Section 8 - Navigation (Life-saving and Fire Appliances) Regulations - A passenger steam-ship of Class I. shall carry approved life-buoys in accordance with the following scale:— | Zoe
8 A passenger steam-ship of Class I. shall carry approved life-buoys in accordance with the following scale:—
Length of Vessel.
Minimum Number of Life-buoys.
Under 200 feet................
6
200 feet and under 300 feet.......
8
300 „ „ 400 „.............
12
400 „ „ 600 „.............
18
600 „ ,, 800 ,,.............
24
800 feet or over...............
30
Life-jackets.
One approved life-jacket shall be carried for each person on board.
Power of Director to approve of certain voyages.
The Director may approve, in special cases, of certain voyages between specified ports or places as being, for the purposes of these Regulations, voyages of a nature similar to one or other of the classes of voyages of home-trade ships provided for in the regulations of the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom.
Where voyage approved foreign-going ship to comply with regulations relating to approved voyage.
If a foreign-going passenger steamer is permitted by the terms of her passenger certificate to carry, between specified ports or places abroad, a number of passengers in addition to the number allowed when the ship is proceeding to sea from Australia, and such a voyage has been approved in accordance with the provisions of the last preceding regulation, that ship shall, so far as concerns the additional passengers carried between those ports or places, comply with the regulations of the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom applicable to the class of home-trade voyage to which the voyage has been approved as similar.
Special provisions as regards ships engaged in short excursion voyages, &c.
Notwithstanding anything contained in the last six preceding regulations, a ship of Class 1, while engaged in carrying passengers—
(a) on short voyages near the coast specially approved by the Deputy Director; or
(b) on daylight excursions during periods specified by the Deputy Director and specially approved by him,
shall not be required to carry—
(i) more sets of davits than are specified in table A of Schedule II.; or
(ii) life-boats of a greater aggregate cubic capacity than is specified in table B of Schedule II.,
Sea-going Steam-ships not Certified to Carry Passengers.
A ship of Class II. shall carry on each side of the ship life-boats of Class 1 in such number and of such aggregate capacity as will accommodate all persons on board:
Provided that if the total number of life-boats required under this regulation exceeds two, a boat of Class 3 may be carried in lieu of one of them; and if the number exceeds three, one or two boats of Class 3 may be carried in lieu of the same number of life-boats, but so that, in any case, not less than one-half of the total capacity on each side of the ship shall be provided in boats of Class I.
The life-boats, and boats of Class 3 carried in lieu of life-boats, shall be attached to davits.
(1) A steam-ship of Class II. shall carry approved life-buoys as follows:—
(a) if under 100 feet in length, at least two life-buoys;
(b) if 100 feet or over in length, but under 200 feet, at least four life-buoys; and
(c) if 200 feet or over in length, at least six life-buoys.
(2) In all cases a steam-ship of Class II. shall carry one approved life-jacket for each person on board.
Class III.
Sea-going Sailing Ships Certified to Carry Passengers.
A ship of Class III. shall carry life-boats in such number and of such aggregate capacity as are sufficient to accommodate all persons on board.
All the life-boats shall be attached to davits so far as practicable in the opinion of a surveyor.
At least six approved life-buoys shall be carried, together with one approved life-jacket for each person on board.
Class IV.
Sea-going Sailing Ships not Certified to Carry Passengers.
(1) A ship of Class IV. shall carry a life-boat or life-boats of Class 1 of such capacity as are sufficient to accommodate all persons on board.
(2) If only one life-boat is required under this regulation, a boat of Class 3 shall be carried in addition, and if the number of life-boats required under this regulation exceeds two, a boat of Class 3 may be carried in lieu of one of them.
Two boats at least shall be attached to davits, one on each side of the ship.
21. (1) A sailing ship of Class IV. shall carry approved life-buoys as follows:—
(a) if under 100 feet in length, at least two life-buoys; and
(b) if 100 feet or over in length, at least four life-buoys.
(2) In all cases a sailing ship of Class IV. shall carry one approved life-jacket for each person on board.
Class V.
River and Bay Ships Certified to Carry Passengers.
Life-boats, &c.
A ship of Class V. plying in smooth water shall carry such boats, approved life-rafts, approved buoyant deck seats, or other approved buoyant apparatus, as are sufficient, together with the boat carried under the next succeeding regulation, where that regulation applies, for 40 per cent. of the total number of persons for which the ship is certified.
Position of boat.
A ship of this Class, if not under 70 feet in length, shall carry a boat in such a position that it can be readily launched.
A ship of this class shall carry at least four approved life-buoys and, for each person on board, one approved life-jacket.
Exemption.
The Director may, in his discretion, relieve a ship of this Class wholly or partially from the operation of these Regulations.
Class VI.
River and Bay Ships not Certified to Carry Passengers.
Steam-ships of Class VI. plying in smooth water shall carry, equipped to the satisfaction of the Director, a boat or boats of sufficient capacity to accommodate at least all persons carried on board; and such ships shall have proper appliances for getting the boat or boats into the water.
Life-buoys and life-jackets.
A ship of this class shall carry at least two approved life-buoys, and for each person on board one approved life-jacket.
Exemption.
The Director may, in his discretion, relieve a steam-ship of this class wholly or partially from the operation of these Regulations.
PART IV.—GENERAL.
Division 1.—Boats.
Classes of boat.
For the purposes of these Regulations, boats are divided into the following classes:—
Class 1 (entirely rigid sides)—
A. Open life-boats with internal buoyancy only.
B. Open life-boats with internal and external buoyancy.
C. Pontoon life-boats having a well deck and fixed water-tight bulwarks.
Class 2 (partially collapsible sides)—
A. Open life-boats having the upper part of the sides collapsible.
B. Pontoon life-boats having a well deck and collapsible bulwarks.
C. Pontoon life-boats having a flush deck and collapsible bulwarks.
Class 3—
A. Open boats which have not the buoyancy required for life-boats of Class 1.
Class 1.
