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the compass when brought close to it, as would be the case when the officer was taking a bearing by compass. This might have serious results and should be guarded against.
(8) Construction.
"The cost of erecting all the extra preventatives to comply with Regulations is going to be considerable.
(22) Equipment ;
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"In view of the particular use made of a deep sea lead and which proved the coupe-de-grace in the "Sunning" Piracy, would it not be policy to add to the equip- ment already provided a number of implements of the loaded cane variety, the cost of which would be negligible?''
Mr. A. E. MARTIN :
Paragraph 23.
That a long baton be added to guard's equipment.
Paragraph 34. That guards on duty should carry revolvers together with above mentioned baton in lieu of 12 bore gun, rifles being exceedingly difficult to use in scuffle fighting. 12 bore guns still to remain part of equipment but to be retained within the metal grille in the wheel house for use when guards, etc. are forced back to defensive tactics from the Bridge.
Searching. This would appear to be one of the most important items. In the case of vessels clearing with medical examination if it could be arranged for detectives, to whom many of the bad characters are known, to board the steamer before the passengers, the detectives would be able to watch the passengers embarking, thus giving more scope to spot undesirables and greater ease in examining baggage than is possible when the vessel is practically ready for sea. The same detectives could also be present when the medical examination is in progress. In vessels not clearing with medical examination the same method of checking could be carried through, i.e. all passengers to be cleared to one end of the vessel and then passed over an upper deck for tally, with detectives present. For ocean-going steamers carrying a limited number of passengers, river steamers and launches it might be practicable to inaugurate a depot system through which each passenger would be passed in the presence of detectives, before being allowed to embark.
Rewards for Information.
It might serve a good purpose if it were definitely advertised that rewards would be paid for information received which led to the detection of bad characters.
Paragraph 3. (Ships exceeding 60 Tons), would appear a difficult one for Deck Officers to carry out when engaged in routine duties about the ships in close proximity to a magnetic compass.
This is probably beside the immediate point but it would be interesting to learn whether any liability attaches should the carrying out of the Piracy Prevention Ordi- nance conflict with Board of Trade regulations and if so to whom does such liability attach".
LT.-COMMANDER L. J. PITCAIRN JONES, R.N.
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The following remarks on prevention of piracy are submitted for consideration.
As at present practised, successful piracy depends on the pirates obtaining charge of the ship and having her steered to a pre-arranged rendezvous, where their booty can be transferred.
2. This is usually done by surprise attack on ship's officers, thereby gaining possession of bridge, engine room, etc.