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15
Ventilation is treated at some length; scuttles, companions and doors are
not to be looked upon as efficient means of ventilation, the recommendation
being in favour of pipes with movable cowls; privies are also to be properly
ventilated.
The Act does not state the height that the crew's space must be, but the
Surveyor is instructed to see that five feet six inches is the least distance from
the deck to the under side of the beams, and also that where the bunks are
in two tiers there is sufficient space over each tier. It is distinctly laid down
that the bottom of any bunk must be not less than 12 inches from the deck ;
scuppers are to be provided for drainage, and where the drainage passes
through a closet or other compartment a pipe, made perfectly tight in the
bulkhead, must be fitted for the drainage to flow through, and not into the
adjoining compartment.
Great weight is laid on the shutting off of effluvium from cargo and bilge
water, and it is stated that scuttles or hatchways opening from a forecastle into
a store room must be properly fitted and provided with means for screwing
down on indiarubber or other suitable and soft and elastic substance.
Bulkheads are to be tongued, grooved, and doubled with felt between.
With regard to closet accommodation, it is pointed out that in small vessels
enclosed closets are difficult of arrangement, and in cases of this kind a strong
seat with a shoot pan passing through the side should be provided.
The privies in large vessels are to be so built, fitted, and situated that no
unpleasant smell from them will enter the place occupied by the crew.
The amount of convenience is given as two closets, or one double closet,
if the spaces are certified for 20 men, and so on in proportion.
Then follow the rules for calculating tonnage of crew spaces for deductions,
and the instructions conclude with paragraph 71, which states that properly
constructed closets below the upper deck, if used solely by the crew, may be
deducted from the register tonnage.
It will be at once seen these instructions go far to ensure for the
accommodation of the crew substantially constructed, well lighted, adequately
ventilated, dry, well drained, and healthy spaces, and the important question
arises as to how far these are carried out in practice.
Firstly, with regard to floor space. It is a common occurrence to find a
cabin with a clear superficial area of 18 to 20 feet, and sometimes even less,
certified to accommodate two seamen, notwithstanding the regulation that
12 feet is required for each person. It is an every day experience to see crew
spaces in which ordinary print can be read only in some parts.
With bunks in three tiers the lower ones are practically never 12 inches
from the deck, and with two tiers only this interval is often not obtained.
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