Launch Drivers To Learn Navigation

Chronicle (Levin), 15 July 1948, Page 5

Launch Drivers To Learn Navigation

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WELLINGTON, .lnly 14. Men in charge of small passengei carrying craft are reqnired to have some knowledge of navigation by the Shipping and Seamen Amendment Bill which was introduced and read a first time in the Ilouse of Representatives today. The Minister of Marino, Mr. Haekett, in explanation of the Bill, said that althougli men driving launehes were not reqnired to be certillcated, they should know sonietliing of navigation. The Bill also provides that a ship lmdcr six tons r.egister and carrying passengers or freight for hire or engagiug in tovving for hire shall earry a duly eertificated master. Where more than 50 passengers are canied for hire within extended river limits, a ship shall earry in addition one or more seamen. If a ship to which a restricted-limit certilicate is issued does not exceed six tnns register and engages solely in towing for hire, the Secretary of Marino may, in his discretion, extend the certilicate of the master by authorising him to navigate that ship within the restricted limits' set out in the certilicate issued to the ship. The Bill plaees seamen in the same category as other workers in recovering- the dill'erence between wages paid and wages lixed by an award. The carriage of eargo on deek ig made an offence unless a pennit is lield to do so. While the original Act stated that no ship shall earry deek eargo or live stoek without a permit, there was no provision making the breaeh an offenee. . A seaman diseharged on aeeount of illness is given the right to be sent to his home port and also reeeive siek pav.