SURVEY OF LAUNCHES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 290, 7 September 1928, Page 15

SURVEY OF LAUNCHES

REQUIREMENTS ALTERED RESULT OF CONFERENCE Arising out o£ a conference which was Acid in Auckland between representatives of the Marine Department and the owners of launches plying for hire, it has been decided to amend the requirements relating to the survey of launches. The annual Deport of the Marine Department presented to Parliament yesterday states that it has been decided to cancel the requirement to use asbestos board in the engine-room, except in the ease of small engines totally enclosed in a w’ooden box or casing. The reason for this is that as, the vessels are run the asbestos boarding is saturated by bilge water, and collapses on to the wall of the vessel, thus preventing a free flow of air and causing rot to occur. The metal lining on the floor and half-way. up the walls will be accepted as sufficient for engine-rooms entered from a cockpit, instead of metal lining throughout. The air intake of carburettor will be required to be turned- upwards, where this has not already been done by the makers of the carburettor, and fitted with gauze to damp the “back-fire,” and to in any case direct the “back-fire” should it pass, through the gauze away from where loose petrol or vapour may be lying, and away from woodwork. A small tray, also'covered with gauze will have to be fitted under the carburettor to catch any petrol which may leak therefrom. Two fire extinguishers must be carried, onef tetrachloride, and one foam or froth. Thd reason for this is that the tetrachloride.is most efficient for fires in enclosed, draught-free spaces, from which the gas cannot be dispersed. In open or. partlyopen spaces the foam or froth extinguisher would be most effective. Existing whistles or foghorns can be used, for the reason that there is not available on the market in New Zealancl' at the present time a whistle or foghorn of reasonable sizfe and cost, which can comply with requirements.