LIFE-SAVING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8122, 16 May 1912, Page 3

LIFE-SAVING

NEW ZEALAND METHODS. The life-saving provisions for the safety of passengers by steamers in New Zealand waters are stipulated by an Order-in-Council. An annual examination is made by experts from the Marine Department to ascertain the adequateness and condition of all lifesaving appliances. All vessels are also subject to periodical surprise visits by the departmental olncers in order that the provisions of the Act may be observed. A table in the regulations indicates the minimum number of boats which must he placed under davits of each vessel according to its gross tonnage. If the boats placed under the davits do not furnish sufficient accommodation for all persons on board, then additional wood, metal, collapsible, or other boats of approved description, or approved lit e-rafts, must be carried. Every passenger steamer has to obtain a license for the number of passengers to be carried, and ten cubic feet of boat capacity is allowed for each adult. In the case of rafts three cubic feet of air-space is to he estimated as ten cubic feet of internal capacity. It is also stipulated that an approved lifebelt must he provided for at least each person on board. When a steamer is required to carry a larger number of passengers than provided for_ under ordinary circumstances a special permit must he obtained from the Marine Department. The vessel if granted a permit is required to carry extra lifesaving equipment, which is checked by the department’s officers.