Sessional_Paper_1923 — Page 17

tons.

12

9.-Recommendations on the Piracy Regulations and on the

measures for the suppression of piracy.

In these recommendations we omit all consideration of vessels not exceeding 60

(a.)--Existing Regulations experimental.

The existing Piracy Regulations when originally passed were experimental in character. In the light of experience they have been only partially enforced though their form has not been amended. We think that it may be found more convenient to repeal the present Regulations and substitute others than to use them as a basis for amend-

ment.

(b.)--Recommended distinction between River Steamers and Ocean Steamers.

We recommend that a separate series of regulations should be drawn up for steamers trading to River ports or Macao (River steamers) and for steamers trading to sea-coast ports (Ocean steamers). The conditions of ocean trade and river trade are as distinct. as the general design of the steamers. Regulations applicable to the one are inapplic- able to the other.

(c.)—-Recommended exemption of ocean steamers from the Regulations in

certain circumstances.

With reference to ocean steamers we recommend a general exemption from all regulations in respect of (1) steamers equipped with wireless apparatus and carrying a non-Chinese crew, and (2) steamers equipped with wireless apparatus, of whatever nationality the crew may be, provided they do not carry more than 50 passengers of all classes.

(d.)—Construction. Proposed establishment of a committee to devise a scheme for each ship.

Under the heading of construction we recommend that the present regulations be abandoned and that no standard regulations whatever be imposed. We make this recommendation both for river steamers and for ocean steamers. Ships vary in design, size and purpose to such an extent that general regulations in practice must be relaxed until their usefulness tends to disappear. In place of standard regulations we suggest that the constructional defence of each ship be worked out on the merits of each indivi- dual ship by a committee to be convened by the Harbour Master while the ship is in port. The committee which we have in mind might consist of the Assistant Harbour Master, (ex-officio chairman), an Assistant Superintendent of Police, a representative appointed by the owners and the Master of the ship. The scheme designed by this committee and approved by the Harbour Master would become the legal scheme of defence for the ship.

(c.)-General defensive measures; the same.

The same committee would also settle the general defensive measures, such as the disposition of the guards.

(f.)—Importance of co-operation between responsible authorities.

We anticipate from this proposal an increase of co-operation between the official authorities and the master, who, having the duty of carrying out the scheme adopted would in the ordinary course have a major influence in the discussion. The Assistant Harbour Master would be more particularly concerned with the construction of the ship and the Assistant Superintendent of Police with the guards, their duties and disposition. The extra work involved would have its compensation in additional efficiency, the result of co-operation. In our opinion it is of great importance to enlist the interest of the ship's officers in the defence of their ship. The defence of the ship should be their affair and the official authorities should figure as assisting them in perfecting it and carrying it out. We think that this scheme can be accomplished without causing any delay to ships.