INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE

STUDIES AND REPORTS
Series P (Seamen) No. 4

Life-Saving Measures
for Merchant Seamen in Time of War
Statement prepared at the request of the
Joint Maritime Commission

MONTREAL
1943

PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE,
3480 University Street, Montreal, Canada
Published in the United Kingdom for the INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE

by P. S. King & Staples, Ltd., London.
Distributed in the United States by the INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE,

Washington Branch, 734 Jackson Place, Washington, D.C.

CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION

PART I:

PART

II:

Resolutions on Safety Measures for Seamen,
adopted unanimously by the Joint Maritime Commission at its Twelfth Session, London, 26-30 June
1942

3

Summary Statement of Life-Saving Measures Prepared by the International Labour Office in Compliance with the Request of the Joint Maritime
Commission

6

A.

PART

1

Structural Arrangements, Appliances and
Gear and Personal Equipment to be Carried
on Board Ship

10

B.

Lifeboats

17

C.

Equipment of Lifeboats

28

D.

Life-Rafts and Buoyant Apparatus

32

E.

Water, Food and First-Aid Supplies

35

F.

Special Requirements for Oil Tankers

38

G.

Certification of Lifeboatmen, Drills, Records
and Inspections

39

Appendix I

43

Appendix II

51

I I I : British Fire Appliances Rules
Appendix

53
58

INTRODUCTION
The safety of merchant seamen was one of the principal subjects
of discussion at the Twelfth Session of the Joint Maritime Commission of the International Labour Office, which was held in
London from 26 to 30 June 1942.l The Commission met under
the Chairmanship of Sir Frederick W. Leggett, C.B., Deputy
Secretary of the British Ministry of Labour and National Service
(acting for Professor Carter Goodrich, Chairman of the Governing Body of the International Labour Office), accompanied by Sir
John Forbes Watson and Mr. Joseph Hallsworth, representing
respectively the employers' and workers' members of the Governing Body, and included nine representatives of shipowners' organisations and nine of organisations of ships' officers and seamen.
The shipowners' and seafarers' members of the Commission were
drawn from the merchant navies of eleven different countries, and
if account is taken of the deputy members, substitutes and advisers
who also took part in the proceedings the number of nationalities
is increased to fifteen. The Commission was thus not only professionally competent but also very widely representative—remarkably so in view of the fact that it met during a world war.
The Commission had before it, as a basis for its discussion on
safety at sea, a survey prepared by the International Labour
Office which gave á comparative summary of the rules on lifesaving appliances applicable to foreign-going cargo vessels of the
merchant navies of Great Britain, the United States of America,
the Netherlands and Norway. 2 This survey dealt with the rules
of these countries as they stood at about April 1942. The British
Ministry of War Transport, which at the time the Commission
met had almost completed a revision and consolidation of its wartime safety appliance rules, was good enough to make available
to the Commission full information concerning the new and amended rules it was about to issue.3 In the light of all this information,
1
For a brief account of the proceedings of the Commission, see International
Labour
Review, Vol. XLVI, No. 2, August 1942.
1
International Labour Review, Vol. XLV, No. 6, June 1942: "The War and
Merchant Seamen: II—Life-Saving Appliances".
* The Ministry also arranged, in the premises in which the Commission met,
a life-saving exhibition, including actual appliances and equipment and models
and diagrams, which was of very great value to the Commission.

2

WARTIME I/IFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

supplemented of course by members' own first-hand knowledge
of existing conditions and requirements, the Commission adopted
unanimously three resolutions on safety at sea, the texts of which
are reproduced in Part I of this memorandum.
These resolutions, with others adopted by the Commission,
were communicated to the Governments of the Members of the
International Labour Organisation by letter despatched (under
authority given by the Emergency Committee of the Governing
Body of the Office) on 31 July 1942. It will be seen from the text
given in Part I of this booklet that in clause (a) of the first of
these resolutions the Commission requested the Office to "communicate to Governments as soon as possible . . . a summary
statement of the life-saving measures best calculated to protect
merchant seamen in time of war". This booklet has been compiled in compliance with the Commission's request. Although
the Commission was not able in the time at its disposal, to consider fire:fighting appliances, it has been thought desirable to
include some information on this subject as well as on life-saving
appliances; this information is given in Part III.
The statement, which it is evident could not have been compiled without the generous assistance of the British Ministry of
War Transport in supplying published material and giving explanations on points of detail, presents—it is believed for the
first time in such a form—a concise exposition of the latest rules
for the protection of the lives of merchant seamen in time of war,
which will no doubt also serve as a basis for any revision of such
rules, nationally and internationally, which may take place when
peace is restored. It is published by the Office in the hope that it
will be of service and interest not only to Governments but also
to all others who are concerned for the well-being of seamen and
that it will constitute a practical tribute to the work carried on
unfalteringly, despite all dangers, by the men of the merchant
navies of the world.
September, 1942.

PART I
RESOLUTIONS ON SAFETY MEASURES FOR SEAMEN
ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE JOINT MARITIME
COMMISSION AT ITS TWELFTH SESSION,
LONDON, 26-30 JUNE 1942
I
The Joint Maritime Commission,
Having examined the measures now in force in a number of
countries for the protection of seamen against the dangers to
which they are exposed in time of war, and having noted with
satisfaction the great progress made as a result of the war in devising
effective safety measures,
Expresses its conviction that the paramount consideration
should in all cases be the safety of the seamen and that considerations of expense should not be allowed to be a barrier to the adoption of the most effective measures of protection.
The Commission further considers that every effort should be
made to secure the adoption by all maritime countries of the safety
measures which experience has shown to be practicable and
effective.
The Commission requests the International Labour Office:
(a) To communicate to Governments as soon as possible, on
the basis of the existing practice in the countries having the widest
experience in this matter and of the suggestions for further improvements set out in the Appendix to this Resolution, which
have been approved by the Commission, a summary statement
of the life-saving measures best calculated to protect merchant
seamen in time of war, and to urge them to review and revise their
existing regulations on the matter in the light of the information
thus given in order that a high and reasonably uniform standard
of safety may be ensured for all seamen;
(b) To continue its study of the question of measures for the
protection of seamen in case of shipwreck, fire and other perils
in order that the requisite information may be available and un-

4

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

necessary delay be avoided when conditions permit consideration
of the possibility of adopting an international labour Convention
on safety measures for seamen;
(c) To recommend Governments to consider entering into
reciprocal arrangements under which a national authority will
be authorised to carry out, on its own initiative or on the representations of the crew concerned, inspection of the safety equipment
of a ship of foreign registration lying in a port within the jurisdiction of that authority and to issue an international certificate of
inspection.
APPENDIX
(1) On vessels of not less than 3,000 tons gross the lifeboats
provided should include one motor lifeboat on each side, adequately
provided with fuel.
(2) The use of the radial type of davit should be discontinued
at the earliest practicable opportunity and all new tonnage should
be fitted with davits mechanically operated for the purpose of
swinging lifeboats outboard.
(3) On new vessels pumps, particularly main and circulating
pumps, which discharge above the light load line should be fitted
with remote control valves for shutting them down. These controls should be located near to the remote control for the main
engines. The same arrangements should be applied to existing
ships as and when practicable.
(4) On tankers carrying inflammables all lifeboats should be
of steel and some life-rafts should be carried aft in the ship.
(5) Expeditious investigation should be made into the design
of the best hull form and weather protection for lifeboats.
(6) Nails should not be used in the construction of wooden
life-rafts.
(7) Expert consideration should be given to the advisability
of equipping lifeboats with radio transmission sets capable of
transmitting on short wave lengths as well as on 600 metres.
(8) Definite and adequate arrangements should be made for
the position of an abandoned ship to be communicated to those
in charge of boats.
(9) Every lifeboat should carry a waterproof chart, or alternatively a chart in a waterproof container, for use in the vicinity
in which the ship is sailing.
(10) Adequate visibility of the lifeboat compass should be
ensured by the use of luminous compass-cards or by effective
illumination.

RESOLUTIONS OP THE JOINT MARITIME COMMISSION

5

(11) Every lifeboat should be provided with signal pistol
equipment.
(12) The greatest possible use should be made of the space
available in lifeboats for the carriage of water and every care
should be taken to see that the water supplies are replenished when
necessary.
(13) Buoyant containers with supplies of fresh water should
be carried on board ship in close proximity to the lifeboats and so
arranged that they will readily float free of the ship.
(14) Every lifeboat should be provided with a unit type firstaid kit in a weather-tight metal container.
(15) Before a vessel leaves its first port of departure fire and
boat drills should be held and all life-saving appliances should be
inspected. Drills should also be held before leaving any port at
which any important change has been made in the crew. Every
drill and inspection should be entered in the log book.
II
The Joint Maritime Commission agrees that it is important
in wartime in the interests of safety that officers and ratings
should where practicable have reasonable rest before going on
watch prior to sailing.
Ill
Having agreed to many improvements to the existing standard
and methods employed in the saving of life at sea and in view of
the urgency of their immediate application, members of this Joint
Maritime Commission further pledge themselves that they will
immediately do all in their power to ensure that such decisions
become operative at the earliest possible date.

PART II
SUMMARY STATEMENT OF LIFE-SAVING MEASURES
PREPARED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR
OFFICE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUEST
OF THE JOINT MARITIME COMMISSION
The life-saving appliance rules of the principal maritime
countries show, of course, a considerable degree of uniformity.
So far as passenger ships are concerned, almost all maritime countries have bound themselves to comply with the requirements of
the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1929.
There is not yet any such international agreement for non-passenger ships, but the practice of the leading countries has naturally
exerted a strong influence on that of others, and when the exigencies
of the war revealed the inadequacies of the pre-war rules to cope
with new and intensified perils there was a tendency towards still
greater uniformity between the various national rules, each country
showing itself eager to profit by the experience and experiments of
the others. The war-time rules applicable to the British merchant
navy represented the practice of the country having the widest
experience in the matter and, in their revised form, were the latest
rules available to the Joint Maritime Commission. The discussions
of the Commission were thus largely based on the British rules,
and these have therefore been taken as the basis of the following
statement. The method of presentation is explained below.
The British rules consist of (1) The Merchant Shipping (LifeSaving Appliances) Rules1, dated 14 November 1938, made by
the Board of Trade and (2) The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving
Appliances) Emergency Rules, 19422, dated 27 July 1942, made by
the Minister of War Transport. The later rules, which came into
operation on 10 August 1942, are supplemental to the rules made
in 1938, codifying and amplifying rules issued at various dates
since the outbreak of the war but not revoking the pre-war rules.
It has therefore been necessary to select such of the 1938 rules
1
Statutory Rules and Orders, 1938, No. 1375 (referred to in the 1942 Rules
as "the Principal Rules").
* Statutory Rules and Orders, 1942, No. 1519.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

7

as are still operative, either generally or in respect of particular
classes of ships, and to correlate these with the 1942 rules dealing
with the same matters.
It has also been necessary to make a selection from the 1938
rules on another ground. Life-saving appliances rules are naturally
not uniform for all classes of ships. The 1938 rules classify ships
in seventeen different classes, and an additional class has been
added since the outbreak of the war. 1 Some of the rules apply to
all classes of ships, but many apply only in respect of a particular
class or classes. The classes dealt with in this statement are as
follows :
PASSENGER S H I P S

Class I.
Class II.
Class III.

Class IV.

Class V.

Class IX.
Class X.

Steamships carrying more than 12 passengers on
international voyages other than ships of Class II.
Steamships carrying more than 12 passengers on
short international voyages.
Home Trade steamships carrying more than 12
passengers on passages or voyages other than international voyages.
Steamships carrying passengers in pursuance of
a passenger certificate entitled "Passenger Certificate for a Home Trade passenger vessel plying on
short excursions to sea, i.e. beyond partially smooth
water limits, between 1st April and 31st October
inclusive, during daylight and in fine weather".
Steamships carrying passengers in pursuance of a
passenger certificate entitled "Passenger Certificate for a vessel plying in partially smooth water".
Foreign-going sailing ships carrying more than 12
passengers.
Home Trade sailing ships carrying passengers.
NON-PASSENGER SHIPS

Class X I .
Class XII.
Class X I I I .
Class XV.

Foreign-going steamships not certified to carry
passengers.
Home Trade steamships not certified to carry
passengers.
Steam fish carriers, tugs, lighters, dredgers, barges,
hoppers and hulks, which proceed to sea.
Foreign-going sailing ships not carrying more than
12 passengers.

1
By Regulation 47BB of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939 (S.R. & O.
1941, No. 2011,11).

8

WARTIME UFE-SAVING MEASURES POR MERCHANT SEAMEN

Glass XVI.
Glass XVII.

Home Trade sailing ships not carrying passengers.
Fishing boats within the meaning of Section 370
of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.
Class XVIII. Ships in respect of which a certificate issued by
the competent authority under Regulation 47BB
of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, is in
force. (These are non-passenger steamers which,
subject to certain conditions, are permitted to carry
passengers without being deemed to be passenger
steamers for the purposes of any of the provisions
of the Merchant Shipping Acts, 1896 to 1940, or
of any rules or regulations made thereunder.)
The following classes, which obviously form a different group
and do not come within the scope of the 1942 Rules, are not dealt
with in this statement:
Class VI.

Class VII.

Class VIII.

Class XIV.

