SEAMAN’S LOT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 254, 26 October 1937, Page 8

SEAMAN’S LOT

IMPROVING LIFE AT SEA. BRITISH BOARD OF TRADE RULES. LONDON, Oct. 10. The Board of Trade has issued new Instructions as to the Survey of Masters’ and Crew Spaces,” the general scope of which ensures better quarters and conditions for seamen of the merchant navy. To some extent these instructions have ben anticipated in various ships built recently. As compared with previous regulations on the subject, however, they represent a big advance. It has for some time been a reproach to the British mercantile marine that its acccommodation for personnel has often been inferior to that provided in many foreign ships. Except in the case of older ships, which it is hoped will be improved as opportunity offers, this reproach will soon loose its sting. Accommodation Amidships. Main features of the new instructions are:— Accommodation must be amidships or aft, instead of forward, as has been usual in the past. Beds are to be generally in single tier. There are to be separate messrooms, separate sleeping accommodation for different watches, better facilities for washing and bathing, proper drying rooms, provision for hanging oilskins and dirty clothes, better ventilation and loftier quarters. The Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee has laid stress on the necessity for keeping accommodation in good condition. On this question the co-operation of the National Union of Seamen with owners, officers, and men is believed to be assured. Actually these instructions are the outcome of a report made by a committee of the Shipping Federation seven years ago, but until lately shipping has been in no financial condition to respond.