A.—Open Life-boats with Internal Buoyancy Only.
Buoyancy of boats of Class 1A.
30. (1) The buoyancy of a wooden boat of Class 1A shall be provided by water-tight air-cases, the total volume of which shall be at least equal to one-tenth of the cubic capacity of the boat.
(2) In the case of a metal boat, an addition shall be made to the cubic capacity of the air-tight compartments, so as to give her buoyancy equal to that of the wooden boat.
B.—Open Life-boats with Internal and External Buoyancy.
Buoyancy of boats of Class IB.
31. (1) The internal buoyancy of a wooden boat of Class 1b shall be provided by water-tight air-cases, the total volume of which shall be at least equal to 7½ per cent. of the cubic capacity of the boat.
(2) If the external buoyancy is of cork, its volume, for a wooden boat, shall not be less than thirty-three thousandths of the cubic capacity of the boat; if of any material other than cork, its volume and distribution shall be such that the buoyancy and stability of the boat are not less than that of a similar boat provided with external buoyancy of cork.
(3) In the case of a metal boat, an addition shall be made to the cubic capacity of the air-tight compartments, so as to give her buoyancy equal to that of the wooden boat.
C.—Pontoon Life-boats having a Well Deck and Fixed Water-tight Bulwarks.
Area and height of well deck, &c, of boats of Class 1C.
32. (1) The area of the well deck of a boat of Class 1C shall be at least 30 per cent. of the total deck area.
(2) The height of the well deck above the water-line at all points shall be at least equal to ½ per cent. of the length of the boat, this height rising to 1½ per cent. of the length of the boat at the ends of the well.
(3) The free-board of a boat of this type shall be such as to provide for a reserve buoyancy of at least 35 per cent.
Class 2.
A.—Open Life-boats having the Upper Part of the Sides Collapsible.
Air cases, free-board, &c., of boats of Class 2A.
(1) A boat of Class 2A shall be fitted both with water-tight air-cases and with external buoyancy, the volume of which, for each person which the boat is able to accommodate, shall be at least equal to the following amounts:—
Cubic Feet.
Air cases................................
1.5
External buoyancy (if of cork)..................
0.2
(2) The minimum free-board of boats of this type is fixed in relation to their length; it shall be measured vertically to the top of the solid hull at the side amidships, from the water-level when the boat is loaded.
(3) The free-board in fresh water shall not be less than the following amounts:—
Length of the Boat in Feet.
Minimum Free-board in Inches.
26.............
8
28.............
9
30.............
10
(4) The free-board of boats of intermediate lengths shall be found by interpolation.
B.—Pontoon Life-boats having a Well Deck and Collapsible Bulwarks.
Application of provisions applying to boats of Class 1C.
All the conditions laid down in regulation 33 for boats of Class 1C shall be applied to boats of Class 2B, which differ from those of Class 1C only in regard to the bulwarks.
C.—Pontoon Life-boats having a Flush Deck and Collapsible Bulwarks.
Free-board, depth, &c, of boats of Class 2C.
35. (1) The minimum free-board of boats of Class 2C is independent of their length, and depends only upon their depth.
(2) The depth of the boat shall be measured vertically from the underside of the garboard strake to the top of the deck at the side amidships, and the free-board shall be measured from the top of the deck at the side amidships to the water level when the boat is loaded.
(3) The free-board in fresh water shall not be less than the following amounts, which are applicable without correction to boats having a mean sheer equal to 3 per cent. of their length:—
Depth of Boat in Inches.
Minimum Free-board in Inches.
12...........
2¾
18...........
3¾
24...........
5⅛
30...........
6½
For intermediate depths the free-board shall be obtained by interpolation.
(4) If the sheer is less than the standard sheer defined above, the minimum free-board shall be obtained by adding to the figures in the table one-seventh of the difference between the standard sheer and the actual mean sheer measured at the stem and stern post; no deduction shall be made from the free-board on account of the sheer being greater than the standard sheer or on account of the camber of the deck.
Motor Boats.
Motor boats carried as life-boats.
A motor boat carried as part of the statutory life-saving appliances of a vessel, whether in compliance with regulation 7 of these Regulations or not, shall comply with the following conditions:—
(a) It shall comply with the requirements for a life-boat of Class I., and proper appliances shall be provided for putting her into the water speedily; and
(b) It shall be adequately provided with fuel and kept so as to be at all times fit and ready for use.
Motor-boats required to carry searchlights and wireless telegraphy.
A motor boat carried in compliance with regulation 7 of these Regulations shall, in addition to the requirements of the last preceding regulation, comply with the following conditions:—
(a) It shall be fitted with a searchlight or searchlights of a pattern approved by the surveyor; and
(b) It shall be fitted with an approved wireless telegraphy installation.
Buoyancy of motor boats,
In fixing the volume of the internal buoyancy, and, where fitted, the external buoyancy, regard shall be had to the difference between the weight of the motor and its accessories, the searchlight and the wireless telegraphy installation, and the weight of the additional persons which the boat could accommodate if the motor and its accessories, the searchlight and the wireless telegraphy installation were removed.
Construction of Boats.
Construction, &c, of boats.
(1) All boats shall be properly constructed, and shall be of such form and proportions that they shall have ample stability in a seaway, and sufficient free-board when loaded with their full complement of persons and equipment.
(2) They shall be fitted and arranged to the satisfaction of the surveyor.
Structural strength of boats.
The structural strength of the boats shall be to the satisfaction of the Director, and in the case of Class I. steam-ships launched on or after the 1st March, 1913, sufficient to permit of the boats being safely lowered into the water with the full complement of persons and equipment on, board.
Seating accommodation.