Steamships carrying passengers in pursuance of a
passenger certificate entitled "Passenger Certificate
for a vessel plying in smooth water in estuaries and
lakes".
Steamships carrying passengers in pursuance of a
passenger certificate entitled "Passenger Certificate
for a vessel plying in smooth waters on rivers and
canals".
Steam launches and motor boats carrying passengers
in pursuance of a passenger certificate entitled
"Passenger Certificate for a vessel plying for short
distances to sea".
Steam fish carriers, tugs, lighters, dredgers, barges,
hoppers and hulks, which do not proceed to sea.

The various rules have been arranged in groups, and for each
heading in these groups an indication is given of the date of the
rules quoted, the number of the rule, and the class or classes of
ships to which the rule applies ('all ships' meaning, in these references, ships of all the classes dealt with in the statement but not
necessarily of all eighteen classes). The provisions of the rules
relating to the numbers of lifeboats to be carried have been summarised, for the sake of brevity and clarity, but in general the
actual text of the rule is quoted (wherever 'Board of Trade'
appears in a quotation from the 1938 rules, 'Minister of War
Transport' should now be read).

SUMMARY STATEMENT

.

9

Where the Joint Maritime Commission made a specific recommendation on a particular subject the recommendation is
quoted immediately after the relevant rule. It will be seen that
in many cases the 1942 rules already make the provision recommended by the Commission or an alternative thereto.
The rules frequently mention an 'approved' appliance without
giving a detailed specification of the requirements for approval.
This is in accordance with an established practice which permits
of a certain degree of flexibility in the methods adopted to give
effect to a rule and facilitates rapid adaptation of requirements
as experience shows the need for modifications or new devices
become available. The requirements for approval under the 1938
rules, which are many and detailed, are published in the 'Instructions as to the Survey of Life-Saving Appliances' issued in 1936.,
and in Supplement No. 1 thereto (which includes the complete
text of the 1938 rules). Additional requirements for approval
under the 1942 rules have been specified in various memoranda
issued by the Ministry of War Transport and its predecessors; in
some cases the Ministry's specifications refer by name to appliances
supplied by particular manufacturers, while in others details are
given. These memoranda also include a certain number of recommendations supplementing the rules. Where additional information seemed desirable for the proper appreciation of the
practical effect of a rule and could conveniently be. given by a
quotation from a memorandum of the Ministry, a reference has
been added from the text of the rule tó the numbered extracts
from these Memoranda given in Appendix I.
A comparison of the revised British rules with the war-time
rules of the Netherlands, Norway and the United States of America
as they stood in April 1942, on which also the Joint Maritime
Commission had information before it, shows that there are few
matters on which the rules of these countries set a higher standard
than, or differ materially from, the latest British rules, with the
exception of the substantially higher space allowance in lifeboats
required by the Norwegian rules. This and other, minor, differences
between the rules of the four countries are indicated in references
from the relevant British rules to Appendix II.
Finally, it should be stated that the 1938 rules contain a pror
vision empowering the Board of Trade to allow certain variations
of the prescribed requirements and to grant certain exemptions,
in both cases subject to such conditions as it may think fit to impose. The 1942 rules include the following provision, designed to
meet cases of real difficulty in full compliance, with the require-:
ments of-the rules:

10

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

The Minister or any Surveyor of Ships or other person duly
authorised in that behalf by the Minister may exempt, subject
to such conditions as he thinks fit to impose, any ship, for the
period of any voyage or voyages, from compliance with any
requirements of these Rules, if he is satisfied that the requirement is either impracticable or unreasonable having regard to
all the circumstances of the case.

A.—Structural Arrangements, Appliances and Gear and
Personal Equipment to be carried on Board Ship
M E A N S OF INGRESS AND EGRESS

1938—43 (Passenger ships only).
(1) Proper arrangements shall be made to the satisfaction of
the Board of Trade on all passenger ships for ingress to and egress
from the different compartments and decks.
1942—26 (All

ships).

Every ship shall be provided with suitable alternative means
of escape from machinery and crew spaces which shall include at
least one wire rope step ladder in engine rooms, stokeholds and
crew's companion ways. In addition the engine room ventilators
shall, where practicable, be suitably adapted to provide a ready
means of escape to the boat deck.
LIGHTING

1938—43 (Classes I and

II).

(2) Provision shall be made on all ships of Classes I and II
for an electric or other system of lighting, sufficient to the satisfaction of the Board of Trade for all requirements of safety, in the
different parts of the ship, and particularly upon the decks on
which the boats are stowed. On ships in which the boat deck is
more than 30 feet above the warterline at the lightest sea-going
draught, provision shall be made for the illumination from the
ship of the boats when alongside and in process of or immediately
after being launched. There must be a self-contained source of

SUMMARY STATEMENT

11

power capable of supplying, when necessary, this safety lighting
system, and placed in the upper parts of the ship above the bulkhead deck.
(3) In ships of Classes I and II the exit from every main compartment occupied by passengers or crew shall be continuously
lighted by an emergency lamp. The power for these emergency
lamps shall be so arranged that they will be supplied from the
source of power referred to in paragraph (2) of this rule in the
event of failure of the main generating plant.
1942—24 (All ships).
(1) Provision shall be made in every ship for an efficient system
of alternative lighting which shall be available for immediate use
in the event of failure of the main and emergency (if any) lighting
installations of the ship.
(2) The alternative lighting system shall consist of approved
self-contained electric hand-lamps or torches in such number and
placed in such. positions as shall be reasonably sufficient for the
requirements of safety. 1
EMERGENCY CONTROLS FOR ENGINES AND PUMPS

1942—25 (All

ships).

(1) In every ship suitable provision shall be made to enable
the main engine, and pumps liable to discharge into the lifeboats
during launching operations, to be stopped by means of emergency
controls conveniently sited outside the engine room.
(2) Such emergency controls shall be kept in efficient working
order and their positions shall be made known to deck officers in
addition to the engineer officers.
Commission Recommendation 3. On new vessels pumps, particularly main and circulating pumps, which discharge above the
light load line should- be fitted with remote control valves for
shutting them down. These controls should be located near to the
remote control for the main engines. The same arrangements
should be applied to existing ships as and when practicable.
LEAK-STOPPING G E A R

1942—27 (All

ships).

Every ship shall carry a supply of suitable materials for dealing
with leakages, such as softwood plugs and wedges, timber for shores,
»See note 1, p. 43.

12

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

cement boxes, canvas, oakum, tarpaulins or collision mats and
bottom lines. Such materials are to be kept readily available for
immediate use.
.LINE-THROWING

APPLIANCES

1938—4 to 8, 12 to 16, 18 to 20, and 41 (Classes I to V, IX to
XV to XVII).1

XIII,

4 etc.—Every ship to which this rule applies shall carry an
approved type of line-throwing appliance.
41 (11)—(1) An approved line-throwing appliance shall consist of
(a) four line-throwing rockets with sticks or other approved
apparatus capable of throwing a line J^-inch in circumference
a minimum distance of 200 yards in calm weather in such a
manner that the lateral deflection of line on either side of the
direction of firing does not exceed 10 per cent, of the length
of flight of the rocket (provided that in the case of ships of less
than 500 tons gross tonnage four rockets with sticks or other
approved apparatus capable of throwing a line J^-inch in circumference a minimum distance of 120 yards in calm weather
in such a manner that the lateral deflection of the line on either
side of the direction of firing does not exceed 10 per cent, of the
length of flight of the rocket may be substituted) ; and
(b) four lines J^-inch in circumference each not less than
240 yards in length and having a breaking strain of not less
than 250 lbs. (provided that in the case of apparatus for use
on ships of less than 500 tons gross tonnage lines J^-inch in
circumference each not less than 150 yards in length and having
a breaking strain of not less than 250 lbs. may be substituted).
(2) The rockets with the means of igniting them and the lines
shall be kept in a watertight case.
1942—22 (Class

XVIII).

Every ship of Class XVIII shall carry an approved type of
line-throwing appliance.
1
The application of this rule is restricted as follows in the case of certain
classes of ships:
Classes X I I , XV and XVI—Applicable only on ships of 80 tons gross tonnage
and upwards.
Class XVII—Applicable only to ships of 50 feet or over in length.
Class X I I I — T h e Board of Trade may in their discretion relieve a ship which
proceeds only for short distances to sea wholly or partially from the operation
«f-the-provisions-of-the-«lies-for ships of Class XII-which would otherwise-be
applicable to ships of this class.

13

SUMMARY STATEMENT
LIFEBUOYS

1938—4, 5 and 6, and 39 (Classes I, II and

III).1

4 (9) etc.—Every ship to which this rule applies shall carry
at least the number of lifebuoys determined in accordance with
the following table:
Length of Ship

Under 200 feet
Not under 200 feet but under 400 feet
Not under 400 feet but under 600 feet
Not under 600 feet but under 800 feet
800 feet and over

Minimum number
of lifebuoys

8
12
18
24
30

39—(1) (a) An approved lifebuoy shall be of solid cork or
other approved material and shall be capable of floating in fresh
water for at least 24 hours with 32 lbs. of iron suspended from it.
(b) No lifebuoys filled with rushes, cork shavings, granulated
cork or any other loose granulated material, or whose buoyancy
depends upon air compartments requiring inflation, shall be
approved or carried.
(2) All lifebuoys shall be fitted with beckets securely seized,
and at least one on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a lifeline at least 15 fathoms in length.
1942—23 (All

ships).

(1) Every ship of 100 feet or more in length shall carry at
least eight approved lifebuoys, and if under 100 feet in length shall
carry at least four approved lifebuoys.
(2) At least half the lifebuoys required by this Rule shall be
provided with an approved buoyant self-igniting light which shall
be attached to the lifebuoy to which it belongs; two of the remaining lifebuoys required by this Rule shall be fitted with a line at
least fifteen fathoms in length.
(3) Self-igniting lights provided in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Rule in any ship which is an oil tanker,
motor ship or oil-fuelled ship shall be of the electric battery type.
1
The 1938 rules relating to other classes of ships also require the carrying
of lifebuoys, but in numbers less, or not greater, than the numbers required on
all ships by the 1942 rules.

14

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN
LIFE-JACKETS, LIFE-SAVING WAISTCOATS AND PERSONAL
EQUIPMENT

1938—4 to 8, 12 to 16, 18 to 20, and 38 {All ships).1
4 (10) etc.—Every ship to which this rule applies shall carry
one approved life-jacket for each person on board.
38—(1) An approved life-jacket shall mean a jacket or other
approved appliance capable of being fitted on the body, of approved
material and construction, which is capable of floating in fresh
water for at least 24 hours with 16^2 lbs. of iron suspended from
it. It shall be reversible and suitable both for adults and children.
(2) No life-jackets shall be approved or carried the buoyancy
of which depends on air compartments.
1942—20 (All ships, except as indicated).
(1) Every ship of Class XVIII shall carry one approved lifejacket for every person on board.
(2) Every person on board a ship of Class XVIII and every
member of the crew of every other ship shall be provided with a lifesaving waistcoat or alternative appliance of approved material,
construction and efficiency which, shall be suitable for wearing on
the body whilst employed on deck or in other duties about the
ship.
The life-saving waistcoats or alternative appliances to be
provided in pursuance of this rule shall be in addition to the
approved life-jackets required to be carried in pursuance of the
principal rules and these rules.2
(3) Every person on board any ship except ships of Classes
IV and V, shall be provided with an electric light of approved
material, construction and efficiency which shall be suitable for
use with a life-jacket or with a life-saving waistcoat. 8 Each such
light shall be fitted with a globe tinted red and with an electric
battery of an approved type and capacity. In addition every such
ship shall be provided with a reserve of such lights equivalent to
at least 10 per cent, of the total number of the members of the crew
carried therein, together with an additional number of spare
batteries and bulbs equivalent to 20 per cent, of such total number.
1
Class X I I I — T h e Board of Trade may in their discretion relieve a ship which
proceeds only for short distances to sea wholly or partially from the operation
of the provisions of the rules for ships of Class X I I which would otherwise be
applicable to ships of this class.
2
See note 2, p. 43.
' S e e note 3, p. 43.

IS

SUMMARY STATEMENT

(4) Every person on board any ship of Classes I, IX, XI, XV
and XVIII shall be provided with a suit of protective clothing of
approved type designed for carriage on the person and suitable
for wear in a lifeboat or emergency raft. In addition a reserve
supply of such suits shall be carried equivalent to 10 per cent, of
the total number of the members of the crew carried in the ship. 1
(5) In all ships each officer and every supervising deck rating
shall be provided with a jack-knife fitted with a tin-opener.
(6) In all ships each member of the crew shall be provided
with a whistle with a lanyard attached.
STOWAGE OF LIFEBUOYS AND LIFE-JACKETS

1938—40.
(1) All lifebuoys and life-jackets shall be stowed to the satisfaction of a Board of Trade Surveyor and so as to be readily accessible
to the persons on board; their position shall be plainly indicated so
as to be known to the persons concerned.
(2) Lifebuoys shall always be capable of being rapidly cast
loose and shall not be permanently secured in any way.
EMBARKATION LADDERS AND N E T S

1938—42 (Classes I to IV, IX to XII,

XV and

XVI).

