CO129-491 - Public Offices - 1925 — Page 232

of passenger ateamers, especially as regarde sub-division. In this country this supervisory work, and the examination of the plans of passenger steamers before construction, is undertaken by a special staff, forming a Consulative Department and the Hong Kong Government may find it necessary to have at least two officers, one of high marine engineering qualifications and another with special expert knowledge of naval architecture, who could undertake the work of examining the plans of vessels as regards bulkheading and other matters, and deciding what should be done in order to meet the

This is of special requirements and regulations. importance in the case of ships under construction,

and in respect of sub-division.

As regards the form of the proposed Special Class Certificate, I am to suggest that "buoyant apparatus capable of supporting" should be substi- tuted for "life rafts capable of supporting", in view

of the fact that under the Life Saving Appliances

kules which come into force on the 1st July next

pontoon life rafts will no longer be accepted as

part of the life saving equipment of any ship,

apparatus/

and

225

apparatus not properly described as a "raft" will

be permissible. Special reference need not be made in the certificate to the wireless telegraphy rules. The Board agree that the penalties for carrying excess passengers should be brought in line with those applicable to ships holding Passenger Certificates issued by this Department.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Gr.Baker