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CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
The Dark Smoke (Permitted Periods) (Vessels) Regulations, 1958
The progress in this field was steadily continued during the year, and the calls made upon
the Inspectorate were not so heavy as previously. The policy initiated from the outset of prompt
suppression of offensive emissions by every possible means, preferably other than by legal action,
remained unaltered and this attitude has promoted goodwill in the international shipping industry.
The regular shipping lines are fully aware of their obligations and it was seldom that a reminder
was necessary, but it was quite natural to find spasmodic infringements among casual traders
which have not assimilated the requirements of the Regulations, or where the installation is
virtually incapable of proper combustion. Even so, there were those aggravating incidents where
because of the human factor ships although properly equipped, contravened the Regulations.
In order to ensure progress and to keep the goodwill of the Industry, it is necessary that the
Inspectors should have sufficient technical knowledge and experience to evaluate the circumstances
giving rise to dark smoke and to assess the claims of a 'defence' Wich may be advanced
by the offenders.
Some of the overall improvement is due to the extendc use of smokeless fuel on harbour
installations and some to the displacement of old steam engines by internal combustion machinery.
Nevertheless, most motorships are fitted with auxiliary steam boilers which must be kept in mind
and the larger cooking ranges of passenger liners must not be overlooked. Both have given rise
to difficulties from time to time.
The stage has been reached in this Port when any dark smoke emission is immediately conspicuous
and the port area community equally conscious of the offence, therefore, in these circumstances
and where the pattern of shipping and personnel are continuously changing, the Inspectorate
must be constantly alert to enforce compliance with the Regulations and minimise adverse
public criticism.
A great deal of work has been done to achieve the present satisfactory result and much is yet
to be done to maintain this achievement and promote further progress. Short of legal proceedings,
the policy of education and persuasion should and will be continued to this end.
Officially recorded action during the year included
*Prosecution 1
* *Statutory Notices served 3
***Informal Notices and Warnings 32
* Case dismissed.
** Cautionary letter sent.
*** No recurrence of offence after notification by Inspector.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936, PART X-CANAL BOATS
Ten inspections of canal boats were made during the year. Three canal boats were found to
have a total of four defects, as follows
Cabin in need of cleaning and/or painting 1
Boat required painting inside and out 1
Defective and holed condition of cabin sides 1
Required general overhaul for minor delapidations 1
4
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 2
Certificate of Registration requiring renewal 2
4
The Owners and Masters were informed of the requirements of the Act in these respects.
The return of the number of inspections of canal boats made during the year is a clear indication
that this traffic is now virtually non-existent so far as the Regents Canal is concerned. A
report of the British Waterways Board stated that from 1954-62 the tonnage of goods fell by 8%,
and that while costs increased 34% receipts rose by only 22%. That this unhealthy state of
affairs could not be allowed to continue is reflected in their adoption of a "multi-user" policy,
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