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commend itself.
It is hardly necessary to advise that a "watch" in
sole charge at sea is performed by these unqualified ratings
and thus a flagrant disregard of safety of life at sea
becomes apparent, withal unwittingly committed. Turthermore,
cases are in evidence (and these the Hon. Harbour Master
can confirm) of vessels leaving this Colony in the typhoon
season for coastal and adjacent ports and the cargoes of
which were explosive oils, where but one duly certificated
navigating officer is carried. Confirmatory information in
this respect is on the files of this Cuild. If additional
authoritative condemnation of this permitted practice will
be given the due regard it calls for, it is found in the
words of Lord Merivale, who, in sitting with Assessors in
enquiry into shipping losses in the North Atlantic in 1934
and where the three vessels lost with all hands carried two
duly certificated navigating officers in addition to the master, observed (regarding the two mate system) "The Law
had been complied with but there was no margin for safety." This recording was supported by His Lordship's fellow
Assessors.
If then, Sir, there is "no margin for safety" in the carrying of two duly certificated navigating officers in addition to the master, what margin exists where but one
officer is the complement?
My Committee submits with all solemnity that Government cannot longer conscientiously disregard its obligations in this most serious position where shipping of this Colony is concerned and where the maximum safety
of life at sea is paramount.
It undoubtedly calls for the
immediate revision of Section 4, Paragraph 2 (b) of the
Merchant