6330
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with automatic wireless apparatus had given good results in this country, but that, at the time of our enquiry, it was not certain whether the apparatus would be successful under tropical conditions. In order to test this, a ship fitted with such apparatus was on its way to India and it was hoped that at no distant date, it would be known whether the apparatus could be regarded as sufficiently effective to be licensed by the Board of Trade.
28.
We recommend therefore that the fitting of some form of wireless apparatus, and the carrying of trained operators should be made obligatory on all ships subject to the Piracy Regulations; and that as a corollary the Admiralty should be asked to consider what steps should be taken to render the Naval vessels patrolling the Danger Zone continuously able to receive distress calls from river
steamers.
29.
In view, however, of the information given to us as to the experiments with automatic wireless apparatus which were being conducted, we consider that the question of
the type of apparatus to be prescribed should be deferred.
30. The fifth resolution refers to the lack of
adequate provision for the dependents of officers who may be injured or lose their lives by reason of their resistance
to piratical attacks. We recognise that this matter cannot
fail to have an effect on the mind of an officer confronted
with the necessity of deciding the degree of resistance to
offer when attacked, and we are in entire sympathy with the
views of the Guilds that proper provision should be made.
31.