention, to promulgate all regulations, and to take all other steps which may be necessary to give this Convention full and complete effect.

The provisions of this Convention are completed by Annexes, which have the same force and take effect at the same time as this Convention. Every reference to this Convention implies at the same time a reference to the Rules annexed thereto.

Article 2.

Scope of Convention.

1.  This Convention applies to all ships engaged on international voyages, which belong to countries the Governments of which are Contracting Governments, or to territories to which this Convention is applied under Article 21, except—

(a) ships of war; ships solely engaged in fishing; pleasure yachts and ships not carrying cargo or passengers;

(b) ships of less than 150 tons gross.

2.  Ships when engaged on international voyages between the near neighbouring ports of two or more countries may be exempted by the Administration to which such ships belong from the provisions of this Convention, so long as they shall remain in such trades, if the Governments of the countries in which such ports are situated shall be satisfied that the sheltered nature and conditions of such voyages between such ports make it unreasonable or impracticable to apply the provisions of this Convention to ships engaged in such trades.

3.  All agreements and arrangements relating to load line or matters appertaining thereto at present in force between Contracting Governments shall continue to have full and complete effect during the terms thereof as regards—

(a) ships to which this Convention does not apply;

(b) ships to which this Convention applies in respect of matters for which it has not expressly provided.

To the extent, however, that such agreements or arrangements conflict with the provisions of this Convention, the provisions of this Convention shall prevail.

 

Schedule VII.—continued.

Subject to any such agreement or arrangement—

(a) all ships to which this Convention does not apply; and

(b) all matters which are not expressly provided for in this Convention;

shall remain subject to the legislation of each Contracting Government to the same extent as if this Convention had not been made.

Article 3.

Definitions.

In this Convention, unless expressly provided otherwise—

(a) a ship is regarded as belonging to a country if it is registered by the Government of that country;

(b) the expression “Administration” means the Government of the country to which the ship belongs;

(c) an “international voyage” is a voyage from a country to which this Convention applies to a port outside such country, or conversely, and for this purpose, every colony, overseas territory, protectorate or territory under suzerainty or mandate is regarded as a separate country;

(d) the expression “Rules” means the Rules contained in Annexes I., II. and III.;

(e) a “new ship” is a ship, the keel of which is laid on or after the 1st July, 1932, all other ships being regarded as existing ships;

(f) the expression “steamer” includes any vessel propelled by machinery.

Article 4.

Cases of “Force Majeure.”

No ship, which is not subject to the provisions of this Convention at the time of its departure on any voyage, shall become subject to the provisions of this Convention on account of any deviation from its intended voyage due to stress of weather or any other cause of force majeure.

In applying the provisions of this Convention, the Administration shall give due consideration to any deviation or delay caused to any ship owing to stress of weather or to any other cause of force majeure.

CHAPTER II.—LOAD LINE: SURVEY AND MARKING.

Article 5.

General Provisions.

No ship to which this Convention applies shall proceed to sea on an international voyage after the date on which this Convention comes into force, unless the ship, being—

A—a new ship,

(a) has been surveyed in accordance with the provisions of Annex I.;

(b) complies with the provisions of Part II. of Annex I.; and

(c) has been marked in accordance with the provisions of this Convention.

B—an existing ship,

(a) has been surveyed and marked (whether before or after this Convention comes into force) in accordance with the conditions prescribed either in paragraph A of this Article or in one of the sets of Rules for the Assignment of Load Line particularized in Annex IV.; and

 

Schedule VII.—continued.

(b) complies with the provisions of Part II. of Annex I. in principle, and also in detail, so far as is reasonable and practicable, having regard to the efficiency of (i) the protection of openings; (ii) guard rails; (iii) freeing ports, and (iv) means of access to crews’ quarters provided by the existing arrangements, fittings and appliances on the ship.

Article 6.

Provisions for Steamers carrying Timber Deck Cargoes.

1.  A steamer which has been surveyed and marked under Article 5 shall be entitled to be surveyed and marked with a timber load line under Part V. of Annex I. if, being—

A—a new ship, it complies with the conditions and provisions prescribed in Part V. of Annex I.;

B—an existing ship, it complies with the conditions and provisions of Part V. of Annex I. other than Rule LXXX., and also in principle, so far as is reasonable and practicable, with the conditions and provisions prescribed by Rule LXXX. provided that in assigning a timber load line to an existing ship the Administration shall make such addition to the freeboard as shall be reasonable, having regard to the extent to which such ship falls short of full compliance with the conditions and provisions prescribed in Rule LXXX.