(1) Suitable arrangements as required by the Board of Trade
shall be made on ships of Classes I, II and III for embarking the
passengers in the boats at an embarkation deck. Ships of Class I
shall be provided throughout the ship with electrically operated
signals controlled from the bridge for summoning passengers to
muster stations.
(2) All ships of Classes I, II, III and IV shall carry not less
than one ladder of an approved type at each set of davits. Ships of
Classes IX, X, XI, X I I , XV and XVI shall carry at least one
ladder of an approved type for every two sets of davits. The
ladders shall be of sufficient length to reach the waterline with the
ship at her lightest sea-going draught and listed to 15 degrees
either way, and shall be carried in such a manner as to be always
available for use in embarking the persons in the boats or liferafts.
1942—21 (All ships, except as indicated).
(1) Every ship except ships of Classes XVII and XVIII shall
1

See note 4, page 44.

16

WARTIME LIFË-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

carry two rope side ladders, in addition to those carried in compliance with rule 42 (2) of the principal rules. Such additional
ladders shall be stowed on the weather deck, one near each end of
the ship. Ships of Class XVIII shall carry one rope side ladder at
each set of davits.
(2) Every ship except ships of Classes XVII and XVIII shall
carry on each side of the ship a rope side net to facilitate entry into
the boats when waterborne. Ships of Class XVIII shall carry one
rope side net at each set of davits.
(3) In all ships the number of persons permitted to be carried
in any boat during the process of launching shall not exceed the
number which having regard to the type and strength of the
lowering appliances can with safety be so carried. 1
A B AN DON-SHIP WARNING

1942—29 (All ships).
In every ship suitable arrangements shall be made for warning
all members of the crew that the ship is about to be abandoned.
Commission Recommendation 8. Definite and adequate arrangements should be made for the position of an abandoned ship to be
communicated to those in charge of boats.
GENERAL DIRECTION CONCERNING LIFEBOATS, ETC.

1938—3 {All ships).
(1) The lifeboats and buoyant apparatus in a ship shall be
readily available in case of emergency and shall be adequate.
(2) To ensure that they are readily available, the lifeboats
and buoyant apparatus shall comply with the following conditions:
(a) they must be capable of being put into the water safely
and rapidly even under unfavourable conditions of list and
trim ;
(b) it must be possible to embark the passengers in the
boats rapidly and in good order;
(c) the arrangement of each boat and article of buoyant
apparatus must be such that it will not interfere with the operation of other boats and buoyant apparatus;
1
In all new ships the Ministry arranges for the strength of the lowering
appliances to be sufficient to enable the boat to be lowered while carrying its
full crew.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

17

(3) To ensure that they are adequate, the provision of lifeboats and buoyant apparatus shall be in accordance with the requirements of such of the following rules 4 to 20 as is applicable. 1

B.—Lifeboats
NUMBER TO BE CARRIED

1938—4 to 8, Schedules 1, 2 and 3 (Classes I to V).
The number of lifeboats to be carried, attached to davits or
otherwise, on passenger ships is determined by the length of the
ship. On ships of Class I the lifeboats must furnish sufficient accommodation for the total number of persons which the ship
carries or is certified to carry, whichever number is the greater.
On ships of Classes II and III, the lifeboats must be of a prescribed
minimum aggregate capacity; if such lifeboats do not provide
accommodation for all on board, approved life-rafts or approved
buoyant apparatus must be provided to make good the deficiency.
On ships of Classes IV and V, accommodation must be provided
for prescribed percentages of the total number of persons which
the ship is certified to carry and may be furnished in part by boats
other than lifeboats and by buoyant apparatus. As the ships of
these classes are all passenger ships, the details of the rules are not
reproduced here.
1942—8 (Classes I and

II).

In every ship of Classes I and II, where suitable stowage facilities are available, one or two lifeboats shall be carried in addition
to the lifeboats required to be carried under the principal rules.
Such additional lifeboats shall be stowed in chocks on the decks
free to float off should the ship sink rapidly. Such lifeboats shall
be provided with an approved buoyant self-igniting light of the
electric battery type fitted with an uncoloured globe, which shall
be attached externally to the boat in such a manner as to be free
to operate immediately the boat is waterborne.
1938—12 to 16, 18 to 20 (Classes IX to XIII,

XV to

XVII).

The provisions of these rules are summarised in the following
table:
These rules are summarised in the following pages.

18

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN
If accomodation
as in col. 2 is
to be provided on
each side of the ship

Class of Ship

Aggregate capacity:
persons to be
accommodated

IX

All on board

No

X

All on board

No

At davits so far
as in the opinion
of the Board of
Trade is practicable
ditto

XI

All on board

Yes

At davits

All on board

Yes

At davits

All on board

No

Stowed ;so t h a t
it can be readily placed in
the water on
either side of
the ship

XII
100 feet or over
in length
Under 100 feet
in length

XIII

Carriage at davits
or otherwise

As for Class X I I , but the Board of Trade may in their
discretion relieve a ship which proceeds only for short
distances to sea wholly or partially from the operation of
the provisions of the rule

XV

All on board

No

XVI

All on board

No

At
least
two
boats a t davits,
one on each side
of the ship
Stowed so that
they can readily
be placed in the
water on either
side of the ship

XVII
145 feet in length
or over

All on board

Yes

At davits

Under 145 feet
but not under
50 f e e t in
length

All on board

No

Under 50 feet
in length

Stowed so that
it can be readily
placed in the
water on either
side of the ship
In addition, ships of Class XVII under 145 feet but not
under 100 feet in length shall carry approved buoyant
apparatus sufficient to support all persons on board
Approved buoyant apparatus sufficient to support all
persons on board
-,

SUMMARY STATEMENT

1942—5 (Class

19

XVIII).

(2) Every ship (of Class XVIII) shall carry on each side of
the ship lifeboats in such number and of such aggregate capacity
as will accommodate every member of the crew. Such boats shall
be attached to davits.
(3) In addition, every such ship shall carry lifeboats of an
aggregate capacity sufficient to accommodate the total number
of passengers which the ship is permitted to carry. These additional lifeboats shall, where practicable, be attached to davits.
In so far as it is not practicable for any such lifeboat to be attached
to davits, such lifeboat shall be chocked on the centre line of the
ship under a topped-up derrick and so available as to be capable
of being put out by.hand on either side of the ship, but free to
float off should the ship sink rapidly. Such lifeboat shall be provided
with an approved buoyant self-igniting light of the electric battery
type which shall be attached externally to the boat in such a
manner as to be free to operate immediately the boat is waterborne.
1942—4 (All

ships).

All lifeboats carried in compliance with the principal rules and
these rules shall be lifeboats of Class 1 . . .
CARRYING CAPACITY OF LIFEBOATS 1

1938—29.
29—(1) (a) The number of persons which a boat shall be
deemed fit to carry shall be equal to the greatest whole number
ascertained by dividing the capacity of the boat in cubic feet2 . . .
by the standard unit of capacity shown in the following table:
Type of Boat

Class I (a)
Class I (ò)
1

Standard Unit of Capacity

10 cubic feet
9 cubic feet

See note a, p. 51.
* The method of reckoning capacity is prescribed in a schedule to the rules,
not here reproduced, and is the same as that prescribed by Regulation X X X of
Annex I to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1929.
In order to relieve the pressure on lifeboat accommodation under war conditions the Ministry of War Transport have arranged for the capacity of lifeboats
in new ships to be increased by 10 per cent, above that required by the 1938
rules.
The shipowners' organisations have agreed that, while it would usually
be impracticable under war conditions to provide similar increases in boatage in
existing ships, when new lifeboats are installed in such ships they should provide
a similar increase in capacity if the circumstances reasonably permit (Ministry
Memorandum, M. 8538/42).

20

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

(2) The number of persons which a boat is deemed fit to carry
shall not
(a) exceed the number of adult persons wearing lifejackets
for which there is proper seating accommodation arranged in
such a way that the persons when seated do not interfere in
any way with the use of the oars.
(3) If the Surveyor is doubtful as to the number of persons
any boat is fit to carry, he may require it to be tested afloat fully
laden with equipment and the intended number of persons all
wearing lifejackets.
(4) In the case of boats of a depth of more than 4 feet, boats
with very fine ends and boats very full in form, the number of
persons which the boat is deemed fit to carry may be determined
by the Board of Trade otherwise than in accordance with the
foregoing provisions of this rule.
CONSTRUCTION AND SIZE OF LIFEBOATS

1938—21 to 23 and 4th Schedule, Part I.
21—For the purposes of these rules the standard types of boats
are classified as follows:
Class I. Open boats with rigid sides fitted either (a) with
internal buoyancy appliances only, or (6) with internal and
external buoyancy appliances.
22—(1) All boats shall be properly constructed, and shall be
of such form and proportions that they shall have ample stability
in a seaway, and sufficient freeboard when loaded with their full
complement of persons and equipment. They shall be fitted and
arranged to the satisfaction of the Board of Trade.
(2) (a) The structural strength of all boats shall be to the
satisfaction of the Board of Trade.
(6) In the case of boats carried on ships of Class I, Class II or
Class III, the strength of such boats shall be sufficient to permit
of their being safely lowered into the water when loaded with a
full complement of persons and equipment, provided that this
requirement shall not apply to any ship of Class II or Class III
where the height of the boat deck above the water line at the
vessel's lightest sea-going draught does not exceed 15 feet, or to
any ship of Class III engaged on any approved voyage or excursion . . . l
1
"Any approved voyage near the coasts of the United Kingdom" or "any
approved daylight excursion between the 1st May and 15th September inclusive"
—rule 6 (2).

21

SUMMARY STATEMENT

(3) In all open boats, all thwart and side seats shall be fitted
as low in the boat as practicable, and bottom boards shall be
fitted so that the thwarts shall not be more than 2 feet 9 inches
above them.
(4) The cubic capacity of every boat must be at least 125
cubic feet.
(5) No boat shall be accepted the buoyancy of which depends
upon the previous adjustment of one of the principal parts of the
hull.
(6) The weight of a boat when fully laden with persons and
equipment shall not exceed 20 tons.
23—All lifeboats of Class I shall comply with the provisions
of Part I of the fourth schedule to these rules in addition to the
provisions of rule 22.
4th Schedule, Part 1—(1) Every boat shall have a mean sheer
at least equal to four per cent, of its length.
(2) The air-cases of every boat shall be so placed as to secure
stability when fully laden under adverse weather conditions.
(3) Internal buoyancy appliances shall be constructed of copper or yellow metal of not less than 18 ozs. to the superficial foot,
or of other approved material.
Lifeboats with Internal Buoyancy Appliances only, Class I (a)
(4) The buoyancy of a wooden boat of this type shall be
provided by watertight air-cases, the total volume of which shall
be at least equal to one-tenth of the cubic capacity of the boat.
(5) The buoyancy of a metal boat of this type shall not be
less than that required for a wooden boat of the same cubic capacity,
and the volume of watertight air-cases shall be increased accordingly.
Lifeboats

with

Internal

and External
Class I (6)

Buoyancy

Appliances,

(6) The internal buoyancy of a wooden boat of this type shall
be provided by watertight air-cases, the total volume of which is
at least equal to seven and a half per cent, of the cubic capacity
of the boat.
(7) The external buoyancy may be provided by means of
cork or any other equally efficient material, but buoyancy shall
not be obtained by the use of rushes, cork shavings, loose granulated
cork or any other loose granulated substance, or by any means
dependent upon inflation by air.

22

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

(8) If the buoyancy appliances are of cork, their volume,
for a wooden boat, shall not be less than thirty-three thousandths
of the cubic capacity of the boat; if of any material other than
cork, their volume and distribution shall be such that the buoyancy
and stability of the boat are not less than that of a similar boat
provided with buoyancy appliances of cork.
(9) The buoyancy of a metal boat shall be not less than that
required for a wooden boat of the same cubic capacity, and thé
volume of the watertight air-cases and of the external buoyancy
appliances shall be increased accordingly.

1942—7.
(3) All lifeboats shall be fitted with a fair lead, fixed to the
gunwale close to the stem, to take the sea anchor hawser which
shall be parcelled or fitted with a short length of chain or wire
rope to prevent chafing.
(4) The tank cleading of all lifeboats shall be readily removable
to facilitate removal of the air cases for repair and to give ready
access to the planking or plating.
1942—11.
. . . the equipment of every lifeboat . . . shall be as follows:
{d) Approved means of enabling persons to cling to the
boat should it be upturned, in the form of bilge rails and grab
lines secured round the boat or other approved a r r a n g e m e n t s . . .
1942—28.
The air cases of all lifeboats . . . shall be filled with an approved buoyant material to safeguard buoyancy in the event of
the cases being punctured.
1942—6 (Classes I, XI and

XVIII).

6. All lifeboats carried in ships of Classes I, XI and XVIII
shall be not less than 24 feet in length. This rule shall not apply
to lifeboats on board any ship to which this rule applies prior
to the date on which these rules come into operation 1 ; except
that on the occasion of any change in the boatage being made
effect shall, if reasonably practicable, be given to this requirement.
1

10 Aug. 1942.

23

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Commission Recommendation 5. Expeditious investigation should
be made into the design of the best hull form and weather protection for lifeboats.1
MOTOR

LIFEBOATS

Ï938—4 and 5 (Certain ships of Classes I and

II).

