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17
It is, however, with the small amount of superficial and cubic space allotted
to a seaman that I wish more particularly to deal, and I would at once state
that 12 feet of deck space and 72 cubic feet are not sufficient for healthy and
reasonably convenient accommodation.
The usual argument made use of by the advocates of these limited spaces
is the abundance of fresh air always obtainable at. sea, and the partial occupation
owing to the men being divided into watches.
At sea in fine weather there is some force in this argument, as one-half of
the seamen will always be found on duty, and one-third of the firemen in the
engine-room and stokehold.
But it must not be forgotten that in bad weather the fresh air to a great
extent must be kept out in order that the sea water may not also be admitted,
and that in cold weather most of the openings will certainly be closed.
Then there are those of the crew termed "idlers," such as the carpenter,
cook, sailmaker, &c., who are off duty all night and, as a rule, are berthed in
the same cabin.
It must also be remembered that while lying in harbour, the watches are
not kept, and the air is not always the freshest.
Of course in warm places, as Calcutta, &c., a large proportion of the hands
sleep on deck under awnings, but even then there are rainy seasons when
this cannot be done.
Even apart from the question of air space there is the one of room to move
about, and it is in the places where the "idlers" are berthed, and,
consequently, Avhere the space is most needed, that one finds the least deck
area and cubic capacity.
In the following table will be found particulars of 27 steamers and
12 sailing vessels of various tonnage and engaged in all classes of trade:—