2.  A steamer when using the timber load line shall comply with Rules LXXXIV., LXXXV., LXXXVL, LXXXVIII. and LXXXIX.

Article 7.

Provisions for Tankers.

A steamer which has been surveyed under Article 5 shall be entitled to be surveyed and marked as a tanker under Part VI. of Annex I. if, being—

A—a new ship, it complies with the conditions and provisions prescribed in Part VI. of Annex I.;

B—an existing ship, it complies with the conditions and provisions in Rules XCIII., XCVI., XCVII., XCVIII. and XCIX., and also in principle so far as is reasonable and practicable with Rules XCIV., XCV. and C., provided that in assigning a tanker load line to an existing ship the Administration shall make such addition to the freeboard as shall be reasonable having regard to the extent to which such ship falls short of full compliance with the conditions and provisions prescribed in Rules XCIV., XCV. and C.

Article 8.

Provisions for Ships of Special Types.

For steamers over 300 feet in length, possessing constructional features similar to those of a tanker which afford extra invulnerability against the sea, a reduction in freeboard may be granted.

The amount of such reduction shall be determined by the Administration in relation to the freeboard assigned to tankers, having regard to the degree of compliance with the conditions of assignment laid down for these ships, and the degree of subdivision provided.

The freeboard assigned to such a ship shall in no case be less than would be assigned to the ship as a tanker.

Article 9.

Survey.

The survey and marking of ships for the purpose of this Convention shall be carried out by officers of the country to which the ships belong, provided that the Government of each country may entrust the survey and marking of its ships either to Surveyors nominated for this purpose, or to organizations recognized by it. In every case the Government concerned fully guarantees the completeness and efficiency of the survey and marking.

Schedule VII.—continued.

Article 10.

Zones and Seasonal Areas.

A ship to which this Convention applies shall conform to the conditions applicable to the zones and seasonal areas described in Annex II. to this Convention.

A port standing on the boundary line between two zones shall be regarded as within the zone from or into which the ship arrives or departs.

CHAPTER III.—CERTIFICATES.

Article 11.

Issue of Certificates.

A certificate, called “International Load Line Certificate,” shall be issued to every ship which has been surveyed and marked in accordance with this Convention, but not otherwise.

An International Load Line Certificate shall be issued either by the Government of the country to which the ship belongs or by any person or organization duly authorized by that Government, and in every case the Government assumes full responsibility for the certificate.

Article 12.

Issue of Certificates by another Government.

The Government of a country to which this Convention applies may, at the request of the Government of any other country to which this Convention applies, cause any ship which belongs to the last-mentioned country, or (in the case of an unregistered ship) which is to be registered by the Government of that country, to be surveyed and marked, and, if satisfied that the requirements of this Convention are complied with, issue an International Load Line Certificate to such ship, under its own responsibility. Any certificate so issued must contain a statement to the effect that it has been issued at the request of the Government of the country to which the ship belongs, or of the Government by whom the ship is to be registered, as the case may be, and it shall have the same force and receive the same recognition as a certificate issued under Article 11 of this Convention.

Article 13.

Form of Certificate.

The International Load Line Certificates shall be drawn up in the official language or languages of the country by which they are issued.

The form of the certificate shall be that of the model given in Annex III., subject to such modifications as may, in accordance with Rule LXXVIIL, be made in the case of ships carrying timber deck cargoes.

Article 14.

Duration of Certificates.

1.  An International Load Line Certificate shall, unless it is renewed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 of this Article, expire at the end of such period as may be specified therein by the Administration which Issues it: but the period so specified shall not exceed five years from the date of issue.

2.  An international Load Line Certificate may be renewed from time to time by the Administration which issued it for such period (not exceeding five years on any occasion) as the Administration thinks fit, after a survey not less effective than the survey required by this Convention before the issue of the certificate, and any such renewal shall be endorsed on the certificate.

3.  An Administration shall cancel any International Load Line Certificate Issued to a ship belonging to Its country:

 

Schedule VII.—continued.

A. If material alterations have taken place in the hull and superstructures of the ship which affect the calculations of freeboard.

B. If the fittings and appliances for the (i) protection of openings, (ii) guard rails, (iii) freeing ports and (iv) means of access to crews’ quarters are not maintained in as effective a condition as they were in when the certificate was issued.

C. If the ship is not inspected periodically at such times and under such conditions as the Administration may think necessary for the purpose of securing that the hull and superstructures referred to in Condition A are not altered and that the fittings and appliances referred to in Condition B are maintained as therein provided throughout the duration of the certificate.

Article 15.

Acceptance of Certificates.