4 (6) . . . where the number of lifeboats carried in pursuance
of this rule is more than 13, one of such lifeboats shall be a motor
boat fitted with an approved wireless telegraphy installation and
searchlight, and where the number is more than 19 two of such
lifeboats shall be motor boats so fitted.
1938—33.
(2) Every boat which is deemed fit to carry 100 or more persons
shall be fitted with a motor and shall comply with the requirements
of rules 26, 27 and 28.
1938—26 to 28.
26. Every motor boat carried as part of the statutory lifesaving appliances of a ship of Classes I or II . . . shall comply
with the following conditions:
(a) the boat shall comply with the requirements for a lifeboat of Class I, subject to the provisions of rule 27 as to buoyancy;
(6) proper appliances shall be provided for putting the
boat into the water speedily;
(c) the boat shall be adequately provided with fuel and
kept so as to be at all times ready for use;
(d) the motor and its accessories shall be suitably enclosed
to ensure operation under adverse weather conditions, and provision shall be made for going astern;
1
During the discussions of the Commission a spokesman for the Seamen's
members (Captain W. H. Coombs) made the following comment on the question
of the design of lifeboats:
We are not convinced that the very best type of hull form for ships' lifeboats has been provided. We suggest that there are designs in existence which
are worthy of closer study and ultimate introduction. It is well known among
seamen that the average ship's lifeboat is extremely unhandy in a seaway and
its sailing capacity to windward is very limited. Of course, we know that the
balance has to be held between capacity to carry men and passengers and
manoeuvrability and sea-kindliness; but we feel that it is possible to introduce
a design of hull form for boats in which there would be little or no sacrifice of
carrying capacity but a considerable increase in sailing ability.

The Ministry of War Transport is now taking steps to ensure that, wherever
practicable, lifeboats will be provided with deeper keels in order to improve their
sailing qualities.

24

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES POR MERCHANT SEAMEN

(e) the speed shall be at least six knots when fully loaded
in smooth water.
27. The volume of the internal buoyancy appliances of a
motor boat and, where fitted, the external buoyancy appliances
shall be at least equal to that of the buoyancy appliances which
would be required under these rules if the boat were not a motor
boat and shall be increased above that volume if and to the extent
that such increase is necessary to compensate for the difference
between (a) the weight of the motor and its accessories, and if
fitted, the searchlight and the wireless telegraph installation and
their accessories, and (6) the weight of the additional persons
which the boat could accommodate if the motor and its accessories,
and if fitted, the searchlight and the wireless telegraph installation
and their accessories were removed.
28. In the case of boats which are deemed fit to carry 100 or
more persons the volume of the buoyancy appliances shall be increased beyond the volume required by rule 27 to such extent as
may be determined by the Board of Trade.
1942—P1 (Classes I, II, III,

XI, XII,

and

XVIII).

(1) . . . in every ship of Classes I, II, III, XI and XVIII,
and in every ship of Class XII of over 2,000 tons gross tonnage,
one of the lifeboats carried in pursuance of the principal rules
and these rules and attached to davits shall be a motor lifeboat
fitted with approved means of propulsion, and be provided with
sufficient fuel to enable the boat to make a voyage of 160 miles.
(2) In every ship of Classes I, II and XVIII certified or permitted to carry more than 30 passengers two such lifeboats shall
be so fitted.
Commission Recommendation 1. On vessels of not less than
3,000 tons gross, the lifeboats provided should include one motor
lifeboat on each side adequately provided with fuel.
STOWAGE, DAVITS, LAUNCHING G E A R

1938—37 (All ships, except as indicated).
(1) All boats attached to davits and all boats stowed under
boats attached to davits shall be stowed to the satisfaction of the
Board of Trade in such a way that
(i)
(ii)
1

they can be launched in the shortest possible time;
they will not impede in any way the prompt handling

See also special requirements for oil tankers, 1942—33(3), p. 38 below.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

25

of any other of the boats attached to davits or stowed under
boats attached to davits, or the buoyant apparatus carried in
pursuance of paragraph (8) of rule 4 or paragraph (7) of rule 5,
or the marshalling of the persons on board at the launching
stations, or their embarkation;
(iii) even under conditions of list and trim unfavourable
from the point of view of the handling of the boats, as large
a number of persons as possible can be embarked in them;
(2) (a) Boats and life-rafts additional to boats stowed under
boats attached to davits shall be stowed across a deck, bridge or
poop and so secured that they will have the best chance of floating
free of the ship if there is no time to launch them. They must not
impede in any way the prompt handling of the boats attached to
davits or the boats stowed under boats attached to davits, or the
buoyant apparatus, or the marshalling of the persons on board at
the launching stations or their embarkation.
(6) As large a number as possible of the additional boats
referred to in paragraph 2 (a) of this rule shall be capable of being
launched on either side of the ship by means of approved appliances
for transferring them from one side of the deck to the other.
(c) Means shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Board
of Trade for lowering the additional boats referred to in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph into the water in the shortest
possible time.
(3) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this rule boats may
be stowed one above the other, or they may, subject to such conditions as the Board of Trade may impose, be fitted one within
another, but where boats so fitted require lifting before being
launched they may only be so fitted if mechanical power appliances
for lifting are provided. In no other case shall boats be so stowed
as to require lifting before being launched.
(4) Where a boat is stowed underneath another boat there
shall be provided approved removable supports or other approved
appliances, so as to secure that the weight of a boat is not unduly
supported by the boat underneath it.
(5) Boats may be stowed on more than one deck on condition
that proper measures are taken to prevent boats on a lower deck
being fouled by thœe stowed on a deck above.
(6) Boats shall not be placed in the bows of the ship or in any
positions in which they would be brought into dangerous proximity
to the propellers at the time of launching. In the case of ships of
Class XVII, the Board of Trade may modify the requirements of
this paragraph and in that event the boats shall be placed to the
satisfaction of the Board of Trade.

26

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

(7) All life-rafts and buoyant apparatus shall be so stowed as
to be readily available in case of emergency.
(8) Davits shall be of approved form and shall be suitably
placed to the satisfaction of the Board of Trade. They shall be so
disposed on one or more decks that the boats placed under them
can be safely lowered without interference from the operation of
any other davits.
(9) (a) The davits, falls, blocks, and all other gear shall be of
sufficient strength to the satisfaction of the Board of Trade.
(6) In the case of ships of Classes I, II and III, the davits,
falls, blocks and all other gear, shall be of such strength that the
boats can be safely lowered with the full complement of persons
and equipment, with the ship listed to 15 degrees either way.
(c) Life-lines shall be fitted to the davit spars, and the falls
and life-lines shall be long enough to reach the water with the
ship at her lightest sea-going draught and listed to 15 degrees
either way. 1 Hooks shall not be attached to the lower tackle
blocks.
(10) In the case of ships of Classes I, II and III, the davits
shall be fitted with gear of sufficient power to ensure that the
boat, fully equipped and manned, but not otherwise loaded with
passengers, can be turned out against the maximum list at which
the lowering of the boats is possible.
(11) Boats attached to davits shall have the falls ready, for
service, and means shall be provided for speedily, but not necessarily
simultaneously, detaching the boats from the falls. The points of
attachment of the boats to the falls shall be so situated as to ensure
the boats being easily swung clear of the davits.
(12) The boats' chocks shall be of such construction and
arranged in such manner as shall be satisfactory to the Board of
Trade.
(13) Where more than one boat is served by the same set of
davits, if the falls are of rope, separate falls shall be provided to
serve each boat, but where wire falls are used with mechanical
appliances for recovering them separate falls need not be provided.
The appliances used shall be such as to ensure lowering the boats
rapidly and in turn. Where mechanical power appliances are fitted
for the recovery of the falls, efficient hand gear shall also be provided.
(14) In the case of ships of Class II or Class III, where the
height of the boat deck above the water line when the vessel is at
her lightest sea-going draught does not exceed 15 feet, and ships
1

See also below, 1942—10 (3).

SUMMARY STATEMENT

27

of Class III engaged on any approved voyage or excursion 1 . . .
the requirements of paragraphs (9) (6), (10) and (13) of this rule
shall not apply but provision shall be made for the matters to
which those paragraphs relate to the satisfaction of the Board
of Trade.
1942—7 (All ships).
(2) All lifeboats and launching gear must at all times be kept
ready to enable the lifeboats to be lowered into the water without
delay.
1942—21 (All

ships).

(4) The arrangements for launching lifeboats shall be such as
to ensure that the falls are effectively controlled during the process
of launching.
1942—7 (Classes I, II, III,

XI, XII

and

XVIII).

(5) All lifeboats carried in ships of Classes I, II, III, X I , X I I
and XVIII and attached to davits shall be fitted with approved
means of launching the boat against an adverse list.
1942—10 (Classes I, II, III,

XI and

XVIII).

(1) The davits fitted in ships of Classes I, II, III, X I and
XVIII shall be fitted with gear of sufficient power to ensure that
the boat, fully equipped and manned, but not otherwise loaded
can be turned out against the maximum list at which the lowering
of the boats is possible. This requirement shall not apply to davits
on board any ship of Classes XI and XVIII prior to the date on
which these rules come into operation.
1942—10 (All

ships).

(2) Radial davits in all ships shall be provided with approved
means to prevent them from being jerked o u t of their sockets.
Commission Recommendation 2. The use of the radial type of
davit should be discontinued at the earliest practicable opportunity
and all new tonnage should be fitted with davits mechanically
operated for the purpose of swinging lifeboats outboard.
1
"Any approved voyage near the coasts of the United Kingdom" or "any
approved daylight excursion between the 1st May and the 15th September
inclusive".

28

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

1942—10 {All

ships).

(3) In all ships four life-lines shall be fitted to each davit span
(together with tricing lines) of sufficient length to reach the water
with the ship at her lightest sea-going draught and listed to 15
degrees either way.
1942—7 {All

ships).

(1) All lifeboats carried in the outboard position shall be
secured by suitable means against damage or loss. These means
shall be such as to ensure that the lifeboats will not readily become
unhooked and shall not interfere with the ready release of the
boats from the falls when the boats are waterborne.

C.—Equipment of Lifeboats
GENERAL EQUIPMENT 1

1942—11 {All ships, except as indicated).
(1) . . . the equipment of every lifeboat carried in pursuance
of the principal rules and these rules shall be as follows:
(a) a full single banked complement of oars and two
spare oars and a steering oar;
(b) two plugs for each plug hole attached to the boat
with lanyards or chains, but plugs shall not be required where
proper automatic valves are fitted; one set and a half of thole
pins or crutches attached to the boat by lanyards;
(c) a line securely becketed round the outside of the boat;
{e) a mast or masts with wire stays together with sails
(coloured bright red) and with proper gear 2 ;
(/) an efficient compass in binnacle with approved means
of illumination 2 ;
(g) a sea anchor of not less than the approved size3, a
baler, two galvanised iron buckets, a rudder and a tiller or
yoke and yoke lines, two painters of sufficient length and a
boat hook 4 ; the rudder, the baler and the buckets shall be
attached to the boat by sufficiently long lanyards and be kepi
ready for use; one of the painters shall be secured in the forward
part of the boat with a strop and toggle so that it can be released
from the boat and the other painter shall be firmly secured to
the stem of the boat and be ready for use;
1

See note b, p. 51.
Not required in the case of ships of Classes IV and V.
• See note 5, p. 44.
4
See note c, p. St.
1

SUMMARY STATEMENT

29

(h) a canvas hood with side screens all coloured yellow
or bright orange adequate to provide shelter for the occupants
of the boat 1 ;
(i) a supply of one gallon of vegetable or animal oil and
an appliance of approved pattern for distributing the oil easily
on the water, arranged for attachment to the sea anchor 1 ;
(k) not less than six good quality woollen blankets in
waterproof covering;
(/) one dozen red flare lights of an approved type in a
water-tight case;
(m) an electric torch suitable for Morse signalling togethei
with two spare batteries and two spare bulbs;
(w) an efficient lantern trimmed, with oil in its receiver
sufficient to burn for eight hours, or some other lantern or
light of approved type; and a box of suitable matches in a
water-tight case;
(o) two hatchets, one to be kept at each end of the boat
and to be attached to the boat by a lanyard;
(p) a whistle attached to the boat by a lanyard 1 ;
(q) at least two light heaving lines;
(r) six hand rockets of an approved type in a water-tight
case or other approved signals 12 ;
(5) a manual pump of an approved type for bilge pumping 12 ;
(t) four buoyant smoke signals of an approved type
capable of giving off a volume of orange coloured smoke 12 3 ;
(u) a suitable locker for the stowage of the small items
of the equipment with due regard to their preservation in
good condition;
(v) an outfit comprising palm needle and twine 1 ;
(w) a repair outfit comprising suitable tools, patching
and plugging materials. 1
Commission Recommendation 10. Adequate visibility of the
lifeboat compass should be ensured by the use of luminous compasscards or by effective illumination. 4
Commission Recommendation 11. Every lifeboat should be
provided with signal pistol equipment.
1
2

Not required in the case of ships of Classes IV and V.
Not applicable to ships of Class XVIII unless they proceed beyond the
Faroe Islands.
3
See note 6, p. 45.
* The.Ministry of War Transport is now arranging for luminous compass-cards
to be provided in lifeboats.

30

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

1942—12 (Class I, IX,

XI,

XV,

XVIII).

