Sessional_Paper_1923 — Page 87

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Table E. Merchant Shipping Ordinance

10 of 1899.

Recommendations.

3. (a)-Under existing regulations, any launch or ship under 60 tons holding a passenger licence is entitled to carry passengers outside the Harbour Limits according to the number specified in her licence.

We are of opinion that in future, launches carrying passengers to places outside the Harbour Limits should be tested for stability, and if necessary ballasted in order to give them a greater margin of safety.

We consider this necessary because of the common practice of Chinese passengers to huddle together in any one place to avoid wind, rain or sun.

(b) All direct openings to the Engine Room or ""Tween Deck" spaces should be provided with effective water tight coamings to prevent the ingress of water under normal conditions.

(c) No passenger carrying launch should in future be permitted to embark or disembark passengers, or to load or unload cargo, in any fairway or at any place other than at a wharf, pier, or ship, or at such place as the Harbour Master may direct.

7th August, 1923.

C. W. BECKWITH, Chairman.

W. DAVISON.

F. W. JAMES.