International Load Line Certificates issued under the authority of a Contracting Government shall be accepted by the other Contracting Governments as having the same force as the certificates issued by them to ships belonging to their respective countries.

Article 16.

Control.

1.  A ship to which this Convention applies, when in a port of a country to which it does not belong, is in any case subject to control with respect to load line as follows: An officer duly authorized by the Government of that country may take such steps as may be necessary for the purpose of seeing that there is on board a valid International Load Line Certificate. If there is such a certificate on board the ship, such control shall be limited to the purpose of securing—

(a) that the ship is not loaded beyond the limits allowed by the certificate;

(b) that the position of the load line on the ship corresponds with the certificate; and

(c) that the ship has not been so materially altered in respect to the matters dealt with in conditions A and B (set out in paragraph 3 of Article 14) that the ship is manifestly unfit to proceed to sea without danger to human life.

2.  Only officers possessing the necessary technical qualifications shall be authorized to exercise control as aforesaid, and if such control is exercised under (c) above, it shall only be exercised in so far as may be necessary to secure that the ship shall be made fit to proceed to sea without danger to human life.

3.  If control under this Article appears likely to result in legal proceedings being taken against the ship, or in the ship being detained, the Consul of the country to which the ship belongs shall be informed as soon as possible of the circumstances of the case.

Article 17.

Privileges.

The privileges of this Convention may not be claimed in favour of any ship unless it holds a valid International Load Line Certificate.

CHAPTER IV.—GENERAL PROVISIONS.

Article 18.

Equivalents.

Where in this Convention it is provided that a particular fitting, or appliance, or type thereof, shall be fitted or carried in a ship, or that any particular arrangement shall be adopted, any Administration may accept in substitution therefor any other fitting, or appliance, or type thereof, or any other arrangement, provided that such Administration shall have been satisfied that the fitting, or appliance, or type thereof, or the arrangement substituted is in the circumstances at least as effective as that specified in this Convention.

 

Schedule VII.—continued.

Any Administration which so accepts a new fitting, or appliance, or type thereof, or new arrangement shall communicate the fact to the other Administrations, and, upon request, the particulars thereof.

Article 19.

Laws, Regulations, Reports.

The Contracting Governments undertake to communicate to each other—

(1) the text of laws, decrees, regulations and decisions of general application which shall have been promulgated on the various matters within the scope of this Convention;

(2) all available official reports or official summaries of reports in so far as they show the results of the provisions of this Convention, provided always that such reports or summaries are not of a confidential nature.

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is invited to serve as an intermediary for collecting all this information and for bringing it to the knowledge of the other Contracting Governments.

Article 20.

Modifications, Future Conferences.

1.  Modifications of this Convention which may be deemed useful or necessary improvements may at any time be proposed by any Contracting Government to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and such proposals shall be communicated by the latter to all the other Contracting Governments, and if any such modifications are accepted by all the Contracting Governments (including Governments which have deposited ratifications or accessions which have not yet become effective) this Convention shall be modified accordingly.

2.  Conferences for the purpose of revising this Convention shall be held at such times and places as may be agreed upon by the Contracting Governments.

A Conference for this purpose shall be convoked by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland whenever, after this Convention has been in force for five years, one-third of the Contracting Governments express a desire to that effect.

CHAPTER V.—FINAL PROVISIONS.

Article 21.

Application to Colonies.

1.  A Contracting Government may, at the time of signature, ratification, accession or thereafter, by a notification in writing addressed to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, declare its desire that this Convention shall apply to all or any of its Colonies, overseas territories, protectorates or territories under suzerainty or mandate, and this Convention shall apply to all the territories named in such notification, two months after the date of the receipt thereof, but, failing such notification, this Convention will not apply to any such territories.

 

Schedule VII.—continued.

2.  A Contracting Government may at any time by a notification in writing addressed to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland express its desire that this Convention shall cease to apply to all or any of its colonies, overseas territories, protectorates or territories under suzerainty or mandate to which this Convention shall have, under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, been applicable for a period of not less than five years, and in such case the Convention shall cease to apply twelve months after the date of the receipt of such notification by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to all territories mentioned therein.

3.  The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland shall inform all the other Contracting Governments of the application of this Convention to any Colony, overseas territory, protectorate or territory under suzerainty or mandate under the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article, and of the cessation of any such application under the provisions of paragraph 2, stating in each case the date from which this Convention has become or will cease to be applicable.

Article 22.

Authentic Texts.—Ratification.

This Convention, of which both the English and French texts shall be authentic, shall be ratified.