In addition to the equipment specified in rule 11 (1) of these
Rules, every lifeboat carried in pursuance of the principal rules
and these Rules in ships of Classes I, IX, XI, XV and XVIII
shall be provided with the following equipment:
(b) a bunting flag coloured yellow or bright orange, about
4 ft. 6 ins. by 8 ft., attached to a light spar at one end;
(c) an approved set of charts covering the globe, in a
waterproof wallet, together with protractor, writing paper,
pencil and eraser.
Commission Recommendation 9. Every lifeboat should carry a
waterproof chart, or alternatively a chart in a waterproof container,
for use in the vicinity in which the ship is sailing.
STOWAGE OF EQUIPMENT IN LIFEBOATS

1938—36 (All

ships).

All boats . . . shall be fully equipped before the ship proceeds
to sea, and the equipment shall remain in the boat . . . throughout
the voyage . . .
1942—13 (All

ships).

All items of lifeboat equipment not kept in the lifeboat locker,
with the exception of the boat hook which shall be kept free for
fending off purposes, shall be lightly lashed within the boat. The
lashing shall be carried out in such a manner as to ensure the
security of the equipment and so as not to interfere with the lifting hooks or to prevent ready loading of, or impede ready entry
into, the boat.
W I R E L E S S INSTALLATIONS AND SEARCHLIGHTS

1938—34 (Classes I and

II).

(1) The wireless installation to be carried on a motor boat in
pursuance of paragraph (6) of rule 4 or paragraph (5) of rule 5
shall be capable of transmission and reception on a frequency of
500 kilocycles (wavelength 600 meters) and shall be provided with
a source of power sufficient to give a minimum of 10 metre amperes
(the number of metre amperes being determined by multiplying
the current in amperes measured at the base of the aerial by the

SUMMARY STATEMENT

31

maximum height in metres of the aerial above the water line)
and to maintain the installation in operation, allowing for intermittent use, for a total period of six running hours;
1942—30 (Classes I, II, XI and

XVIII).

(1) Every ship of Classes I, II, X I and XVIII shall be provided
with:
(a) two approved aerial masts of which one shall be kept
in a lifeboat on the port side and the other in a lifeboat on the
starboard side of the ship, together with a length of aerial wire
to be kept with the apparatus mentioned in paragraph (1)
(b) of this rule;
(6) an approved portable wireless transmitting apparatus 1
and an approved portable wireless receiving apparatus 2 , both
of which shall be kept together in the chart room or othei
approved room ready to be placed in one or other of the lifeboats mentioned in paragraph (1) (a) of this rule for immediate
use in the event of an emergency;
(c) approved means, which shall be kept in the same room
as the transmitting and receiving apparatus, of charging the
batteries of the apparatus.
The above requirements of this rule shall not apply to ships
which in pursuance of the principal rules carry two motor lifeboats fitted with an approved wireless installation.
(2) All batteries supplied with the apparatus shall be fully
charged once a fortnight. The Master shall cause a record of all
such chargings to be kept by the Chief Radio Officer.
Commission Recommendation 7. Expert consideration should
be given to the advisability of equipping lifeboats with radio
transmission sets capable of transmitting on short wave lengths as
well as on 600 metres.
1938—34 (Classes I and

II).

(2) The searchlight to be carried by a motor-boat in pursuance
of paragraph (6) of rule 4 or paragraph (5) of rule 5 shall include a
lamp of at least 80 watts, an efficient reflector and a source of
power which will give effective illumination of a light-coloured
object over a width of about 60 feet at a distance of 200 yards
for a total period of six hours, and shall be capable of working for
three hours continuously.
1

See note 7, p. 45.
* See note 8, p. 45.

32

WARTIME UPE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

(3) Where the power for the wireless installation and the
searchlight is derived from the same source, that source shall be
of sufficient power to provide for the adequate working of both
appliances simultaneously.

D.—Life-Rafts and Buoyant Apparatus
NUMBER TO BE CARRIED

1932—15 {All

ships).

(1) . . . Every ship shall, in addition to the lifeboats carried
in compliance with the principal rules and these rules, carry
approved emergency rafts or approved buoyant apparatus.
(2) In ships of Classes I, II, III, IV and V the apparatus
carried in compliance with this rule shall, where reasonably practicable, consist of approved emergency rafts sufficient to support all
persons on board, but where, having regard to the characteristics
of the ship, suitable stowage space is not available for such number
of rafts, approved buoyant apparatus may be carried, so that the
emergency rafts and buoyant apparatus together will support all
persons on board.
Each lifeboat carried in compliance with rule 8 of these rules 1
shall be counted as apparatus required under this rule sufficient
to support the number of persons the boat is deemed fit to carry.
(3) In ships of Classes IX, X, X I , X I I , X I I I , XV, XVI, XVII
and XVIII, the apparatus carried in compliance with this rule
shall be emergency rafts sufficient to support all persons on board
out of the water, provided that in the case of ships of Classes
X I I , X I I I , XVII and XVIII, so far as it is impracticable to provide suitable stowage for emergency rafts, approved buoyant
apparatus may to that extent be carried so that the emergency
rafts and buoyant apparatus together are sufficient to support all
persons on board.
SIZE AND CONSTRUCTION OF RAFTS 5

The 1942 rules do not include any detailed specification for
emergency rafts. The general requirements which have to be
satisfied in order to obtain the approval of the Ministry of War
Transport are set out in the Ministry's Memorandum M.3516/42
of April 1942, the text of which is reproduced in Appendix I.8
1
These are the additional lifeboats required to be carried on ships of Classes
I and II.
r
S ë ë ñ o t é ' á , p. ST.
' See note 9, p. 46.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

33

1942—28
The air cases of all lifeboats, emergency rafts and similar apparatus carried in compliance with these rules shall be filled with
an approved buoyant material to safeguard buoyancy in the event
of the cases being punctured.
Commission Recommendation 6. Nails should not be used in
the construction of wooden life-rafts.
SIZE AND CONSTRUCTION OF BUOYANT APPARATUS

1938—31.
(1) Approved buoyant apparatus, whether buoyant deck
seats, buoyant deck chairs or other buoyant apparatus, shall be
deemed sufficient, so far as buoyancy is concerned, for the number
of persons equal to the greatest whole number ascertained by
dividing the number of pounds of iron which the apparatus is
capable of supporting in fresh water by 32, and the apparatus shall
be deemed fit to support the number so ascertained or a number
equal to the number of feet in the perimeter of the apparatus
whichever number is the smaller.
(2) All approved buoyant apparatus shall comply with the
following conditions:
(a) it shall be of approved material and construction;
(6) it shall be effective and stable when floating either
way up;
(c) it shall be of such size, strength and weight that it
can be handled without mechanical appliances and, if necessary,
thrown without damage from the ship's deck on which it is
stowed ;
(d) if it depends for its buoyancy on air it shall not be
so constructed as to require inflation before use in an emergency;
(e) the air-cases or equivalent buoyancy appliances shall
be placed as near as possible to the sides of the apparatus;
(/) it shall have a line securely becketed round the outside of the apparatus.
1938—32.
(3) All buoyant apparatus shall be marked (to the satisfaction
of the Board of Trade) with an indication that they are buoyant
and with the number of persons which they are deemed fit to
support.

34

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN
STOWAGE

1942—19 {All ships).
Emergency rafts carried in compliance with these rules shall
be stowed in forward and aft positions in the ship as far remote
from the lifeboats as practicable. Such rafts shall be stowed on
launching ways wherever possible and in any case in such a position
that they will be free to float clear in the event of the ship sinking
before they can be launched. If lashings are necessary they shall
be of such a character as will enable the raft to be readily released.
1938—37.
(7) All . . . buoyant apparatus shall be so stowed as to be
readily available in case of emergency.
EQUIPMENT 1

1942—16 and 17.
16—The equipment of every emergency raft carried in pursuance
of these Rules shall consist of:
(a) approved means of affording the occupants protection
against being washed off the raft by heavy seas and protection
from the weather, including weather cloths, canvas awning coloured yellow or bright orange and waterproof bags2 sufficient for
the total number of persons the raft may carry;
(6) a lifebuoy with line attached;
(c) at least two oars or paddles 3 ;
(d) a painter;
(e) a folding sea anchor in waterproof cover and a hawser
of 2J^-inch rope approximately 10 fathoms in length;
(/) one dozen red flare lights of an approved type in a
water-tight case;
(g) an electric torch suitable for Morse signalling together
with two spare batteries and two spare bulbs;
(h) an approved buoyant self-igniting light of the electric
battery type fitted with an uncoloured globe, and so attached
to the raft as to be free to operate immediately the raft is
water-borne 4 ;
(¿) two light heaving lines;
1

See note e, p. 51, and note 9, p. 46.
*8 See note 10, p. 49.
See note/, p. 51.
4
See note 11, p. 49.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

35

(/) two rust-proof drinking vessels (one graduated in J^,
1 and 2 ozs.);
(k) six hand rockets of an approved type or other approved
signal ;
(0 four buoyant smoke signals of an approved type
capable of giving off a volume of orange coloured smoke 1 ;
(o)

a clasp knife, attached to the raft by a line.

17—(1) Every unit of buoyant apparatus shall be fitted with
a painter.
(2) Buoyant apparatus shall be fitted with approved buoyant
self-igniting lights of the electric battery type in accordance with
the following scale:
(a) in ships carrying less than 6 units of buoyant apparatus,
each unit shall be so fitted;
(6) where the units of buoyant apparatus carried exceed
6 but do not exceed 24 in number, not less than 6 of such units
shall be so fitted;
(c) where such units exceed 24 in number, 25 per cent.
shall be so fitted.
(3) Where more than 6 units of buoyant apparatus are carried
they shall be linked together in groups of four where reasonably
practicable by connecting the painters, and each group shall include
one unit fitted with a buoyant self-igniting light.
E.—Water, Food and First-Aid Supplies
LIFEBOATS 2

1942—14 (All ships).
14—(1) Every lifeboat carried in compliance with the principal
rules and these rules shall be provided with at least the emergency
rations specified in the following scale, for each person the boat is
deemed fit to carry:
(a) 112 ozs. of fresh water, the quantity to be increased
as far as is reasonably practicable;
(6) 14 ozs. of biscuits;
(c) 14 ozs. of chocolate;
(d) 14 ozs. of milk tablets;
(e) 14 ozs. of pemmican (or other approved meat extract).
1
See note 6, p. 45.
* See note 12, p. SO, and note g, page 52.

36

WARTIME IvlPE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

In the case of lifeboats of ships of Classes II, III, IV, V, X,
XII, XIII, XVI and XVII, the following rations may be substituted
for the rations specified in sub-paragraphs (£>), (c), (d) and (e)
for each person the boat is deemed fit to carry, that is to say:
2 lbs. of biscuits;
1 lb. of sweetened condensed milk of first quality.
(2) The water shall be kept in the boat in containers of approved
size, design and construction, and there shall be provided at least
one dipper with lanyard attached and three rust-proof drinking
vessels (one graduated in 3^, 1 and 2 ozs.). The water shall be
frequently changed to ensure that it is always clean and fit for
drinking.
(3) All the foods specified shall be of approved manufacture,
packed in water-tight containers, labelled in such manner as the
Minister may require and stowed in water-tight tanks.
1942—11 (Classes I, IX, XI,

XV and

XVIII).

(1) (d). In ships of Classes I, IX, XI, XV and XVIII the grab
lines shall have attached to them by means of a line one or more
suitable containers filled with drinking water. The aggregate
capacity of the containers shall not be less than 2 gallons and they
shall be fitted with stoppers so secured as to prevent the escape
of the drinking water or the entry of sea water and with ready
means of opening. This water is to be carried in the boat, in addition to the water provided in compliance with rule 14 of these
rules, and the containers are to be so placed in the boat as to
ensure that they will fall clear should it be upturned.
Commission Recommendations 12 and 13. 12. The greatest
possible use should be made of the space available in lifeboats for
the carriage of water and every care should be taken to see that
the water supplies are replenished where necessary.
13. Buoyant containers with supplies of fresh water should be
carried on board ship in close proximity to the lifeboats and so
arranged that they will readily float free of the ship.
1942—11 (All ships, except Classes IV and V).
(1) . . . the equipment of every lifeboat . . . (shall include) :
(/) an approved first-aid outfit in a water-tight case,
together with such additional medicaments as may be specified
by the Minister. 1
1

See note A, p . 52.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

37

Commission Recommendation 14. Every lifeboat should be
provided with a unit type first-aid kit in a weather-tight metal
container.
1942—12 (Classes I, IX, XI, XV and

XVIII).

. . . every lifeboat carried in pursuance of the principal rules
and these rules in ships of Classes I, IX, XI, XV and XVIII shall
be provided with the following equipment:
(a) a supply of one gallon of fish, animal or vegetable oil
or other approved substance for massage purposes, to be kept
in a properly labelled container.

RAFTS1

1942—18 (All

ships).

18—(1) Every emergency raft carried in pursuance of these
Rules shall be provided with at least the emergency rations specified
in the following scale:
(a) Six gallons of fresh water, the quantity to be increased
so far as is reasonably practicable 2 ;
(ò) 5 lbs. each of biscuits, malted milk tablets, chocolate
, and pemmican (or other approved meat extract).
In the case of emergency rafts carried in ships of Classes II,
III, IV, V, X, XII, XIII, XVI and XVII, the following rations
may be substituted for the rations specified in sub-paragraph (6),
that is to say:
5 lbs. of biscuits;
5 lbs. of sweetened condensed milk of first quality.
(2) The water shall be kept in a container or containers of
approved size, design, and construction and shall be frequently
changed to ensure that it is always clean and fit for drinking.
(3) All the foods specified shall be of approved manufacture,
packed in water-tight containers, labelled in such manner as the
Minister may require and stowed in water-tight tanks.
(4) All the equipment and foods specified shall be stowed in
such a manner as to ensure that they will be readily available
whichever way up the raft floats.
1
1

See note », p. 52.
See note 13, p. 50.