In all open boats, all thwart and side seats shall be fitted as low in the boat as practicable, and shall provide seating accommodation for all persons the boat is deemed fit to carry, and bottom boards shall be fitted so that the thwarts shall not be more than 2 ft. 9 in. above them.
Construction of buoyancy apparatus.
Internal buoyancy apparatus shall be constructed of copper or yellow metal of not less than 18 ounces to the superficial foot, or of other approved durable material, and in open boats of Class 1 may be placed along the sides or at the ends of the boat, but not in the bottom of the boat. External buoyancy apparatus may be of cork or of any other efficient approved material; the use of rushes, cork shavings, loose granulated cork, or any other loose granulated substance, and the use of apparatus dependent upon inflation by air, is prohibited.
Mean sheer of boats of Class 1.
Open life-boats of Class 1 shall have a mean sheer at least equal to 4 per cent. of their length.
Construction of pontoon life-boats.
Pontoon life-boats may be built of wood or metal. If constructed of wood, they shall have the bottom and deck made of two thicknesses with approved textile material between; if of metal, they shall be divided into water-tight compartments with means of access to each compartment, and shall be provided with at least two bilge pumps.
Means for clearing deck of pontoon life-boat of water.
(1) All pontoon life-boats shall be fitted with efficient means for quickly clearing the deck of water.
(2) The orifices for that purpose shall be such that the water cannot enter the boat through them when they are intermittently submerged.
(3) The number and size of the orifices shall be determined by the surveyor for each type of boat by a special test.
For the purposes of that test—
Test for determining number and size of orifices.
(a) the pontoon boat shall be loaded with a weight of iron equal to that of its complement of persons and equipment; and
(b) In the case of a boat 28 feet in length, 2 tons of water shall be cleared from the boat in a time not exceeding the following:—
Class 1C................
60 seconds.
,, 2B..................
60 ,,
,, 2C..................
20 ,,
(c) In the case of a boat having a length greater or less than 28 feet, the weight of water to be cleared in the same time shall be for each type directly proportional to the length of the boat.
Buoyancy not to depend on previous adjustment of one of principal parts of hull.
No boat shall be accepted as a life-boat the buoyancy of which depends upon the previous adjustment of one of the principal parts of the hull.
Steering oar.
All boats shall be fitted for the use of a steering oar.
Marking of boats.
(1) All boats shall be permanently marked to the satisfaction of the surveyor in such a way as to indicate plainly their dimensions and the number of persons for which they are approved.
(2) Boats that have been properly marked need not be re-measured, unless there is reason to believe that the marks have been tampered with or are otherwise defective or improper.
(3) The marks shall be kept legible for the surveyors who inspect the ship.
Number of Persons.
Number of persons which boat may carry.
The number of persons which a life-boat shall be deemed fit to carry shall be equal to the greatest whole number obtained by dividing the capacity of the boat in cubic feet, or the surface of the boat in square feet, as the case may be (calculated as provided by regulations 58 to 65 inclusive), by the standard unit of capacity, or unit of surface, defined in these Regulations.
Cubic capacity of boat in which number of persons is determined by surface.
The cubic capacity in feet of a boat in which the number of persons is determined by the surface shall be assumed to be ten times the number of persons which the boat is authorized to carry.
Standard of units of capacity and surface.
The standard units of capacity and surface are as follow:—
Unit of Capacity.
Cubic Feet.
Class 1A...........................
10
Class 1B...........................
9
Class 3............................
10
Smaller divisor may be accepted for pontoon boats of Classes 1C and 2B.
The Deputy Director may, on the surveyor’s report, accept a smaller divisor for pontoon boats of Class 1C and Class 2B, if satisfied after trial that the number of persons for whom there is seating accommodation in the boat in question is greater than the number obtained by applying the above divisor, provided always that the divisor adopted in the place of 3¼ shall never be less than 3.
Reduction of number of persons in certain cases.
The number of persons obtained by the method described in the above regulations shall be reduced—
(i) if it is greater than the number of persons for which there is proper seating accommodation, the latter number being determined in such a way that the persons when seated do not interfere in any way with the use of the oars; or
(ii) if, in the case of boats other than open boats of Class I., the free-board, when the boat is fully loaded, is less than the free-board required by these Regulations.
Testing for number of persons.
If a surveyor is doubtful as to the number of persons any boat is fit to carry, he may require the boat to be tested afloat with the intended number of persons on board.
Limitation of number of persons in certain cases.
The Deputy Director may, on the surveyor’s report, limit the number of persons to be allowed in boats with very fine ends and in boats very full in form.
Two children reckoned equal to one adult.
Two children under the age of twelve years may be carried in place of one adult person.
Cubic Capacity of Open Boats of Class 1.
Determination of cubic capacity of open boats of Class 1.
(1) In the case of an open boat of Class 1 the cubic capacity shall be determined by the following formula:—
Capacity equals L over twelve bracket four A plus two B plus four C bracket full stop
L denotes the length of the boat in feet from the inside of the planking or plating at the stem to the corresponding point at the stern post; in the case of a boat with a square stern the length is measured to the inside of the transom.
A, B, C, denote respectively the areas of the cross-sections at the quarter length forward, amidships, and the quarter length aft, which correspond to the three points obtained by dividing L into four equal parts (the area corresponding to the two ends of the boat are considered negligible).
(2) The areas A, B, C shall be deemed to be given in square feet by the successive application of the following formula to each of the three cross-sections:—
Area equals h over twelve bracket a plus four b plus two c plus four d plus e bracket full stop
h denotes the depth measured in feet inside the planking or plating from the keel to the level of the gunwale, or, in certain cases, to a lower level, as determined by these Regulations.
a b c, d, e denote the horizontal breadths of the boat measured in feet to the inside of the planking at the upper and lower points of the depth and at the three points obtained by dividing h into four equal parts (a and e being the breadths at the extreme points and c at the middle point, of h).