The instruments of ratification shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which will notify all the other signatory or acceding Governments of all ratifications deposited and the date of their deposit.

Article 23.

Accession.

A Government (other than the Government of a territory to which Article 21 applies) on behalf of which this Convention has not been signed, shall be allowed to accede thereto at any time after the Convention has come into force. Accessions shall be effected by means of notifications in writing addressed to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and shall take effect three months after their receipt.

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland shall inform all signatory and acceding Governments of all accessions received and of the date of their receipt.

Article 24.

Date of Coming in Force.

This Convention shall come into force on the 1st July, 1932, as between the Governments which have deposited their ratifications by that date, and provided that at least five ratifications have been deposited with the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Should five ratifications not have been deposited by that date, this Convention shall come into force three months after the date on which the fifth ratification is deposited.† Ratifications deposited after the date on which this Convention has come into force shell take effect three months after the date of their deposit.

Article 25.

Denunciation.

This Convention may be denounced on behalf of any Contracting Government at any time after the expiration of five years from the date on which the Convention comes into force in so far as that Government is concerned. Denunciation shall be effected by a notification in writing addressed to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which will notify all the other contracting Governments of all denunciations received and of the date of their receipt.

† The Convention came into force January 1, 1932.

 

Schedule VII.—continued.

A denunciation shall take effect twelve months after the date on which notification thereof is received by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In faith whereof, the Plenipotentiaries have signed hereafter.

Done at London this fifth day of July, 1930, in a single copy, which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which shall transmit certified true copies thereof to all signatory Governments.

FINAL PROTOCOL.

At the moment of signing the International Load Line Convention concluded this day, the under-mentioned Plenipotentiaries have agreed on the following:—

I.

Ships engaged solely on voyages on the Great Lakes of North America and ships engaged in other inland waters are to be regarded as outside the scope of the Convention.

II.

This Convention is not applied to the existing ships of the United States of America and of France of the lumber schooner type propelled by power, with or without sails, or by sails alone.

III.

The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland shall convoke a Conference of the Contracting Governments of the countries to which tankers belong, upon request of the United States of America, at any time within the five-year period mentioned in Article 20, for the purpose of discussing matters relating to tanker freeboard.

The Contracting Governments will not raise any objection to the provisions contained in this Convention in regard to tanker load line being altered as may be determined at such Conference, provided that the conclusions then reached are communicated forthwith to the Governments signatory to the present Convention and that no objection is received by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland within six months of the despatch of such communication.

In Witness whereof the Plenipotentiaries have drawn up this Final Protocol which shall have the same force and the same validity as if the provisions thereof had been inserted in the text of the Convention to which it belongs.

Done at London this fifth day of July, 1930, in a single copy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which shall transmit certified true copies thereof to all signatory Governments.

Annex I.

——

RULES FOR DETERMINING MAXIMUM LOAD LINES OF MERCHANT SHIPS.

Part I.—General.

The Rules necessarily assume that the nature and stowage of the cargo. ballast, &c., are such as to secure sufficient stability for the ship.

 

Schedule VII.—continued.

Rule I.—Definitions.

Steamer.—The term “steamer” includes all ships having sufficient means for mechanical propulsion, except where provided with sufficient sail area for navigation under sails alone.

A ship fitted with mechanical means of propulsion and with sail area insufficient for navigation under sails alone may be assigned a load line under Part III. of these Rules.

A lighter, barge or other ship without independent means of propulsion, when towed, is to be assigned a load line under Part III. of these Rules.

Sailing Ship.—The term “sailing ship” includes all ships provided with sufficient sail area for navigation under sails alone, whether or not fitted with mechanical means of propulsion.

Flush Deck Ship.—A flush deck ship is one which has no superstructure on the freeboard deck.

Superstructure.—A superstructure is a decked structure on the freeboard deck extending from side to side of the ship. A raised quarter deck is considered a superstructure.

Freeboard.—The freeboard assigned is the distance measured vertically downwards at the side of the ship amidships from the upper edge of the deck line to the upper edge of the load line mark.

Freeboard Deck.—The freeboard deck is the deck from which the freeboard is measured, and is the uppermost complete deck having permanent means of closing all openings in weather portions of the deck in accordance with Rules VIII. to XVI. It is the upper deck in flush deck ships and ships with detached superstructures.

In ships having discontinuous freeboard decks within superstructures which are not intact, or which are not fitted with Class 1 closing appliances, the lowest line of the deck below the superstructure deck is taken as the freeboard deck.

Amidships.—Amidships is the middle of the length of the summer load water-line as defined in Rule XXXII.