38

WARTIME UFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

1942—16 {All ships).
The equipment of every emergency raft carried in pursuance
of these rules shall consist of :
(m) a supply of one gallon of fish, animal or vegetable oil
or other approved substance for massage purposes, to be kept
in a properly labelled container;
(w) an approved first-aid outfit in a water-tight case,
together with such additional medicaments as may be specified
by the Minister.

F.—Special Requirements for Oil Tankers
1942—33}
(1) This rule applies only to oil tankers.
(2) All lifeboats carried in compliance with the principal
rules and these rules shall be constructed of steel. In tankers
carrying four lifeboats, two of them shall, where practicable, be
carried amidships. 2
(3) One of the lifeboats on each side of the ship shall be a
motor boat fitted with approved means of propulsion, and one of
them shall, where practicable, be carried amidships.
(4) In every ship in which the crew are berthed in the forecastle, two rafts shall be stowed between the forecastle and the
bridge at sufficient height to afford maximum protection against
damage by seas.
(5) In every ship means of access to the amidship boat positions shall be provided at both ends of the boat deck, that is to
say by a ladder at the fore end, which may be vertical, in addition
to the usual ladder a t the after end.
(6) Every lifeboat carried shall, in addition to the lifeboat
equipment specified in rules 11 and 12 of these rules, be provided
with the following equipment:
(a) a set of accessories including a discharge hose fitted
with nozzle and a seacock, to enable the manual pump required
under rule 11 of these rules to be used for fire fighting purposes. This pump must be permanently fixed in the after end
» See also A.—Lifebuoys: 1942-23 (3), p. 13, and D.—Life-rafts, etc.: 1942
—19, p. 34 (which covers Commission Recommendation 4).
' The Ministry has announced that, for the purpose of this rule, where four
lifeboats are carried aft two of them are to be removed to positions amidships
or two additional lifeboats are to be supplied amidships under davits. The requirement will not be pressed if extensive constructional alterations would be involved,
or so as to delay the sailing of the ship. (Ministry Memorandum M. 8538/42.)

SUMMARY STATEMENT

39

of the boat with the suction and discharge hoses in place so
that means of spraying water over the boat shall be available
immediately the boat is waterborne;
(b) an asbestos blanket of a size of approximately 8 feet
by 6 feet which shall be kept in the boat in a loose canvas cover
and be available for immediate use.
(7) Each member of the crew of the ship shall be provided
with a garment of approved type made of flame resisting material
and designed for carriage on the person. 1 In addition a reserve
supply of such garments shall be carried equivalent to 10 per cent.
of the total number of the members of the crew on board.
Commission Recommendation 4. On tankers carrying inflammables all lifeboats should be of steel and some life-rafts should be

carried aft in the ship.
G.—Certification of Lifeboatmen, Drills, Records and
Inspections
LIFEBOATMEN

1938—44 (Classes I, II, III and

IV).

44—(1) The crew of every ship of Classes I, II, III and IV
shall include, for each boat or life-raft carried as part of the statutory life-saving appliances, a number of certificated lifeboatmen
not less than that specified in the following tablé:
Prescribed complement
of boat or life raft
Less than 41 persons
From 41 to 61 persons
From 62 to 85 persons
Above 85 persons

Minimum number of
certificated lifeboatmen
2
3
4
5

(2) An applicant for a lifeboatman's certificate shall be at
least 18 years of age and shall submit himself for examination at
such times and places as may be directed by the Board of Trade,
who, on being satisfied that he has had sufficient service at sea
and has been trained in all the operations connected with launching
lifeboats and the use of oars; that he is acquainted with the practical
handling of the boats themselves; and, further, that he is capable
of understanding and answering the orders relative to lifeboat
service, may issue a certificate to him.
1

See note 14, p. 50.

40

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES EOR.MERCHANT SEAMEN

(3) If the Board of Trade have reason to believe that a certificated lifeboatman no longer possesses the qualifications described in
the preceding paragraph, they may require him to submit himself
for re-examination at such time and place as they may determine,
and if he does not prove to the satisfaction of the Board of Trade
that he possesses the qualifications aforesaid, the Board may
cancel the certificate, whereupon the holder shall deliver the certificate to the Board of Trade and shall be deemed to be no longer
a certificated lifeboatman.
(4) For the purpose of this rule:
"certificated lifeboatman" means any member of the crew
who holds a certificate issued by or under the authority of the
Board of Trade in accordance with the conditions laid down
in paragraph (2) of this rule;
"prescribed complement" means the number of persons
which a boat or life-raft is deemed fit to carry under these
rules.
DRILLS

1942—32 (All

ships).

32—(1) In every ship arrangements shall be made for holding
drills for exercising the crew in the practical use of the life-saving
appliances of the ship and in the procedure for abandoning ship
in an emergency.
(2) A drill in accordance with this rule shall be held at intervals
of not more than one week.
(3) One such drill shall be held before the ship leaves her port
of departure or before reaching the open sea on proceeding from
such port, except in the case where the Master is reasonably
satisfied that the whole crew has received, by means of previous
drills held in that ship, proper training in the use of the life-saving
appliances and the procedure for abandoning ship.
(4) The Master shall enter or cause to be entered in the official
log book a statement, or if there is no official log book cause a record
to be kept, of every occasion on which a drill in accordance with
this rule is held on board the ship.
(5) The Master of every ship shall cause a list to be prepared
and kept up to date specifying the duties to be performed by each
member of the crew in the event of an emergency and shall take all
steps necessary to ensure that every member of the crew is aware
of the special duties allotted to him in that list.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

4Ì;

(6) Copies of the list required by the foregoing provision of
this rule shall, before the ship proceeds to sea, be posted in the
crew's quarters and in other conspicuous places about the ship
and shall be kept so posted while the ship is at sea.
(7) The Master of every ship in which passengers are carried
shall make arrangements by which all passengers shall, immediately
on coming on board, be instructed by members of the crew in the
procedure to be observed in the event of an emergency.
RECORDS

1942—31 (All

ships).

31—The Owner shall cause a record to be provided and maintained in every ship showing the extent to which the requirements
of the principal rules and these rules are complied with, or where
any such requirement is not complied with, the reason for such
non-compliance.
The record shall be in an approved form and shall be available
for inspection by any Surveyor of ships or other person duly
authorised by the Minister in that behalf.
INSPECTION

The legal provisions governing the inspection of life-saving
appliances are contained in Section 431 of the Merchant Shipping
Act, 1894, as amended by the Merchant Shipping (Safety and
Loadline Conventions) Act, 1932. This section reads as follows:
(1) A surveyor of ships may inspect any ship for the purpose of seeing that the rules for life-saving appliances have
been complied with in her case, and for the purpose of any
such inspection shall have the powers of a Board of Trade
Inspector under this Act.
(2) If the surveyor finds that the rules for life-saving appliances have not been complied with, he shall give written
notice to the owner or master stating in what respect the said
rules have not been complied with, and what, in his opinion,
is required to rectify the matter.
(3) Every notice so given shall be communicated in manner
directed by the Board of Trade to the Chief Officer of Customs
of any port at which the ship may seek to obtain a clearance or
transiré, and a clearance or transiré shall not be granted to
the ship and the ship shall be detained until a certificate under
the hand of a surveyor of ships is produced to the effect that
the matter has been rectified.

42

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

Commission Recommendation 15. Before a vessel leaves its first
port of departure fire and boat drills should be held and all lifesaving appliances should be inspected. Drills should also be held
before leaving any port at which any important change has been
made in the crew. Every drill and inspection should be entered in
the log book.

APPENDIX I
SPECIFICATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES
APPROVED BY THE BRITISH MINISTRY OF W A R TRANSPORT

The information given below is taken from Memoranda issued
by the Ministry of War Transport and, where no reference to the
number of a Memorandum is given, from the catalogue of an
exhibition of life-saving appliances organised by the Ministry.
Emergency Hand-Lamps

(1942—24).

(1) The hand-lamps in general use are usually of the accumulator type with special individual features. One type is fitted with a
selector switch giving light of alternative power, another is gastight and can be safely used in gaseous atmospheres, while a third
type is constructed to withstand long periods before re-charging.
There is also an ingenious light of the accumulator type which is
plugged into the mains and automatically comes into action
immediately the main circuit is broken. In addition, there is a
dry cell type operated by gravity switch; this light is fastened to
bulkheads, etc., upside down and, when reversed, immediately
comes into operation.
Life-Saving Waistcoats

(1942—20).

(2) The life jackets are the usual peace-time appliances. The lifesaving waistcoat is a special appliance, introduced by the Ministry
in December 1939, designed to be suitable for seamen to wear
while working about the ship. It derives its buoyancy from 15J^
ozs. of kapok, which is sufficient to afford support in the sea for
two persons. For stewards and firemen who might find difficulty
in working in a life-saving waistcoat of the standard type a special
appliance has been devised. This is worn apron fashion and is so
constructed to be capable of being brought into its correct position
in a few seconds; its buoyancy and other characteristics are the
same as in the standard type.
Jacket and Waistcoat Lights (1942—20).
(3) The lights approved by the Ministry are simple in operation
and design. Two of them are fitted with spring clips which enable

44

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

the wearer to fasten the light to the collar-strap of the life-jacket
or waistcoat; the battery container and light are watertight and
unaffected by immersion in sea water; the burning period is approximately ten hours. The third type approved is buoyant and
is designed to float alongside the wearer; the battery container is
placed in a pocket in the life-saving waistcoat and acts as an
anchorage for the light.
Protective Suit

(1942—20).

(4) The suit designed by the Ministry is constructed of tough,
light, rubberised material specially manufactured for the purpose.
It is intended for wear only in a lifeboat or on a raft, and not on
board ship or in the water. 1 The garment is in two parts, one
piece being combined trousers and overshoes fitted with non-slip
rubber soles, and the other piece a combined hood and loose fitting
double-breasted coat. The coat is designed to overlap either to
the right or to the left and to be secured by tapes at the front so
as to furnish a universal fitting; it is provided with a draw tape
at the bottom to give a snug fit and the sleeves, which are long
enough to cover the hands if desired, are fitted with elastic wrist
bands. Slits in the backs of the legs of the trousers, fitted with
sliding clasps, enable the limbs to be readily withdrawn for massage;
they also afford means of releasing air-locks and of ventilation;
these slits terminate five inches above the heel to provide a safeguard against the entry of water from the bottom of the boat or
the well of the raft. The suit readily folds into the hood portion,
which is strengthened for use as a carrier pouch and fitted with
guide loops enabling the outfit (weighing 3 lbs. 6 ozs.) to be conveniently carried on the person by means of a belt which, in wear,
is used to secure the trousers. The hood is reversible, being coloured
khaki on one side and yellow on the other, in order that the khaki
surface only may be visible when the hood is in use as a carrier
pouch (so as not to be conspicuous on board ship) and the yellow
surface visible in actual wear. The rest of the suit is also yellow,
so as to attract the attention of rescue ships and aircraft.
Sea Anchors

(1942—11(g)).

(5) In future the sizes of sea anchors are not to be smaller
than the following:
Lifeboats not
Area of mouth of sea anchor, 452 square
exceeding 22
inches.
feet in length
1

See note jfe, p. 52.

APPENDIX I

Lifeboats exceeding
22 feet in length
but not exceeding
30'feet

45

Area of mouth of sea anchor, 572 square
inches.
(M.8538/42)

Smoke Signals (1942—11 (a) and 16 (I)).
(6) The smoke signal introduced by the Ministry for day-time
use emits a deep orange-coloured smoke over a period of two
minutes. The smoke discharge, the colour of which makes it very
prominent on a sea background, persists for some time, forming
a big overhead cloud or a long slanting trail according to the state
of the wind, and is visible several miles away. The signal is weatherproof; it is operated by removing the lid, pulling out and releasing
the trigger lanyard which automatically fires the signal, and then
throwing the signal into the sea, where it floats.
Lifeboat Radio Transmitter

(1942—30).

(7) The valve transmitter designed in the Ministry enables
an unskilled person to send out a radio distress call by simply
pressing a button. A series of "S.O.S." calls is then radiated for
two minutes over a distance of more than 200 miles. Between 60
and 70 such signals can be sent at hourly intervals. Long sustained
signals are also given automatically so that direction finding bearings can be taken to locate the lifeboat. A Morse key for a radio
operator is also fitted. The equipment is very robust and in emergency can be thrown from the deck of the vessel into the sea where
it floats, without being adversely affected, until picked up by the
lifeboat. The weight, less than 50 lbs., is limited to enable the
equipment to be readily passed into the first available boat being
launched.
Lifeboat Radio Receiver (1942—30).
(8) The light-weight portable radio receiver specially designed
in consultation with the Ministry not only has a self-contained
aerial but can be used on an external emergency aerial with a
long-distance range equivalent to the main radio installation of
the ship. When in use in a lifeboat it will give the direction of the
incoming answering signal at a range of two to three hundred
miles. It will give approximately four days' continuous use before
the accumulator needs re-charging. The receiver is also used as
a standby ship receiver for maintaining continuous listening-in
for distress calls.

