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27
Report on Crew Accommodation in Vessels inspected in the Upper and
Middle Districts of the Port of London Sanitary Authority.
(By L. R. Hundy and L. McDermott, Sanitary Inspectors.)
In dealing with this subject, and in order to obtain the correct perspective,
vessels have been divided into three categories.
(1) The small type of coastwise vessel with a crew of usually ten.
(2) The regular collier type of usually twenty crew.
(3) Ocean-going vessels of the tramp class.
The facts set out in this report may be regarded as the general conditions
prevailing. Exceptions have not been overlooked, but are not embodied herein.
(1) The small type of Coastwise Vessel.—To say that the general conditions in this
type of vessel is appalling, is a comparatively mild statement. Invariably the crew
accommodation is situated in the bows of the ship, which is a most unsatisfactory
position. Due to this, the forecastles are very dark, and in many instances natural
light falls short of the minimum requirements laid down in paragraph 17 of the
B.O.T. Handbook. Furthermore, directly attributable to position, the port glasses
are cracked, and the hawsepipes which lead through the forecastle are a continuous
source of trouble, inasmuch as they create dampness. The latter cannot be
permanently remedied owing to the vibration of the windlass directly overhead.
Reference must also be made to the relative positions of the forecastle and galley.
The latter is right aft, necessitating the men walking the whole length of the vessel
each meal time, irrespective of weather conditions at sea and the littered conditions
of the decks in port, i.e., beams, hatches, cargo gear, &c.
The first impressions conveyed on inspecting the forecastle of this type of vessel
are that one has suddenly entered a "marine store dealer's" of the worst type.
The reasons for this may be very briefly stated as follows:—
(a) No provision for the storage of clothes, oilskins and working gear.
(b) Small inadequate food storage accommodation.
(c) No means of storing fresh meat.
(d) No wash place.
Heat is provided by means of bogey stoves, but no coal locker is provided.
Clothes are littered all over the forecastle. Food, including meat, is to be found
lying about even in the bunks, and occasionally in the W.C. apartment. The
table, if any, is small, in a filthy state and covered with used and dirty utensils.
The men's bedding consists of a filthy straw mattress and a few blankets. The paintwork,
which is sometimes fair, is seldom washed, and a film of dirt, dust and soot
lies over everything.
W.C. accommodation is generally provided for by an iron compartment outside
the forecastle. It is damp, often rusty, badly lighted, badly ventilated, and upon
inspection is found to be used as an overflow deck store. The W.C. pan is an iron
trough or hopper, and is definitely an insanitary fitment.
In conclusion, after careful study, we attribute these conditions to bad design of
the living quarters, undermanning, and lack of discipline.
(2) Regular Coastwise Vessels, Colliers, &c.; Crew approximately 20.—As
previously described in the smaller type of coaster, the original construction of crew
accommodation in these vessels leaves a great deal to be desired. Due to this, little
incentive is given to the men to take a personal interest in their accommodation.
At this stage it is necessary to outline very briefly the conditions under which
vessels of this type are employed. They are for the most part very hard run,