Sessional_Paper_1923 — Page 14

7.-Observance of the Piracy Regulations in connection with the ship.

(1.)-BY THE OWNERS. (a.)-Construction.

Regulation No. 1 which requires that "Dodgers constructed of bullet proof material shall be erected on the bridge deck aft of the wheel house" was observed.

Regulation No. 2 provides that "A strong and substantial grille of expanded metal or barbed wire shall be strongly and substantially erected across the ship aft of the line of the dodgers." This regulation was not observed. In lieu of the prescribed grille to be erected across the ship, two grilles were erected at the after end of the smoking room. on the boat deck, intended to close the deck on the port and starboard side of the smoking

room.

Regulations Nos. 3 and 4 which relate to "barbed wire "

were observed.

Regulation No. 5 directs that "Any access provided to the bridge deck from below shall be aft of the grille except by special permission of the Harbour Master signified in writing." In fact access to the bridge deck was provided forward of the grille, through the smoking room.

Regulation No. 6 requires that "Every entrance to the engine and boiler rooms shall be provided with strong and substantial solid metal or metal grille doors." No grille was provided to the engine room on the boat deck.

Regulation No. 7 which relates to "steam hose on the navigating bridge was

observed.

Regulation No. 8 which requires direct access to the bridge deck from the engine and boiler rooms was also observed.

By Regulation No. 9 a locked baggage room is required for the heavy baggage of the first and second class passengers. No such baggage room was provided.

By Regulation No. 10 "The accommodation for passengers other than those of the first class shall be of such a nature that it can be isolated from the rest of the ship and from the crew and can be entered only by means of metal grille doors." This Regula- tion was sufficiently observed on the main deck. No attempt was made to observe it as between second class passengers on the main deck and the first class passengers who were using the boat deck above.

The fastenings and locks required by Regulation No. 11 for the the ship's holds were duly provided.

Regulation No. 12 relates to the disposition of deck cargo and was not observed.

No blame whatever attaches to the owners of the ship in respect of any omission here recorded to observe these Regulations.

Regulation No. 13 contemplates the relaxation of any of these requirements by the Harbour Master who must certify his satisfaction with the constructional arrangements of the ship. The Harbour Master duly issued his certificate in respect of this ship.

(b).-Equipment.

The ship was fully equipped by her owners with arms, rockets, etc., as required by Regulations Nos. 14 and 15.

The number of guards employed was six, being two in excess of the number required by the Regulations.