Calculation of area of cross-sections A and C in certain cases.
If the sheer of the gunwale, measured at the two points situated at a quarter of the length of the boat from the ends, exceeds 1 per cent. of the length of the boat, the depth employed in calculating the area of the cross-sections. A or C shall be deemed to be the depth amidships plus 1 per cent. of the length of the boat.
Calculation of area of cross-sections A, B and C in certain cases.
If the depth of the boat amidships exceeds 45 per cent. of the breadth, the depth employed in calculating the area of the midship cross-section B shall be deemed to be equal to 45 per cent. of the breadth, and the depth employed in calculating the areas of the quarter length sections A and C shall be obtained by increasing this last figure by an amount equal to 1 per cent. of the length of the boat:
Provided that in no case shall the depth employed in the calculation exceed the actual depths at these points.
Number of persons where depth of boat is greater than 4 feet.
6l. If the depth of the boat is greater than 4 feet, the number of persons given by the application of these Regulations shall be reduced in proportion to the ratio of 4 feet to the actual depth, until the boat has been tested afloat with that number of persons on board all wearing life-jackets, and the test has proved satisfactory.
Calculation of dimensions of boats.
The cubic capacity of a boat may be assumed to be the product of the length, the breadth and the depth multiplied by 0.6 in cases where it is clear that this formula does not give a greater capacity than that obtained by the above method. The dimensions shall then be measured in the following manner:—
Length.—From the intersection of the outside of the planking with the stem to the corresponding point at the stern post or, in the case of a square-sterned boat, to the after side of the transom.
Breadth.—From the outside of the planking at the point where the breadth of the boat is greatest.
Depth.—Amidships inside the planking from the keel to the level of the gunwale, but the depth used in calculating the cubic capacity may not in any case exceed 45 per cent. of the breadth.
In all cases the ship-owner shall have the right to require that the cubic capacity of the boat shall be determined by exact measurement.
Where oars are pulled in rowlocks.
If the oars are pulled in rowlocks, the bottom of the rowlock shall be considered as the gunwale in measuring the depth of the boat.
Cubic capacity of motor boat.
The cubic capacity of a motor boat shall be obtained from the gross capacity by deducting a volume equal to that occupied by the motor and its accessories.
Deck Area and Capacity of Pontoon Boats and of Open Boats of Class 2.
Deck area and capacity of pontoon boats and of open boats of Class 2.
In the case of pontoon boats and open boats of Class 2 the surface in square feet shall be determined by the following formula:—
Area = L over 12 open bracket 2a plus 1.5b plus 4c plus 1.5d plus 2e close bracket
L denotes the length in feet from the intersection of the outside of the planking with the stem to the corresponding point at the stern post.
a, b, c, d, e denote the horizontal breadths in feet outside the planking at the points obtained by dividing L into four equal parts and subdividing the foremost and aftermost parts into two equal parts (a and e being the breadths at the extreme subdivisions, c at the middle point of the length, and b and d at the intermediate points).
Size of Boats.
Size of boats.
No boat carried in compliance with these Regulations shall have a capacity of less than 125 cubic feet.
Weight of Persons.
Weight of persons.
(1) In the tests prescribed by these Regulations for determining the number of persons which a boat or pontoon raft can accommodate, each person shall be assumed to be an adult person wearing a life-jacket.
(2) In verifications of free-board the pontoon boats shall be loaded with a weight of at least 165 lbs. for each adult person that the pontoon boat is authorized to carry.
Appliances for Lowering Boats.
Davits, where to be fitted.
(1) The davits shall be of approved form, and shall be suitably placed to the satisfaction of the surveyor.
(2) They shall be fitted on one or more of the decks in such positions that the boats can be efficiently lowered from them, and shall be so spaced and placed that the boats can be swung out with facility.
(3) Davits shall not be fitted in the bows of a ship, but they may be fitted in any other position in the ship, provided that the boats are not brought into dangerous proximity to a propeller at the time of launching.
Strength of davits.
The davits, falls, blocks, and all other gear required for lowering the boats shall be of sufficient strength to the satisfaction of the surveyor; and in the case of Class I. passenger steam-ships launched on or after the 1st March, 1913, shall be of such strength tint the boats can be lowered safely with the full complement of persons and equipment, the ship being assumed to have a list of 15 degrees.
Gear on davits in certain cases.
In the case of Class I. passenger steam-ships launched on or after the 1st July, 1914, the davits shall be fitted with a gear of sufficient power to insure that the boat can be turned out against the maximum list under which the lowering of the boats is possible, or shall be of the quadrant type or other such type as will ensure the above conditions being fulfilled.
Falls.
(1) The boat’s falls shall be long enough to lower the boat into the water with safety when the vessel is light.
(2) Life-lines shall be fitted to the davit spans, and shall be long enough to reach the water when the vessel is light.
(3) Hooks shall not be attached to the lower tackle-blocks.
Means for detaching boats from falls.
Means shall be provided for speedily, but not necessarily simultaneously or automatically, detaching the boats from the falls; the boats placed under davits shall be attached to the falls and kept ready for service; the points of attachment of the boats to the falls shall be sufficiently away from the ends of the boats to insure their being easily swung clear of the davits; and the boats’ chocks shall be of such construction and arrangement as shall be satisfactory to the surveyor.
Where more than one boat served by one set of davits.
Where more boats than one are served by the same set of davits, arrangements shall be made to prevent the falls fouling when they are recovered, and, where more than two boats are served by the same set of davits, there shall be provided an approved appliance for lowering the boats in turn and rapidly.
Alternative appliances to davits.
The Director may accept in lieu of davits or sets of davits any other appliance, appliances; or arrangements which appear to him at least as effective as davits for placing the boats in the water.
