SAFETY AT SEA.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1938, 22 December 1913, Page 5

SAFETY AT SEA.

4 . INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE. recommendations/ ISE OF OIL IN LIFE BOATS. ByiTWeewph—Press AEBocifttioit-'ConyriEht "Sun" Special. Cables,

London, Duombej 10 rkTbe International Life Saving Conference has completed its labours.* Its recommendations are found to ■ coincide curiously .-with the provisions of -tho Federal Navigation Act.

Tho .conference approved open ' lifeboats ■ with an international standard 'of ~ buoyancy,. or pontoon lifeboats ■ in Inch persons can be accommodated below decks; open lifeboats with the upper part of the sides collapsible, or motor Wats. Each boat or raft must carry n gallon of oil .for distribution on the water, have airtight. receptacles containing food ■■'and water, and a self-igniting lifebuoy with .white and red lights aboard. - '■ These rules ifc'U come into force ■ in .June 1013. Whilst each contracting country is asked to undertako the recommendations, provision should ba made to accommodate all aboard in boats and rafts not. later than January, 191£>. It 13 suggested that no passenger vessel,, with certain exceptions, should carry cargo which bv its naturo or modo of stowage is calculated to endanger the ; sh.ii) or the lives of the passengers. ■ Three powerful steam pumps aro to be carried oil vessels of four thousand tons and over, and two on smaller vessels. The Hon. J}. R. Collins, Commonwealth Official Secretary in London, entertained tho principal delegates of the conference at luncheon in the British Empire Club. (Press Association.) London, December 20. His Majesty the King afterwards gave an audience to the members of the Life Saving Commission. Tim lioit. T. Mackenzie (High Commissioner for New Zealand) was amongst those present.