Rule II.—Deck Line.

The deck line is a horizontal line twelve inches in length and one inch in breadth. It is to be marked amidships on each side of the ship, and its upper edge is to pass through the point where the continuation outwards of the upper surface of the freeboard deck intersects the outer surface of the shell. (See Figure 1.). Where the deck is partly sheathed amidships, the upper edge of the deck line is to pass through the point where the continuation outwards of the upper surface of the actual sheathing at amidships intersects the outer surface of the shell.

Rule III.—Load Line Disc.

The load line disc is twelve inches in diameter and is intersected by a horizontal line eighteen inches in length and one inch in breadth, the upper edge of which passes through the centre of the disc The disc is to be marked amidships below the deck line.

Rule IV.—Lines to be used in connection with the Disc.

The lines which indicate the maximum load line in different circumstances and in different seasons (see Annex II.) are to be horizontal lines, nine inches in length and one inch in breadth, which extend from, and are at right angles to, a vertical line marked 21 inches forward of the centre of the disc (see Figure 1).

 

Schedule VII.—continued.

The following are the lines to be used:—

Summer Load Line.—The Summer load line is indicated by the upper edge of the line which passes through the centre of the disc and also by a line marked S.

Winter Load Line.—The Winter load line is indicated by the upper edge of a line marked W.

Winter North Atlantic Load Line.—The Winter North Atlantic load line is indicated by the upper edge of a line marked WNA.

Tropical Load Line.—The Tropical Load Line is indicated by the upper edge of a line marked T.

Fresh Water Load Lines.—The Fresh Water load line in Summer is indicated by the upper edge of a line marked F. The difference between the Fresh Water load line in summer and the Summer load line is the allowance to be made for loading in Fresh Water at the other load lines. The Tropical Fresh Water load line is indicated by the upper edge of a line marked T.F.*

Figure 1.

Rule V.—Mark of Assigning Authority.

The Authority by whom the load lines are assigned may be indicated by letters measuring about 4½ inches by 3 inches marked alongside the disc and above the centre line.

 

Schedule VII.—continued.

Rule VI.—Details of Marking.

The disc, lines and letters are to be painted in white or yellow on a dark ground or in black on a light ground. They are also to be carefully cut in or centre-punched on the sides of iron and steel ships, and on wood ships they are to be cut into the planking for at least one-eighth of an inch. The marks are to be plainly visible, and, if necessary, special arrangements are to be made for this purpose.

Rule VII.—Verification of Marks.

The International Load Line Certificate is not to be delivered to the ship until a surveyor of the Assigning Authority (acting under the provisions of Article 9 of this Convention) has certified that the marks are correctly and permanently indicated on the ship's sides.

Part II.—Conditions of Assignment of Load Lines.

The assignment of load lines is conditional upon the ship being structually efficient and upon the provision of effective protection to ship and crew.

Rules VIII. to XXXI. apply to ships to which minimum freeboards are assigned. In ships to which greater freeboards than the minimum are assigned, the protection is to be relatively as effective.

openings in freeboard and superstructure decks.

Rule VIII.—Cargo and other Hatchways not protected by Superstructures.

The construction and fitting of cargo and other hatchways in exposed positions on freeboard and superstructure decks are to be at least equivalent to the standards laid down in Rules IX. to XVI.

Rule IX.—Hatchway Coamings.

The height of hatchway coamings on freeboard decks is to be at least 24 inches above the deck. The height of coamings on superstructure decks is to be at least 24 inches above the deck if situated within a quarter of the ship's length from the stem, and at least 18 inches if situated elsewhere.

Coamings are to be of steel, are to be substantially constructed and, where required to be 24 inches high, are to be fitted with an efficient horizontal stiffener placed not lower than 10 inches below the upper edge, and fitted with efficient brackets or stays from the stiffener to the deck, at intervals of not more than 10 feet. Where end coamings are protected, these requirements may be modified.

Rule X.—Hatchway Covers.

Covers to exposed hatchways are to be efficient, and where they are made of wood, the finished thickness is to be at least  inches in association with a span of not more than 5 feet. The width of each bearing surface for these hatchway covers is to be at least  inches.

Rule XI.—Hatchway Beams and Fore-and-Afters.

Where wood hatchway covers are fitted the hatchway beams and fore-and-afters are to be of the scantlings and spacing given in Table 1 where coamings 24 inches high are required, and as given in Table 2 where coamings 18 inches high are required. Angle bar mountings on the upper edge are to extend continuously for the full length of each beam. Wood fore-and-afters are to be steel shod at all bearing surfaces.