SAFETY AT SEA.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1922, Page 4

SAFETY AT SEA.

AN EXPERT’S ADVICE

RADIO-DIR.ECTI.VITY AND RADIOPHARES. AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW. The Government Nautical Adyisei, Captain George Hooper, on being inteivirwed hv a “N.Z. Times” representative in regard to marine casualties and modern “aids” to navigation which are installed for the purpose ol linmmisiiitr such occurrences, supplied the following interesting information. In the period which we arc now passing we are able to view the evolution of navigation from the primitive to the existing methods; and, in doing so, it would perhaps he wise to decide whether the existing methods of navigation have really kept pace with the prog res of kindred arts and sciences. It. would appear that science has performed more service for navigation during the past decade than has hitherto been experienced in any similar period within our knowledge. A glance will show that this is mainly marked U the improved gyroscopic direction imlicator; and the latest development of radio-directivity. Also, by the as yet very little tried vertical beam lighthouse. A NOTABLE INVENTION.

Of these innovations it. might he said that, the development of radiodirectivity, owing to* it having come into general use and the simplicity of its application to existing methods oi navigation, is entitled to fust eonsideiat ion. The existing system of its application, by which vessels ask for and receive direction lines, has already been found of world-wide value. This system may, however, lie expected to alter somewhat, as it has already been found to be cumbersome; and, in the case of foggy weather in a congested waterwav,' lias I wen the cause of the aether living dimmed with calls from numerous vessel- requesting direction lines. The disadvantages, and even danger, of this is obvious. To attempt to overcome tins by multiplying radio-directivity stations would "be an expensive item, as they are verv eostlv in erection and maintenance". In leggy weather this would possibly tend to increase the congestion of shipping in a restricted waterway.

A RADfO-I.IGIITIIOUSE. To overcome ibis, science litis again been resourceful in reversing the existing system by the production ol an installation which, for want of a Letter name, has been termed a radiophare (radio-beacon or radio-light-house). It would appear to justify this appellation as it functions similar to a lighthouse; by emitting definite t ha rnetoi isties at regular periods. Simultaneously with this latest innovation, and it would seem tor ilie purpore of taking the place of the biniieuInis of the navigator, is produced a verv compact radio-direction finding equipment lor use in the chart toom o[ vessels; the small frameshaped aerials being mounted in a watertight box on the roof of tin* ehartroom. The box. being about six feet square and about four feet in height, is related on itvertical axis. This apparatus is most efficient, and appears to he the ultimate shape in which radio-iliriwtivily wiN he used for actual navigation purposes.

KOI! .SAFER NAVIGATION. It. must not lie assumed that radiodirectivity will interfere laigely with mean navigation in the near Inline, ibis system being at present nisiim for the purpose ol making sater navigation when approaching a coastline. Although it is possible by means ol this apparatus to take healings id anv existing wireless station which may he transmitting, it is not expect--I«|| that shipowners will go to the expense of installing this device ns a matter of general practice, until such time as radio-phares are installed at salient points ol a coastline, so tliat soeli expense might he just died. It will he seen that an installation i,l' ibis description would prevent a vessel unconsciously passing a lighthouse ill thick weather ; and would he of niurli value to ic.s-.els making tin laud from an mean voyage. Ine apparatus for use on hoard a vessel is simple, and may easily be manipulated by a person of average intelligence in'a very short time. The rndin-pliare apparatus on shore requires to he set going when foggy weather necessitates; its functions, being automatic, once set going will continue to emit the prescribed characteristics whilst ttie machine contines to i mi. Tins appears to he a most efficient help to navigation m lo.rgv weather; and, if adopted, should have the effect of making lor ..renter safe tv to life and property : and might possibly show a reduction in marine insurance rates. The gyroscopic eompas-, although much improved and efficient, has not vet ousted the magnetic compass from the position of importance. VERTICAL BEAM LIGHTHOUSE. Tho vertical Imam lighthouse, wide 1 has rccentlv been tried out on lh eastern coast of the United States, has proved efficient under stance conditions of low-lying fog, its brilliant vertical beam having been visible in the sky above the fog for considerable distances, when, ns sometimes happens in fuggv weather, • the sky overhead is visible whilst the horizon is obscured. It lias also proved of value in ordinary weather, its vertical beam having been observed for distances up to SO miles. It would appear to he easily seen 1 clouds exist above its location, the beam of light showing much reflection mi the under-snrfnees of the clouds. In reviewing the sternly march id progress, and particularly the abnormal progress during recent years, it is perhaps well til consider whether we in the underworld are keeping step with those on the reverse side. On the whole d appears that we are, but tlie small gap between getting out id step and falling to the rear may easily happen ; and it is better to keep pace, even though it may sometimes appear somewhat strenuous and costlyPREVENTION FIRST.

In the meantime speed and size of vessels exhibit no tendency to become less than those in existence, and every marine casualty will involve large monetary loss. It is infinitely preferable to erect a fence at the top of a cliff than to maintain an ambulance at the bottom. In connection with life-saving from stranded vessels, it is interesting to note that there is now on the market in the United Kingdom a very effective line-throwing gun ot two dimensions, for shoulder or stand use. This lias been produced by the great B.S.A. of Birmingham, and is being installed at some life-saving stations in Great Britain. The shoulder type was recently elfective in securing the release of a steeplejack, who for some reason had been unable to descend from a Jofty steeple. In considering this and other improvements for life-saving, it is, ol course, preferable to go further afield, and to prevent if possible vessels becoming dangerously near the shore, owing to fog or other unfnrseon occurrences. ~V