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VISITORS AND STUDENTS
Although fewer overseas visitors have received instruction during this year, the number of
overseas territories represented, includes
African territories, Argentina, Burma, Bahrein, British Guiana, Ceylon, Cyprus, Hong
Kong, Holland, India, Jordan, Mauritius, Malaya, Singapore, Turkey and Venezuela.
In addition to this list are the many British visitors and students from the Government
Departments, Local Authorities and centres of learning who are particularly interested in port
health activities.
This increased pressure on the busy role of the Inspectorate is always cheerfully borne, not
only because of the interchange of personal ideas but a sense of duty to give of our experience
and knowledge to diligent students.
On the international aspect of port health work, these contacts become increasingly important
and the status of this Port respected accordingly. One is left to believe that such contact will
be all the more necessary should Britain enter the Common Market.
Not least as a compensation for the instruction given is the frequent correspondence telling
of promotions that are attributed to the knowledge gained in the Port of London.
For thirty years, the Boarding Medical Officers have used m.v. "HOWARD DEIGHTON"
which has reached the sunset of a gallant career. Although retaining a well preserved hull, the
propelling machinery has become obsolete and the overall working performance now lags behind
the standard expected in present major seaport activities — particularly for the Port of London.
The Port installations are more widely spread over the shores of the Estuary, anchorages
are available to the seaward limits and the Boarding Medical Officer is liable to be summoned
there at any time and in any state of weather to cope with emergencies. The ability to execute
any assignment in the shortest reasonable time with all amenities readily available for the task
have been carefully considered in the design of the new vessel. Provision has been made to
render the vessel self sufficient to meet any extended commitments in such major operations as
controlling special quarantine incidents.
Generally, the appearance and overall design is modern and to the particular requirements
of the Port Health Authority. Nothing has been sacrificed that could normally contribute to the
working efficiency and service appearance of such type of vessel, with due consideration of
initial cost and running maintenance. Every effort has been made to provide ample space and
comfort in the Hospital, Consulting Room, Officers' and Crew accommodation with associated
sanitary conveniences. The Engine Room, Store Rooms and Workshops will be relatively spacious
as, also, will be the Wheelhouse which is to be fitted with all necessary equipment for remote
control of the engine and R/T sets for harbour service communications as well as direct contact
with incoming shipping.
LAUNCHES
m.v. "HUMPHREY MORRIS"
The new cutter for Gravesend Boarding Station
The principal features of construction include a steel hull and main deck, but the entire
superstructure will be built of a lightweight alloy.
Other features include :-
Length O.A. 97.5 ft.
" W.L. 87.0 ft.
Breadth Moulded 21.0 ft.
Depth " 10.5 ft.
Draft Forward 5.5 ft.
Draft Aft. 8.0 ft.
Displacement 160 tons
Block Coeff 0.518
Gross Tonnage 130
Main Engine Diesel-of 655 S.H.P.
Reverse-Reduction Gear 1.5 to 1
Electric Installation 64 k.w. at 230 A.C.
Operational Speed 12 knots
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