SEAFARING RISKS

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 35, 5 November 1942, Page 8

SEAFARING RISKS

Improved Life-Saving Measures NEW ZEALAND VESSELS of the Jlerchant Service Guild attended a recent conference in Wellington on improved life-saving measures proposed by the Marine Department to be taken on all vessels on the New Zealand register in the near future. The conference considered that the measures were adequate. Atlantic standards have not so far been adopted for the New Zealand coast., the Tasman and south Pacific, but guild representatives considered that the measures to be taken would be fair and reasonable in relation to the increasing According to the schedule submitted each lifeboat will carry, in addition to an increased amount of water, 14oz. of the following for each person: Penimican, milk tablets, special biscuits, special chocolate with thirst-quenching qualities Every raft will also have 51b. of each of these foods. Drinking vessels of »oz., loz., and 2oz. capacity, and teaspoons will also be provided. It is proposed to provide each man with a windproof and waterproof suit, a life-saving waistcoat, attached to which will be a small emergency ration. On the shoulder of the garment a red electric light will be tilted, and a whistle will be suitably attached. In each lifeboat there will be a repair outfit consisting of palm, needle, twine, hank of boat-lacing,' lead patches, canvas patches, tin dr white lead, copper tacks and nails, claw-hammer, wood chisel, shifting spanner, and assorted wood plugs, while each boat will also carry one gallon of massage oil. luacii boat will carry a weather cloth, which can be used as a “hood” for protection. Under regulations gazetted last June, every ship must keep in a lifeboat on both port and starboard sides an aerial mast and length of aerial wire, and in the chartroom or other convenient place a portable wireless transmitting and receiving set maintained for instant use. When these improved measures are put into effect the general provision for the safeguarding of the lives of men who might have their ship torpedoed will, it is considered, be as adequate as it is on the other side of the,world. In the case of vessels that do not go far from the coast, the requirements will not be so exacting.