Buoyant Apparatus.
Approved buoyant apparatus
Approved buoyant apparatus, whether buoyant deck seats, buoyant deck chairs, or other buoyant apparatus, shall be deemed sufficient, so far as buoyancy is concerned, for a person or number of persons to be ascertained by dividing, the number of pounds of iron which it is capable of supporting in fresh water by 32, and if the apparatus depends on air shall not require to be inflated before use.
Such approved buoyant apparatus shall comply with the following conditions:—
(a) It shall be of approved material and construction;
(b) It shall be reversible;
(c) It shall be of such size, strength, and weight that it can he handled without mechanical appliances, and, if necessary, can he thrown from the vessel’s deck on which it is stowed;
(d) The air cases or equivalent buoyancy shall be placed as near as possible to the sides of the apparatus; and
(e) It shall be marked in such a way as plainly to indicate that it is buoyant, and the number of persons for which it is approved.
Stowage of Boats, Rafts, &c.
Stowage of boats.
(1) All boats attached to davits and all boats stowed under boats attached to davits shall be stowed in such a way that—
(a) they can be launched in the shortest possible time;
(b) they will not impede in any way the prompt handling of any other of the life-boats attached to davits or stowed under boats attached to davits or the buoyant apparatus carried under regulation 6 (3) of these Regulations, or the marshalling of the persons on board at the launching stations, or their embarkation;
(c) even under conditions of list and trim unfavorable from the point of view of the handling of the boats as large a number of persons as possible can be embarked in them; and
(d) except as hereinafter provided, they shall be so stowed as not to require lifting before being launched.
Stowage of additional life-boats and buoyant apparatus.
(2) With regard to the stowage of other additional life-boats and buoyant apparatus, the following provisions shall apply:—
(a) They must not impede in any way the prompt handling of the life-boats attached to davits or the additional boats stowed under boats attached to davits or the buoyant apparatus or the marshalling of the persons on board at the launching stations or their embarkation;
(b) the life-boats may be stowed one above the other, or they may, subject to such conditions as the Director may impose, be fitted one within another, but where boats so fitted require lifting before being launched, they shall only be permitted if attached to davits operated by mechanical power appliances;
(c) the life-boats may be stowed in rows across a deck, bridge, or poop;
(d) as large a number of the boats as possible shall be capable of being launched on either side of the ship, either by means of approved appliances for transferring them from one side of the deck to the other, or by stowing in rows across the deck, or by some other equally satisfactory means;
(e) means shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Director for lowering the life-boats into the water in the shortest possible time.
(3) Wooden boat covers must not be fitted in passenger ships accept with the approval of the Director; they may be accepted, in the case of vessels not carrying passengers, if of a type approved by the surveyor.
(4) Canvas covers shall not be laced to a boat, but may be secured by having sewn to them lugs or crow-feet, in pairs, with a single lanyard of small stuff spliced into the outboard lug, passing under the keel and toggled or slip-hitched to the inboard lug, or in any other equally efficient manner approved by the surveyor
(5) Every life-boat on a ship registered in Australia shall be secured in the chocks by suitable grypes having slip-hoops, or other approved device for quickly casting adrift.
Boat stowed underneath another boat.
Where a boat is stowed underneath another boat there shall be provided approved removable supports or other approved appliances, so as to secure that the weight of a boat is not unduly supported by the boat underneath it.
Boats stowed on more than one deck.
Boats may only be stowed on more than one deck on condition that proper measures are taken to prevent the boats from a lower deck being fouled by those from a deck above.
Buoyant apparatus, &c.
All buoyant apparatus, life-buoys, and life-jackets shall be stowed so as to be readily available in case of emergency.
Equipment for Boats and Buoyant Apparatus.
Equipment of boats.
Every boat which is carried by any ship shall be equipped with—
(a) the full single-banked complement of oars and two spare oars and a steering oar;
(b) two plugs for each plug-hole, attached with lanyards or chains, and one set and a half of those pins or crutches, attached to the boat by sound lanyards. Plugs shall not be required where proper automatic valves are fitted;
(c) a sea anchor suitably equipped, a bailer, a galvanized iron bucket, a rudder and a tiller, or yoke and yoke lines, a painter of sufficient length, and a boat-hook. The rudder, the bailer, and the bucket shall be attached to the boat by sufficiently long lanyards, and kept ready for use;
(d) a vessel capable of holding one quart for each person that the boat is deemed fit to carry. This vessel shall be kept filled with fresh water, and provided with a dipper with lanyard;
(e) two hatchets, one to be kept in each end of the boat, and to be attached to the boat by a lanyard;
(f) a line securely becketted round the outside of the boat; and
(g) an efficient lantern trimmed, with oil in its receiver sufficient to burn eight hours; or with some other lantern or light at least as effective approved by the Director.
Additional equipment.
In addition to the equipment prescribed in the last preceding regulation, the boats in all Classes of foreign-going, Australian trade and limited coast-trade ships shall be equipped with—
(a) a mast or masts, and with at least one good sail and proper gear for each:
Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to an approved motor boat;
(b) an efficient compass of the “liquid” type provided with suitable means of illumination at night;
(c) an air tight case containing 2 lbs. of biscuits for each person for whom the boat is approved;
(d) one gallon of vegetable or animal oil, and a vessel of approved pattern for distributing it on the water in rough weather. The vessel shall be capable of being attached to the sea anchor;
(e) one dozen self-igniting red lights in a water-tight tin, and a box of suitable matches in a water-tight tin; and
(f) 1 lb. of condensed milk for each person the boat is certified to carry. Provided that this requirement of this paragraph shall not come into operation until the 1st day of July, 1925, and shall apply to foreign-going ships only.
Equipment of buoyancy apparatus for Class I. ships.
