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CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
The Dark Smoke (Permitted Periods) Regulations, 1958
Control is now almost entirely concerned with vessels, since the trend to convert cargo
cranes to electric power and replace old steam locomotives with diesel-driven types has continued
to the stage when little trouble is experienced from this source. Where reconstruction of buildings
has taken place incorporating new heating installations, these have been notified and surveyed in
compliance with the Act. Progress in this field is quite satisfactory.
The behaviour of vessels in the Port gives reason for satisfaction, although observation must
be continuously maintained. Changing of crews and vessels that are irregular visitors to the Port
will always confront the Inspector with those who plead ignorance of the Regulations and such
incidents require a tactful approach. In these circumstances, verbal warning is supplemented by
giving the Master a relevant printed advice card. Whenever possible, the practice of boarding an
offending vessel immediately to suppress the nuisance has been maintained, thereby minimising
the volume of smoke emitted and obviating recourse to possible legal action.
Observations of moving vessels, particularly outward bound, remains an almost hopeless task
and it would be a great advantage to reduce the period of observation to one hour. The available
'defences' provided by Sec. 1 (3) which are quite comprehensive, will always require a sound
knowledge of marine boiler practice to counter excuse with technical reasoning, and especially
in regard to the defence of 'best available fuel' which can be very elastic in its application to
coal burning ships. It is apparent that any relaxation on the part of the Inspectors would rapidly
be interpreted to mean that the Regulations have lost their significance and the progress that has
been steadily achieved over the last five years could be nullified. Vigilance is needed, also,
in respect of the smoke eliminator and observation equipment provided aboard should proper
maintenance be neglected.
It is generally agreed that much of the visible pollution hitherto hanging over the Port has
been drastically reduced by constant control and the increased adoption of electrical and diesel
engine power. If this trend continues, it may obviate the necessity for any major alteration in
the existing legislation when it is brought forward for review.
Statutory action has been taken as indicated:—
1962 1961
No. of vessels infringing Regulations 11 19
No. of Notices served 5 12
No. of Prosecutions Nil 3
LOADING AND TRANSPORT OF REFUSE BY LIGHTERS
Bye-laws for the Prevention of Nuisance arising from
Refuse in or upon any Ship, Boat or Vessel
The Port Health Inspectors stationed on the River Districts keep watch upon the loading
conditions at the refuse wharves and also ensure that the refuse lighters are properly covered
during their passage down river.
During the year three infringements of the Bye-laws were reported. Successful legal proceedings
were taken in one case.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACT 1936, PART X - CANAL BOATS
Sixty-six inspections of canal boats were made during the year. Thirteen canal boats were
found to have a total of twenty defects, as follows : —
Cabin in need of cleaning and/or painting 10
Defective condition of cabin top and/or sides 8
Defective condition of cabin hatch doors 1
Defective and dangerous structure 1
Total 20
The Owners and Master of the defective craft were in each case notified and required to
carry out the necessary repairs.
The following infringements of the Act were also found:—
Certificate of Registration not produced 8
Certificate of Registration requiring renewal 1
9
The Owners and Masters were informed of the requirements of the Act in these respects.
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