46

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

Emergency Rafts (1942—15 and 28).
(9) The following are the general requirements for approval
by the Ministry.
Type.—To be of the well deck type with double deck, reversible,
and capable of being readily manoeuvred by paddle or oars.
Dimensions and Proportions.—To give good stability and
freeboard when loaded with full complement, as determined by
tests.
Number of Persons.—To be assessed on the capacity of the raft
to support and seat all persons clear of the water, on the basis of
4 ^ cubic feet of reserve buoyancy per person calculated for light
condition as determined by test in salt water, in conjunction with
not less than 4 square feet of deck area and 18" seating space per
person. (Note—Light condition means raft complete with water,
provisions and equipment but no persons on board.)
Construction.—To provide adequate rigidity to withstand a
drop of 30 ft. into the water. A drop test may be required.
Framework to be through fastened with bolts not less than J^ in.
diam. supplemented at the external corners with steel corner
pieces. Other fastenings to consist of stout gauge screws.
The ends of the raft to be so constructed as effectively to protect the air cases from the effect of impact with the water when
launched.
The floor and sides of the well and seating to be close boarded
or other means adopted to minimise upward splash.
Floor to be fitted with footholds and to be drained.
Sufficient locker space to be provided for stowage of equipment.
Metal Air Cases.—To be placed in the wings of the raft.
Not less than 6 in number.
Capacity of each case not to exceed 10 cubic feet.
Total capacity to provide not less than 3 cubic feet per person.
To be of galvanised steel sheet, 22 S. W. G., constructed water
tight with hook joints and stiffened as laid down in the instructions for lifeboat air cases.
Each air case to be packed with kapok at a density of 3 lbs.
per cubic foot or with other approved buoyancy material.
Fresh Water Tanks.—Not less than 4 in number having a total
capacity not less than 2 cubic feet and to be readily portable and
distributed. Capacity of each tank not to exceed % cubic foot.
They may be arranged in pairs one above the other. To be fitted
with handles for lifting and spouts for pouring.

APPENDIX I

47

Spouts to be closed by non-corrodible screwed covers having
means for opening, both the cover and the means of opening being
provided with chain attachment or alternative. Jointing material
to be of leather impregnated with neatsfoot oil or alternative.
Tanks to be constructed watertight of galvanised steel sheet
as for air cases, and coated internally with "Rosbonite" or other
suitable composition.
Provision Tanks.—Not less than 2 in number, having a total
capacity not less than 4 cubic feet.
Dimensions to suit the sizes of food tins prescribed by the
Ministry.
To be built into the apparatus extending for full depth and
constructed watertight of galvanised steel sheet as for air cases.
Covers to be of screwed type not less than 6" diameter in the
clear with coarse thread, or alternative, and to be of non-corrodible
metal. Rings to be riveted and soldered.
Jointing material to be as for covers of fresh water tanks.
Covers to have means for opening and both to be provided with
chain attachments or alternative.
Ends of tanks containing the covers to be flush or other means
adopted to prevent lodgment of water.
Water-tight Locker.—Constructed and fitted similarly to provision tanks; sizes sufficient to take certain items of equipment
(see below) ; may be portable.
Weather Protection.—To be fitted with side screens all round
the apparatus in conjunction with an awning to give sufficient
head room to persons seated, all complete with stanchions, ridge
ropes and means for lacing. Lower edge of side screens to be laced
to the apparatus.
The awning and side screens to be coloured yellow or bright
orange.
Stanchions also to be provided with a guard rope or rail all
round to prevent men from falling overboard.
Grablines.—Two rows to be fitted all round the apparatus, one
at the upper half and one at the lower, lightly lashed together to
prevent fouling the launching skids.
In addition, grablines to be fitted at intervals along the seats
(for the benefit of the occupants).
Ringbolts.—A ring bolt to be fitted at x/¿ depth near each
corner for slings and painter attachment.
Miscellaneous.—All woodwork to be treated with preservative
prior to assembly.

48

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

Air cases, water and provision tanks and watertight locker
to be water tested and finally coated externally with bitumastic
or alternative. They are to be snugly stowed to prevent movement
when afloat. Threads and washers to be well greased before delivery.
Suitable grips for boarding raft from the water to be provided
at sides and ends.
Fixed non-perishable labels to be fitted adjacent to lockers
for equipment, water and provision containers to indicate contents.
Means for securing doors (for lockers) (other than the watertight locker), to be of the simplest character and readily removable
without the aid of tools.
Raft to be free of projections which would interfere with launching from skids or cause discomfort to occupants.
Raft Equipment for which provision is to be made.—Self-igniting
buoyant light to be of the electric battery type in all cases and
attached to the inboard end of the raft as stowed with line of
suitable length.
Painter of 2J-*j" rope; length equal to height of stowing position
above light water line plus 2 fathoms, subject to a mimimum of 10
fathoms, to be secured to the raft with toggle so that it can be
released from the raft if necessary. The toggle to be secured to
the raft by lanyard to prevent loss.
Paddles or oars, at least 2 in number, of Sitka Spruce or other
suitable material, stowed in locker or lightly lashed to the outside
of the raft.
Lifebuoy to be of standard size and fitted with 5 fathoms of
heaving line and lightly lashed to the inboard end of the raft as
stowed, or other suitable stowage provided.
Stowage as may be convenient.—Awning
waterproof cover.

and side screens in

Waterproof bags each of sufficient size to take a group of four
(now altered to three) to six men to afford mutual warmth and
protection against an inrush of water over the well deck. The
bags to cover the legs and body up to the armpits and be provided
with approved means for securing them in position. (See also
note 10 below.)
Sea anchor of folding type in waterproof cover.
Length of 2W rope (about 10 fathoms) which will serve as
hawser for sea anchor.
Two light heaving lines.

APPENDIX I

49

Stowage in provision locker.—Torch suitable for morse signalling.
• Two drinking vessels for rationing of fresh water.
Stowage in Watertight Locker.—One dozen approved red flares
in watertight container.
Four approved Smoke

Signals.

Six Hand Rockets.
One Gallon of Massage Oil.
An approved small First Aid

Outfit.

Mast (also sail if required).
All equipment to be readily available whichever way up the
raft floats.
Marking.—Each raft to be marked: "Approved by Ministry
of War Transport for—persons".
Exceptions.—The Ministry would be prepared to agree to
departures from these requirements in the case of small rafts to
be supplied only to coasting and fishing vessels having very
limited stowing space (M. 3576/42).
Waterproof Bags {1942—16

(a)).

(10) The bags should be strong enough to stand the wear of
the men's boots; they should extend to the armpit and be provided
with readily removable means of securing them between the
occupants, such as wooden pegs. They should be designed, for
not more than six persons each, to suit the seating arrangements
of the rafts. (M. 8538/42.) The bags are to be bright orange in
colour.
Buoyant Raft Lights {1942—16

(h)).

(11) These are required to give a white light in order to avoid
confusion with the red life-jacket lights and to afford maximum
illumination where it is most needed. The lights approved by the
Ministry are simple in operation and robust in design. In one type,
a gravity switch is provided which operates immediately the light
is thrown overboard; the buoyancy is derived from an airtight
metal float so positioned as to ensure that the light will automatically float the right way up; the current for the lamp is derived
from a 4J^ volt dry battery and the burning period is approximately
eight hours. In another design a small float contact is provided,
cork buoyancy being fitted in place of the metal float used in
other types; when the appliance falls into the water, the sea forces

50

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

up the small float contact inside the base and the lamp then lights
automatically. A third design derives its buoyancy from a balsa
wood float, and the light is operated automatically when waterborne by means of a small mercury switch.
Water Supplies in Lifeboats {1942—14 (1) (a)).
(12) The Ministry emphasises that the first consideration is
water and that provision in excess of the minimum requirements
should be made where reasonably possible (M. 6956/41). The
Ministry also recommends that the rations should be supplemented
by the provision of boiled sweets and chewing gum and of a bottle
of lime juice for sick persons.
Water Supplies on Rafts (1942—18 (1) (a)).
(13) This requirement applies to existing rafts. New rafts
will be required, under Ministry Memorandum M. 3516/42, as a
condition of approval to provide tanks sufficient for a minimum
water supply of about 12 gallons (M. 8538/42).
Protective Suits on Tankers (1942—33 (7)).
(14) This garment is designed for carriage on the person (the
time factor being of vital importance) so as to furnish immediately
available protection against flames and particularly to protect
the face and hands during the process of launching boats. It comprises, in one piece, a hood fitted with mica eye-piece, a cape of
ample proportions, and gauntlets. The whole outfit, excluding
the belt, weighs 2 lbs. t)/¿ ozs.

APPENDIX II
NOTES ON CERTAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE BRITISH L I F E SAVING APPLIANCES R U L E S AND THOSE OF THE NETHERLANDS,
NORWAY AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

(a) In Norway the pre-war rules required the carrying of boats
sufficient to accommodate all persons on board, the capacity of
the boats being reckoned at 20 cubic feet per person and the boats
being equally distributed on both sides of the ship. The war-time
rules require ships to carry an extra boat or boats capable of accommodating all on board, reckoning capacity at 1 2 ^ cubic feet
per person, giving a total accommodation of not less than 3 2 ^
cubic feet per person.
(ò) The rules of the Netherlands and the United States of
America require lifeboats to carry the following items of .equipment
which do not figure in the British list:
Netherlands: One fog horn, and a Netherlands flag.
United States of America: Two lifebuoys (in addition to
the ship's equipment).
(c) The rules of the United States of America require lifeboats
to be equipped with two boat hooks.
(d) The rules of the United States of America specify that a
raft may not have a greater capacity than 20 persons or a smaller
capacity than 15 persons, and on vessels operating on routes
exceeding 200 miles offshore the minimum number of rafts must
be four; at least one-half the number of rafts must each have
a capacity exceeding 15 persons.
(e) A boat hook, for rafts, which does not figure in the British
list, is required by the rules of the United States of America.
(J) The minimum numbers of oars or paddles required by
the rules of the Netherlands, Norway and the United States of
America are as follows:
Netherlands: Four paddles.
Norway: Four oars and five rowlocks.
United States of America: Four oars and five rowlocks,
attached by separate chains.

52

WARTIME-UFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

(g) The rules of the Netherlands require lifeboats to carry 1
kilogramme of hard bread, ^ kilogramme of milk, ty¿ kilogramme
of canned meat, and 50 grammes of chocolate for each person. The
foods specified may be replaced by others of equivalent nutritive
value. The rules of Norway require at least 5 kilogrammes of
bread (in European waters, 3 kilogrammes) and 1 kilogramme of
canned food, preferably meat, for each person the boat can hold,
reckoning 20 cubic feet per man. The canned food must not be
of a kind likely to cause appreciable thirst (corned beef, salt meat,
etc.).
(h) The rules of the Netherlands require lifeboats to carry, in
addition to a first-aid kit, two clean white sheets and a bottle of
stimulant.
(i) The rules of the Netherlands require rafts to be provided
with \y<i kilogrammes of hard bread, Yi kilogramme of milk and
50 grammes of chocolate for each person the raft is designed to
carry. The rules of Norway require 1 kilogramme of food for each
person.
(k) A protective suit of a different type is supplied to all seamen on the merchant ships of Norway. This suit is designed so
that it can be worn while at work or put on in a few seconds; covering the body from head to foot, it is warm, waterproof and buoyant,
and will support a man in the water as well as giving him protection against weather when he is in a lifeboat or raft.

PART III
BRITISH FIRE APPLIANCES RULES
The principal rules concerning fire appliances on board British
ships are the Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 19321,
made by the Board of Trade on 16 December 1932 and coming
into operation on 1 January 1933. These rules gave effect to the
requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of
Life at Sea, 1929, but applied also to passenger ships not covered
by that Convention (in all, to ships of Classes I and VIII in the
classification laid down by the Life-Saving Appliances Rules of
1938). After the outbreak of the war, the 1932 rules were supplemented by the Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 19402,
made on 23 December 1940 and coming into operation on 1 January
1941. These added to the requirements already applicable under
the 1932 rules and imposed compulsory requirements upon all
sea-going ships except sailing ships and fishing vessels.
The following is a summary of the main provisions of both
sets of rules relating to ships of Classes I, II and III, to foreigngoing steamships and motor-ships, and to home trade steamships
and motor-ships of 1,000 tons gross tonnage and upwards.
FIRE

HOSES

Ships of Classes I, II and III must be provided with fire hoses
in number deemed sufficient by the Board of Trade (now Ministry
of War Transport); other ships must be provided with two hoses
if of 2,000 tons gross tonnage or more and with one hose if of less
than 2,000 tons. All hoses must be of sufficient length to project
a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may be required
to be used. All ships must also carry an additional 30 feet length
of fire hose.
W A T E R J E T S AND POWER PUMPS

All ships must be provided with apparatus to enable one or
more powerful jets of water to be rapidly directed into any part of
1
Statutory Rules and Orders, 1932, No. 1055.
» Statutory Rules and Orders, 1940, No. 2170.

