LOSS OF SCOW

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26540, 15 August 1947, Page 6

LOSS OF SCOW

COURTS FINDINGS QUESTION OF TONNAGE MEASUREMENT P.A. AUCKLAND, Aug. 14. Dissatisfaction with the manning requirements of small ships engaged in the coastal trade was expressed today by Mr J. H. Luxford, S.M., at the conclusion of an inquiry into the loss of the auxiliary scow Haere, of 58 tons, on a voyage from Parengarenga to Auckland with a load of sand: The court, which consisted of Mr Luxford and two nautical assessors, Captain J" D. Bell and Captain T. S. Eaddy, reported that the evidence led irresistably to the inference that the Haere was lost with all hands during the early hours of the morning of May 29. No evidence was found of neglect or default on the part of the master, any member of the crew or the owners of the ship, but the court suggested that a further inquiry should be made into the “deliberate” omission to measure the tonnage of the vessel during its last survey. In answer to questions formulated by the superintendent of marine, the court found: (1) That the master was justified in putting to sea in the then existing weather conditions; (2) that the ship was seaworthy; (3) that if the ship’s tonnage was 58.78 it was properly manned in accordance with the regulations; (4) the requisite lifesaving appliances were carried; (5) the ship was suitable for the trade in which it was engaged. “The manning requirements according to the tonnage of small ships engaged on the coastal trade are unsatisfactory,” the court added. “ Questions relating to the class of vessel, length and character of the voyage, and cargo carried should be taken into considera-

tion in determining whether a ship should have a certificated officer in addition to the master. This applies particularly to auxiliary vessels. The evidence disclosed that'simple devices could be employed for the purpose of readjusting tonnage measurements, and so bringing the vessel into a lower class without diminishing its carrying capacity for sand, cement, and other heavy cargoes. “Although alterations were made to the Haere during her last survey, her tonnage was not measured. The reason for the omission, which was deliberate, should be a matter of further inquiry. Now that two-way radio apparatus has been simplified and can be installed at comparatively low cost, the question of requiring all coastal vessels to be so equipped should be considered by a competent authority.”