LIFE-SAVING AT SEA.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 303, 20 December 1913, Page 5

LIFE-SAVING AT SEA.

CONFERENCE PROPOSALS.

LIFEBOATS FOR ALL.

RESTRICTIONS IN CARGO

(Times-Sydney Snn Special Cable.)

(Received 5.40 a.m.)

LONDON, December 19.

Captain E. Mnirhead Collins (Federal representative) entertained the principal delegates to the International Life-savin" Conference at luncheon at the British Empire Club to-day. The conference has now completed its labours.

its recommendations are found to coincide curiously with the provisions of the Federal Navigation Act.

The conference approved of open lifeboats, with international buoyancy or pontoon lifeboats, in which persons can be accommodated below deck, open lifeboats with the upper part of the sides collapsible, or motor boats, each raft to carry a gallon of oil for distribution on the water, and to have airtight receptacles containing food and water, and self-igniting lifebuoys, while red lights must also be carried aboard.

These rules come into force in June, 1915, whilst each contracting country is asked to undertake that provision be made to accommodate all aboard in boats and rafts not later than January, 1915.

It is suggested that no passenger vessel, with certain exceptions, should carry cargo which by its nature or mode of stowage is calculated to endanger the ship or the lives of passengers.

Three powerful steam pumps arc to be carried on vessels of 4,000 tons and two on smaller vesesls.