View report page

15
When hosepipes and standpipes are taken from stores to ship they are always
removed on a hand cart. This is not one of the usual low-wheeled trucks seen in the
docks, but is constructed and used specially for watering equipment.
All hydrant pits are inspected each week and are found to be kept in quite a
good and clean state. All the pits are fitted with a drainage vent, and when not
in use are covered with a close fitting, cast-iron cover.
The stores are visited at intervals, and the condition of hoses is kept under
observation. Where hoses are found to be defective they are scrapped, sound portions
are cut out and fitted with couplings, which are then used for making up lengths to
suit particular requirements.
Recommendations that hoses should be taken out of commission, or any hydrants
cleansed or other work done, always receive the prompt attention of the Port of
London Authority's Dock Superintendent.
The use of armoured hosepipe has been suggested, but its cost and its weight,
together with its awkward stowage, are serious objections.
IV.—PORT SANITARY REGULATIONS, 1938.
Arrangements for dealing with Declarations of Health remain the same
as described in last year's Report and are working smoothly.
Boarding of Vessels on arrival.—The Boarding Launch "Howard Deighton"
has given excellent service throughout the year and, apart from the period of her
annual overhaul, has been constantly in commission.
Notification to the Authority of Inward Vessels requiring Special
Attention.—The Pilots have continued to give assistance in handing a Form of
Declaration of Health to the Master of every ship they board. There are still a
number of instances in which there is failure to send the prescribed messages. Owing
to the close liaison between your Gravesend Staff, the Officers of His Majesty's
Customs and of the Port of London Authority and the Masters of tugs, no serious
delay has been occasioned to ships, but, while the Port Sanitary Authority make
every endeavour to carry out their duties with the minimum of inconvenience to
shipping, they cannot be held responsible for any delay which may be occasioned by
the Masters of ships failing to read and comply with the instructions which are briefly
and clearly set out on page 4 of the Declaration of Health. There is special difficulty
in regard to a light signal at night, indicating that the Port Medical Officer is required.
Masters are instructed to flash "Q" repeatedly in Morse on approaching Gravesend.
The instruction "repeatedly" is important because the view of the approaching ship
from the Boarding Launch or the "Hygeia" is from time to time obstructed by other
ships, and by the various craft moored in Gravesend Reach. Unfortunately, the signal is
frequently given only once, and is not observed. No doubt, when a ship is approaching
Gravesend, the attention of the Pilot and the Officers on the bridge is concentrated
on navigation, and in looking out for the Pilot Cutter and the Customs Launch.
Efforts have been made to arrange a fixed light signal indicating that the Port
Medical Officer is required, but have been unsuccessful because the combination of
lights available is limited, and the majority have already been allocated for other
purposes. Further, it is important that no light signal should be capable of confusion
with the port and starboard lights of the ship. The "Red light over a white light not
more than six feet apart" prescribed in the third schedule to the Port Sanitary
Regulations, 1933, simply means "I have not free pratique," which is really a signal
to the Customs, who are the Authority entitled to grant pratique, and therefore
cannot be interpreted as meaning that the Port Medical Officer is required. It is
desirable that the Ministry of Health should endeavour to arrange a fixed light signal
which definitely means that a ship requires the attention of the Port Sanitary
Authority.