LIFE TO BE SAFER.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18159, 25 October 1930, Page 14 (Supplement)

LIFE TO BE SAFER.

FOR MEN AT SEA. . NEW CHARTER DECIDED ON. Greater safety for merchant shipping throughout the world is promised in a charter embodied in the' International Road Line Convention, as the result of a conference held in London. The charter at, the same time removes many conditions which hitherto have handicapped British shipping in competition with other countries.

For the first, time - uniform loading line rules for the ships of all nations have been laid down. In general these rules follow the present British standard. This will not only make for greater safety for ships generally, but will remove the very severe* handicap at present imposed on British sea trade owing to the bigger cargoes that vessels of other countries are allowed to carry In consenuonce of their deeper load lines. The new rules include :

Increases of freeboard in the winter months, that is a lowering of the load line. An annual survey of the means for closing deck openings and of the provision made for the safety of the crew.

Openings in the sides of ships to be fitted, with water-tight doors. Gangways, lifelines, or other satisfactory means to be provided for the protection of the crew in getting to and from their 'quarters. Special attention is drawn to the introduction, for the first time on British ships, of special load lines for timber ships and tankers. “I regard the Convention, as a great charter of safety for seamen,” stated Mr W, R. Spence, general secretary of the National Union of Seamen and one of the British delegates to the International Conference.