54

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

the ship. On ships of Classes I, II and III and on other ships of 2,000
gross tons or more the apparatus must permit of the simultaneous
use of at least two such jets. Power pumps, operated by steam or
other motive power but independent of the main engines and each
capable of delivering the requisite number of jets in any part of
the ship, must be provided in the following numbers: ships of
Classes I, II and III, if of 4,000 gross tons or more—3; if of under
4,000 gross tons—2; other ships, if of 2,000 gross tons or more—
2; if of under 2,000 gross tons—1.
EMERGENCY POWER PUMPS

All ships must be provided with at least one portable emergency
power pump, and ships of more than 4,000 gross tons or certified
to carry more than 50 passengers must carry at least two such
pumps.
SMOTHERING G A S AND FROTH APPARATUS

All ships of Classes I, II and III of 1,000 gross tons or more
and foreign-going ships of the other classes of 2,000 gross tons or
more must be provided with apparatus whereby fire smothering
gas sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 30
per cent, of the gross volume of the largest hold in the ship can
be promptly conveyed by a permanent piping system into any
compartment in which cargo is carried (in certain conditions,
steam may be used instead of gas).
Ships of Classes I, II and III in which the main boilers are
oil fired must be provided with apparatus whereby froth can be
rapidly discharged over the whole of the lower part of the boiler
room (or of any one boiler room, if there are more than one) or
of any machinery space in which oil fuel units or settling tanks
are situated. The apparatus must be controlled from outside the
compartments into which it is required to discharge froth. Similar
apparatus must be provided in every passenger ship of other classes
which is a motor-ship or a ship using only oil as fuel for main or
auxiliary boilers. In cargo ships using oil as fuel the machinery
spaces and boiler rooms must be equipped with froth extinguishers
of specified sizes.
OTHER F I R E EXTINGUISHERS

Portable fire extinguishers of an approved fluid type and of a
capacity of not less than 2 nor more than 3 gallons must be carried
on all ships, stowed where possible near the entrance to the space
in which they are intended to be used. On ships of Classes I, II

BRITISH FIRE APPLIANCES RULES

55

and III the number of these to be carried for passenger and crew
spaces is determined in each case by the Board of Trade (now
by the Ministry of War Transport) and in addition, if the main
boilers are coal fired, at least two extinguishers must be provided
in each of the boiler rooms and machinery spaces. On the other
ships the number must be sufficient to ensure that at least one
is available for immediate use in each space occupied by passengers,
officers or crew, with in any case a minimum of three.
Motor ships and ships which are oil fired or oil-and-coal fired
must carry in addition special extinguishers constructed to discharge froth (or other suitable medium). Ships of Classes I, II
and III in which the main boilers are oil-fired must carry two
portable extinguishers of this type in each boiler room and in
each of the machinery spaces in which a part of the oil fuel installation is situated; in addition they must have an extinguisher of at
least 30 gallons capacity if there is one boiler room or two such
extinguishers if there is more than one boiler room, these extinguishers being provided with hoses on reels suitable for reaching any
part of the boiler rooms and spaces containing fuel units. A motorship of Class I, II or III must carry in each of the machinery spaces
at least one 10-gallon extinguisher and also a 2-gallon extinguisher
for each 1,000 B.H.P. (or part thereof) of the engines; the number
of such 2-gallon extinguishers may not be less than two and need
not exceed six.
Ships of the other classes which are steamships in which oil
only is used as fuel for main or auxiliary boilers must be provided
in each boiler room and in each machinery space in which a part
of the boiler oil fuel installation is situated with two portable
froth extinguishers for quenching oil fires at each firing space, and
in addition, for each firing space in any boiler room or machinery
space in which there is more than one boiler, with one or more
extinguishers with a total capacity of 2 gallons for each burner
(the total capacity of the additional extinguishers, however,
need not exceed 10 gallons).
Ships of these classes which use oil and coal simultaneously as
fuel for the main or auxiliary boilers must be provided in the boiler
and machinery spaces with portable froth extinguishers as for
oil-fired ships and in addition with froth and/or steam smothering
apparatus the nature and capacity of which varies with the size
and construction of the tank top.
Motor ships of these classes must be provided with portable
and other froth extinguishers as for oil-fired ships and in addition
with two additional portable extinguishers and, further, with an
additional extinguisher or extinguishers of capacity at least equi-

56

WARTIME LIFE-SAVING MEASURES FOR MERCHANT SEAMEN

valent to a 2-gallon froth extinguisher, the number of these being
one if the power of the engines exceeds 500 B.H.P. but does not
exceed 1,000 B.H.P., increasing by one for each further 1,000
B.H.P. up to a maximum of six.
All motor ships and ships in which oil is used for fuel must
be provided with conductors (for attachment to a fire hose or
otherwise) for spraying water on oil without undue disturbance
on the surface.
Ships of Classes I, II and III which are motor ships or in
which the main boilers are oil fired, and ships of other classes
which are motor ships or use oil or oil and coal for main or auxiliary
boilers must be provided in each firing space with a receptacle
containing at least 10 cubic feet of sand, sawdust impregnated
with soda or other suitable dry material, with scoops for distributing it.
SMOKE

HELMETS,

SAFETY LAMPS AND
APPLIANCES

OTHER

EMERGENCY

All ships of Classes I, II and III must be provided with at
least two smoke helmets or breathing apparatus and safety lamps
(each set being kept ready for use in widely separated places).
These ships must be provided also with an outfit of emergency fire
appliances deemed sufficient by the Board of Trade (now Ministry
of War Transport) and including, if electric power is available, a
portable electric drilling machine to give emergency means of
access to fires through decks, casings or bulkheads. All ships
of other classes must carry one smoke helmet or breathing apparatus
and a safety lamp and in addition a fireman's hatchet and, if
electric power is available, a portable electric drilling machine.
The smoke helmet or breathing apparatus must be equipped
with a life and signalling line of prescribed strength and at least
ten feet longer than the length required to enable the wearer to
go into any part of the holds or machinery spaces from a position
on the open deck well clear of hatch or doorway. The safety lamp
must be of a miner's type with a minimum burning period of three
hours, and if the ship is a tanker must be an electric battery lamp.
INCENDIARY BOMB EQUIPMENT

All ships must carry equipment for dealing with incendiary
bombs, including at least one stirrup hand pump and two buckets
for every 100 feet registered length of the vessel, and a sufficient
number and quantity of metal containers filled with sand and
long handled scoops and hoes, all this equipment being suitably

BRITISH FIRE APPLIANCES RULES

57

distributed about the ship and the pumps and buckets being kept
above the main deck and as necessary below deck near such parts
as could be easily penetrated by incendiary bombs. Each stirrup
pump must be fitted with 25 feet of hose and a dual nozzle capable
of delivering either a 30 feet distant jet or a fine spray carrying
about 15 feet.
AVAILABILITY

OP APPARATUS

All fire extinguishing apparatus and appliances must be in
working order and ready for immediate use when the ship leaves
port and at all times during every voyage. Where pumps are
electrically operated, the necessary power must always be available.
F I R E DRILLS

A fire drill for exercising the crew in the use of the fire extinguishing appliances must be held at least once a week while the ship
is in service, and one drill must be held before the ship leaves her
port of departure or before she reaches the open sea from that
port. If the Master is reasonably satisfied that the whole crew
has received, by means of previous drills held in that ship, proper
training in the use of the fire appliances, he may dispense with the
weekly drill while the ship is in convoy and with the drill before
leaving port or reaching the open sea.
INSPECTIONS

At each fire drill, a responsible officer must examine all fire
appliances to ensure that they are in good working order and
readily available for use.
RECORDS

A record of each drill and inspection must be entered in the
ship's official log book.

APPENDIX
EXPLANATORY INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE
BRITISH MINISTRY OF W A R TRANSPORT

Fire Appliances
When in 1940 rules were issued the Ministry informed shipowners and masters that it did not intend to require compliance
with the rules in existing ships so far as this would involve extensive structural alterations. The Ministry also gave the following explanations concerning the emergency power pumps and
electric drills required by the new rules.
The emergency power pumps are required primarily to provide
an independent means of obtaining a water supply for fire fighting
in the event of the water mains in the ship being put out of action.
They may, however, be found useful for other purposes, e.g., to
cope with slow flooding of compartments, should the vessel's
fixed pumps be out of action.
In this type of pump, the Ministry consider that portability
of the unit is of the utmost importance and the units so far approved
have therefore been confined to those sufficiently light and small
to be readily portable. If in any particular case it is considered
that larger units would be more efficient, the matter will be considered on its merits.
While these pumps are designed to draw water from the sea,
the possibility of making arrangements to enable them to draw
water from storage tanks in the ship should be considered. In
drawing water from the sea the suction hose would usually be
suspended from a deck not more than about 20 ft. above sea level.
In ships where this height may in certain circumstances be exceeded
alternative arrangements should be made, wherever possible, to
enable access for the suction hose to the sea to be obtained from
a height not exceeding about 20 ft.
The electric drills are intended to enable crews to combat fires
in spaces which are not readily accessible, e.g. to pierce steel
bulkheads, casings and decks for the insertion of the fire hose.
Electric drills, besides being of general utility, provide the best
means of cutting the necessary holes in reasonable time. For
convenience of handling, the weight of the machines should not

APPENDIX

59

be excessive and drills capable of cutting holes of 5/8 inch diameter
would be considered satisfactory. The power of such machines
would probably be of the order of 400/500 watts and the electric
connections for cargo clusters could be utilised to operate them.
It should be seen that sufficient flex is provided to permit of the
drills being used effectively at all parts of the ship vulnerable
to fire.
Precautions against Fire
At the same time the Ministry issued the following advice
concerning precautions against fire.
The Ministry strongly emphasise the necessity for all possible
precautions to be taken to minimise the possibility of an outbreak
of fire and to guard against the spreading of any fire which may
occur. Official instructions in regard to the carriage of inflammable
cargoes, e.g., dangerous goods, coal, etc., must be strictly observed.
Coal bunkers.—Coal bunkers should be so worked that the
period during which coal remains in the bunkers is reduced to a
minimum. If a small quantity of coal remains in a bunker at the
end of a voyage it should be trimmed towards the bunker door
before fresh coal is loaded.
Oil fuel.—When oil fuel is used it is essential for safety that
leakages of oil should be prevented and that all parts of the machinery space should be always kept free of inflammable substances,
e.g. loose oil, oily cotton waste, etc.
Deck cargoes.—In ships carrying deck cargoes special care is
necessary to ensure that the stowage of the cargo does not make it
difficult or impossible to couple the fire hoses to the water hydrants.
In the case of ships carrying inflammable deck cargoes, including
some (such as wood in various forms) which are not ordinarily
considered as particularly liable to fire risks but in which fires
have been caused by incendiary bombs, it is especially important
to ensure that there is no obstruction to the hydrants at the ends
of the ship or to those on the bridge deck. It is also necessary
to consider the proximity of deck cargoes to lifeboats in relation
not only to easy access to the boats but also to the possibility
of fire affecting boats or falls.
Security of certain fittings.—The shock of an explosion is
liable to dislodge fittings such as oil lamps on bulkheads and
bogey stoves, with the possibility of fire resulting. The dislodgment
of fuse holders, resulting in interference with lighting, might hamper
fire fighting operations.
Steps to secure such fittings should,
where necessary, be taken.

Publications of the International Labour Office
The International Labour Code
A systematic arrangement of the conventions and recommendations adopted by the International Labour Conference 1919-1939, with appendices embodying other standards of social policy framed by the International Labour
Organisation and notes giving full bibliographical references
and material relating to the ratification, application and interpretation of the International labour conventions.
The Code consists of twelve books dealing respectively
with: Employment and Unemployment; General Conditions
of Employment (wages, hours of work, weekly rest periods,
holidays with pay) ; The Employment of Children and Young
Persons; The Employment of Women; Industrial Health,
Safety and Welfare; Social Insurance; Industrial Relations;
The Administration of Social Legislation; the Conditions of
Work of Seamen; Standards of Colonial Labour Policy; Migration; and Statistics.
Book IX of the Code (The International Seamen's Code)
includes chapters relating to: Facilities for Finding Employment for Seamen; Seamen's Articles of Agreement; The Employment of Children and Young Persons at Sea; Hours of
Work on Board Ship and Manning; Annual Holidays with
Pay for Seamen; Officers' Competency Certificates; Shipowners'
Liability in respect of Sickness; Sickness Insurance for Seamen; Unemployment Indemnities and Insurance for Seamen;
The Repatriation of Masters, Seamen and Apprentices ; Seamen's Welfare in Ports; Inspection of the Conditions of Work
of Seamen; National Seamen's Codes.
" T h e publication of a volume of this kind is of inestimable value in
furthering the objects which the Organisation has in view and cannot fail
to be of considerable importance in stimulating action and facilitating
discussions in the problems which lie before the Allied nations."
—The Journal of Comparative Legislation and International Law.
" T h e volume is much more than a codification; it is a documentation of
the interpénétration of the I.L.O. in regional and national social progress."
—American Journal of International Law.
". . . an impressive record of achievement . . . an invaluable reference
book."—The Canadian Bar Review.
" . . . a valuable guide for the future."—The South African Law Journal.
"A capital reminder of the continuing existence of the I.L.O. and
massive evidence of the value of its work."
—Labour (official organ of the T.U.C.), London.

M + 9 2 0 pages

Price $5.00; 15s.