- 2 -
13
of the local Merchant Shipping Ordinance of 1899 and
which records:·
"if the ship carries more than one mate
with at least the first and second mate
duly certificated."
In this connection it has been for many years
and is common knowledge that the uncertificated ratings
who perform a second mate's watchkeeping duties on the
vessels referred to in this Guild's communication of the
9th October last, are, in fact, acting as second mate of
such ships. This procedure would appear to be a direct
contravention of the intention of the above sub-section
of the Ordinance.
That these ratings are signed on the
vessels' Articles of Agreement as "Chief Boatswain,"
"Gunner" or some other title which does not include the
term of "mate" is simply a form of evasion which would
also appear to be an irregularity in view of the
watchkeeping duties which they undertake and which Government
is now asked to take note of.
I have, etc.,
(SD.) . . KIRBY,
V.
Secretary.