All buoyant apparatus carried by a Class I. passenger ship shall be equipped as follows:—
(a) With two paddles and one boat-hook or two paddles and boat-hooks combined attached to the buoyant apparatus by lanyards.
(b) A painter of sufficient length.
(c) A line securely becketted round the outside of the apparatus.
(d) A self-igniting light and two signal flares of approved pattern, the self-igniting light to be attached to the buoyant apparatus by lanyards of suitable length;
Provided that on buoyant apparatus designed to support less than 25 persons the paddles, boat-hook, and flares need not be carried.
Equipment of boats and buoyant apparatus.
(1) All boats and buoyant apparatus shall be fully equipped before the ship leaves harbor, and the equipment shall remain in the boat or buoyant apparatus throughout the voyage while the ship is at sea.
(2) Such of the articles as are liable to be stolen or mislaid shall be properly secured to the boat or raft.
(3) If it is not practicable to place the whole of the equipment in the boat or buoyant apparatus, the part not so placed shall be stowed in a suitable locker near by, and each article shall be marked with the number of the boat or buoyant apparatus to which it belongs.
(4) In the case of ships registered in Australia such movable articles of the equipment as may become flotsam shall, for the purpose of identification, be indelibly marked, to the satisfaction of the surveyor, with the ship’s name.
Side ladders for life-boats of passenger ships registered in Australia.
A ship of Class I., registered in Australia, shall be provided at each set of davits or other life-boat lowering appliance, with a side ladder of a type approved by the surveyor, of sufficient length to reach the water when the ship is in light trim, for use in embarking persons in the life-boats or rafts. The upper end of the side ladder shall, at all times when the ship is at sea, be kept secured to the ship’s gunwale or deck, but the remainder of the ladder, when not in use, may be rolled up and stowed in the life-boat attached to davits.
Side ladders for life-boats not certified to carry more than twelve passengers.
On and after 1st July, 1925, a ship of Class II. shall carry not less than one rope ladder for each two sets of davits. The ladders shall be of sufficient length to reach the water line when the vessel is in light trim, and shall be carried in such a manner as to be always available for use in embarking persons in the boats.
Illumination.
Illumination for launching life-boats.
On and after 1st July, 1925, on all Class I. foreign-going and Australian-trade passenger steam-ships, in which the boat deck is more than 30 feet above the water, provision shall be made for the illumination from the ship of the life-boats when alongside and in process of or immediately after being launched. Provided that in its reference to Australian-trade passenger ships, this regulation shall apply only to Australian-trade ships whose keels are laid after this regulation comes into force.
Life-Jackets.
Approved life-jackets.
An approved life-jacket shall mean a jacket of approved material and construction, which is capable of floating in fresh water for 24 hours with at least 15 lbs. of iron suspended from it, or any other approved appliance of equal buoyancy and capable of being fitted on the body. It shall be reversible and suitable, both for adults and children. Life-jackets, the buoyancy of which depends on air compartments, are prohibited.
Approved life-buoy to be of solid cork.
(1) An approved life-buoy shall be of solid cork or other suitable equivalent material.
(2) It shall be capable of floating in fresh water for at least 24 hours with 32 lbs. of iron suspended from it.
Life-buoys filled with rushes, &c, prohibited.
Life-buoys filled with rushes, cork shavings, granulated cork or any other loose granulated material, or whose buoyancy depends upon air compartments requiring inflation, are prohibited.
Life-buoys to be fitted with beckets.
All life-buoys shall be fitted with beckets securely seized, and at least one on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a lifeline at least 15 fathoms in length, coiled or reeled in such manner as will render it available for instant use.
Self-iiting life-buoy lights.
(1) Self-igniting life-buoy lights shall be kept attached to at least half the life-buoys required by these Regulations, and not less than six in any sea-going passenger steamer, or less than two in any sailing vessel.
(2) The life-buoy lights shall, to the satisfaction of the surveyor, be efficient and inextinguishable in water.
Position of Life-buoys and Life-jackets.
Life-buoys and life-jackets to be placed to satisfaction of surveyor.
(1) All life-buoys and life-jackets shall be suitably placed to the satisfaction of the surveyor, and so as to be readily accessible to all persons on board, and their position shall be plainly indicated so that it may be known to those for whom they are intended.
(2) Life-buoys shall always be capable of being rapidly cast loose, and shall not be rigidly secured in any way.
Power of Director to Accept Alternatives.
Alternative appliances.
The Director shall have power, in general or in any particular case, to accept any boat, buoyant apparatus, or other life-saving appliance or arrangement in lieu of a life-saving appliance or arrangement required by these Regulations, subject to such conditions as he thinks fit, if he is satisfied that under those conditions it will be as effective as the appliance required by these Regulations:
Provided that in the case of a Class I. passenger steam-ship launched on or after 1st January, 1925, no life-saving appliance shall be accepted in lieu of a life-boat required by these Regulations, except only some other approved type of life-boat.
Detail of survey.
Surveys of life-saving equipment in connexion with these Regulations shall be carried out according to the latest instructions to surveyors issued by the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom.
PART V.—EXEMPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS.
One or more sets of davits may be dispensed with Class I. Director.
If it appears to the Director, on the application of the owner of any ship, that it is not practicable or reasonable to fit in that ship the number of sets of davits required by these Regulations, the Director may direct that one or more sets of davits may be dispensed with in that ship subject to such conditions, if any, as he thinks fit to impose.
