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It was fully realized that officials seconded by their unions may not be qualified to pronounce on the seaworthiness of a vessel or upon the adequacy or conditions of safety couipment. Nevertheless, much information can be gained in conversation with crew members and, where any doubts exist, the official should call upon the services of the chip surveyor of his country's Ship Inspection Service. If the vessel is found to be at fault, reimbursement by the shipowner of any sur- veyor's costs should be sought. If the ship is passed fit by the surveyor and any survey costs are involved, then the Fund will meet these.
When it is found necessary by an affiliate to take action against any ship, the fullest participation by the crew of the ship should be sought, always bearing in mind that the crew must not be encouraged to contravene the maritime law of the country of the flag of the vessel or any local lawo relating particularly to immigration etc. Where any cases of attempted or actual victimization arise, the crew should be given full protection by the trade unions of the aren and by the ITF. Attempts might also be made to obtain, where this is legally and contractually pessible, the assistance of crews of other vessels in the port if picketing becomes
necessary.
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An important point is that, if a vessel is found to be de- ficient in any respect with regard to either seaworthiness or safety equipment or cargo-working gear, attempts should be made to obtain photocopies of the appropriate certificates which should be sent to the ITF, in order to enable the matter to be followed up with the ship's Classification Society, Lloyd's Register, Det Norske Veritas, Bureau Veritas, American Burcau of Shipping etc. If it is not possible to chtain photocopies, an attempt should be made to ascertain the dates and ports of issue of the Certificates.
For the information of affiliates, we list below the ships' certificates in which they could be interested as the principal certificates issued under the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, after appropriate
surveys.
1. Safety Certificate for passenger steamers, covering structure, main and auxiliary boilers and machinery, watertight subdivision, subdivision load lines, life-saving appliances including life- boat radio and searchlight, lifeboat portable radio and line- throwing appliance, radiotelegraph installation, fire detecting and extinguishing appliances, navigation lights and shapes and distress signals.
2.
Short Voyage Safety Certificate for passenger steamers engaged on short international voyages.
3.
4.
Qualified Safety Certificate issued in special cases.
Qualified Short Voyage Safety Certificate issued in special
cases.
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