CO129-619-3 Marine Court of Inquiry to investigate stranding of S.S. HONG KHENG- proceedings 1-7-1947 - 31-7-1947 — Page 25

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of a transfer to another ship they quietened down

and remained orderly. Generally speaking the

crew remained to the last. I have been nearly

one year on this coast and made five similar voyages. I hold a 2nd Mates Certificate of Competency for

a Foreign Going Steamship and I was signed on as

Acting Chief Officer on the 18th July because the

injured)

Chief Officer hadens (his eye and was landed

for treatment. This is the first time I have acted

as Chief officer.

During the time I was on watch I kept an

all round lookout. I did not want the lookout man

to expect land on the port bow.

I was 2nd officer before acting chief

officer and consequently the navigation officer of the ship.

The compasses were adjusted in October,

1946, and they remained steady.

The foregoing is a true record of the evidence I have given.

Sd. R. C. Barker.