Provided that, in the case of a Class I. passenger steamer, the number of davits fitted shall not be less than the minimum number of open boats of Class I. required by these Regulations, except in the case of ships whose keels were laid on or before the 31st December, 1914, or where in the opinion of the Director the circumstances are so exceptional as to justify, under approved conditions, such exemption, the minimum number of sets of davits may, if the ship is between 245 feet and 460 feet in length, be one less, and if the ship is 460 feet or more in length, two less (one on each side of the ship) than the minimum number of open boats specified in column B. of the table in Schedule I.:
Provided further that, in the case of a Class I. passenger steam-ship, the owner of the ship in question shall be required to prove, by the test made under the following conditions in the presence of a surveyor, that all the boats can he efficiently launched in a time to be fixed by the surveyor:—
(i) The ship is to be upright and in smooth water;
(ii) The time is the time required from the beginning of the removal of the boat covers, or any other operation necessary to prepare the boats for lowering, until the last boat, or pontoon raft, is afloat;
(iii) The number of the men employed in the whole operation must not exceed the total number of boat hands that will be carried on the vessel under normal service conditions; and
(iv) Each boat when being lowered must have on board at least two men, and its full equipment as required by these Regulations.
Ships able to carry one boat only.
If a small ship is unable to carry more than one boat, the Deputy Director may, in his discretion, exempt that ship from carrying more than one, but whenever one boat only is carried there shall be proper provision to enable her to be placed readily in the water on either side of the ship.
Boat of smaller than minimum capacity may be carried in certain cases.
If it is impracticable in any case for a ship to carry a boat of the minimum capacity prescribed by regulation 66, the Deputy Director may, in his discretion, allow a boat of smaller capacity to be carried by that ship.
Ships Certified to Carry not More than Twelve Passengers.
Except as regards single short voyages specially approved by the Director, a ship which is certified to carry a number of passengers not exceeding twelve, shall be subject to the regulations governing ships not certified to carry passengers.
Special Exemption for the Purpose of Dry Docking.
Limited coast-trade ships, trading intra-State.
A Deputy Director may, in special cases, grant to a ship trading intra-State, and equipped with life-saving appliances for that trade, permission in writing, to proceed to another State for the purpose of docking or repairs.
Provided always that—
(a) the ship’s certificate of survey or of equipment is in currency;
(b) no such permission shall be granted if proper facilities are available for such docking or repairs at any of the ports to which the ship is usually trading; and
(c) the ship is, in the opinion of the Deputy Director, in every other respect capable of undertaking the extended voyage without danger to the ship, her crew, or passengers.
PART VI.—ROCKET LINE-THROWING APPARATUS.
Foreign-going, &c, ships to carry rocket line-throwing apparatus.
Every foreign-going and Australian-trade passenger steam-ship registered in Australia, certified to carry more than twelve passengers, shall be equipped with a portable rocket line-throwing apparatus for saving life, of a type approved by the Director, accommodated under cover on or near the bridge of the ship, and available for immediate use.
Specification of rocket line-throwing apparatus.
(1) The apparatus shall consist of—
(a) a line-box containing four lines, each not less than 200 yards in length, flaked ready for immediate use;
(b) a waterproof magazine containing not less than four (4) rockets, each of sufficient power when fired to stretch the full length of a line;
(c) one life-buoy to be fitted with a canvas sling breeches of approved specification, also with two thimbles, grummetted to the lifebuoy—one on each side;
(d) tail block and sufficient rope, of suitable size, to be available for use as an endless whip; and
(e) four (4) painted wooden tags of wood or stamped metal for attachment to rocket line containing instructions to the rescuing people on shore.
(2) The line-box required by this regulation to form part of the rocket line-throwing apparatus shall be watertight when closed and shall have lanyards or straps for carrying the box and an approved attachment for holding and firing the rocket.
(3) The breaking strain of each rocket line forming part of the apparatus shall be approximately 400 lbs.
(4) Each rocket forming part of the apparatus shall be indelibly stamped on the casing with the maker’s name and the date of manufacture.
(5) Any rocket or any other portion of the apparatus that has, in the opinion of the surveyor, deteriorated with age shall be condemned. Any article so condemned shall be immediately withdrawn from use and replaced by an article of sound quality.
Instructions for information of ship’s complement.
Printed illustrated instructions in regard to the use of the rocket apparatus for saving life shall be posted up for the information of the ship’s complement.
PART VII.—FIRE APPLIANCES.
Division I.—General.
Application.
This Part of these Regulations shall apply only to ships registered in Australia or engaged in the coasting trade.
Fire pumps, &c.
(1) In all sea-going steam-ships there shall be available at all times ample steam or equivalent pumping power, of a type approved by the Deputy Director, capable of delivering a forceful and abundant supply of water to the fire hoses for extinguishing fire in any part of the ship.
(2) Steam-ships to which this regulation applies shall, if their keels are laid after the 1st day of January, 1925, carry approved steam or equivalent fire pumps in accordance with the following scale:—
Gross Tonnage of Ship.
Minimum Number of Pumps.
2 000 tons and under 4,000 tons.....
2
4,000 tons and upwards...........
3
(3) One of the pumps required by the last preceding sub-regulation to be carried shall be situated elsewhere than in the main engine-room, but may be situated in either the stokehold or donkey-boiler space when that space is separated from the main engine-room by a fire-proof bulkhead.
Water-service pipes.
(4) In order to convey the water from the pumps, metal water-service pipes, of a size and material approved by the surveyor, shall be fitted fore and aft the ship on the weather deck, and shall be provided with branches to the various compartments in which the passengers and crew are carried.
(5) The water-service pipes shall be provided with release cocks and valves, which will enable the water supply to be controlled while the pumps are at work.
Couplings and valves.
(6) The water-service pipes shall have coupling valves so disposed that two single lengths of hose can be quickly coupled thereto, and two powerful jets of water simultaneously directed to any part of any compartment when the bulkhead doors are closed.
Fire-hose.
(7) Subject to sub-regulation (9) of this regulation, the minimum amount of fire hose required to be carried by the ship shall be two hoses for use, and kept available, on the weather deck.
(8) When passengers are accommodated between decks, at least two additional fire hoses shall be provided in respect of each watertight compartment in which passenger accommodation is situated between decks.
(9) Fire hoses shall be of leather, seamless hemp, or flax canvas of first-class quality, or other material approved by the Director. Fifty per cent. more than the minimum amount of fire hose specified in sub-regulation (7) shall be provided in ships requiring a twelve-months’ certificate of survey. The hoses shall be in lengths of about 60 feet; and shall be provided with suitable metal couplings and nozzles.
(10) The hoses and nozzles shall be kept ready for use in racks conspicuously marked near the coupling valves.
(11) Fire hoses shall not be used for purposes other than extinguishing fires or testing the apparatus at fire drills and surveys.
(12) Working wash-deck hose will not be acceptable as fire hose.
Supply of steam in cargo spaces.
(13) Provision shall be made in passenger steam-ships whose keels are laid after these Regulations come into force whereby a sufficient supply of steam can be conveyed to every space filled with cargo, for the purpose of extinguishing fire. Provision for the supply of steam shall not be required in ships under 2,000 tons gross register.
Axe to be carried.
(14) On every ship to which these Regulations apply, except small motor vessels and River Murray steam-ships, an axe of a type approved by the surveyor shall be carried. The axe shall be accommodated in either the chart-room, wheel-house, or companion-way of the vessel so as to be immediately available for use in case of emergency.
Steam-ships fitted with oil fuel installations.
(1) Steam-ships fitted with oil-fuel installations shall, in addition to other requirements of these Regulations, he provided—
(a) with a perforated nozzle to spray the discharge from the fire hose;
(b) with steam from the boilers led to pipes perforated for the emission of steam into the lower parts of each boiler-room; the control of this steam supply shall be outside the boiler-room;
(c) in each stokehold, with a receptacle holding about 10 cubic feet of sand, sawdust impregnated with bicarbonate of soda, or other approved dry material suitable for extinguishing fire. Suitable scoops for distributing the sand, sawdust, or other material are to be provided; and
(d) with a chemical fluid extinguisher of approved type for use in each stokehold.
(2) Steam-ships to which this regulation applies shall also, if so required by the Deputy Director, be provided with an installation capable of discharging fire-extinguishing froth in large quantities into each boiler-room and so arranged that it may be put into action from outside the space affected.
(1) The chemical fire extinguishers required by these Regulations shall be apparatus of an approved fluid type.
(2) The extinguishers, on any vessel shall not be of more than two kinds. They shall be kept where likely to prove most serviceable in cases of emergency, and shall bear on each apparatus printed instructions regarding its use, the maker’s name, and dated guarantee as to the sufficiency of the extinguisher for the pressure generated when it is put into use.
Annual inspections.
(1) The fire-extinguishing appliances on all ships to which these Regulations apply shall be thoroughly examined by a surveyor at least once every twelve months.
(2) As required by the last preceding sub-regulation, surveys of all fire appliances in connexion with this Part of these Regulations shall be carried out according to the latest instructions to surveyors issued by the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom.
Division 2.—Sea-going Steam-ships.
Passenger steam-ships of 1,000 tons and upwards, and cargo steamships of 2,000 tons and upwards.
Sea-going passenger steam-ships of 1,000 tons gross register and upwards, and sea-going cargo steam-ships of 2,000 tons gross register and upwards, shall, in addition to compliance with the requirements of Division 1 of this Part of these Regulations, be equipped—
(a) with not less than twelve fire buckets, to be kept filled with water and ready for use in case of emergency;
(b) in the case of steam-ships under 4,000 tons gross register, with one smoke helmet; and, in the case of steam-ships of 4,000 tons gross register and upwards, with two smoke helmets, of a type approved by the Director, which shall be stowed under protection from the weather and available for immediate use, and, when two are carried, in separate places on the ship;
(c) with a safety-lamp of a type approved by the Director;
(d) with portable chemical fire extinguishers of a fluid type approved by the Director, to be distributed in the proportion of—
(i) not less than two on each deck of each compartment in which passengers are accommodated:
Provided that one extinguisher instead of two may be carried on a deck of a compartment if installed in a ‘thwartship passage-way or open space about the middle of the length of the compartment;
(ii) not less than three in the spaces occupied by the crew;
(iii) not less than two in the machinery space; and
(e) where passengers are carried in enclosed spaces above the upper deck, in addition to any other fire-extinguishing equipment required by these Regulations, with at least one extinguisher on each side of those spaces at intervals of about 60 feet.
Provided that one extinguisher instead of two may be carried in a space if so placed in a central position as to be equally available for use on either side of the ship, as required.
Passenger steam-ships under 1,000 tons, and cargo steam-ships under 2,000 tons.
Sea-going passenger steam-ships of under 1,000 tons gross register, and sea-going cargo steam-ships under 2,000 tons gross register, shall, in addition to compliance with the requirements of Division 1 of this Part of these Regulations, be equipped as provided in the last preceding regulation.
Provided that in those ships—
(a) it shall not be compulsory to provide more than six fire buckets;
(b) It shall not be compulsory to provide more than two portable chemical fire extinguishers in each compartment occupied by passengers;
(c) in the case of a passenger steam-ship under 500 tons gross register, or a cargo steam-ship under 1,000 tons gross register, it shall not be compulsory to provide a smoke helmet or safety-lamp;
(d) in the case of a cargo steam-ship under 500 tons gross register, it shall be a sufficient compliance with the requirement of these Regulations in regard to water-service pipes and fire hoses if the service pipes with their branches are so arranged, and fire hose is provided for such minimum amount as will permit of a jet of water from one hose being brought to bear on any part of the vessel’s holds, bunkers, or crew’s quarters; and
(e) in the case of a steam-ship under 500 tons gross register, it shall not be compulsory to provide more than one chemical fire extinguisher in the machinery space.