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CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
The Dark Smoke (Permitted Periods) (Vessels) Regulations, 1958.
It has been another year of cautious optimism and experience has confirmed the awareness of
the Shipping Industry of the requirements of the Regulations and of the determination of the
Authority to enforce them. More Inspectors have studied and qualified as Smoke Inspectors. On
many occasions during the year, the combination of tact and advice has minimised smoke emissions
and sustained good relations between all concerned.
Unlike permanent shore establishment shipping is more subject to changes in circumstances,
particularly coal burning ships, for example the suitability of available fuel, competency of stokers,
and the range of efficiency of installations. Furthermore, the demands for steam are more intermittent
and variable aboard ship in port, particularly some harbour craft giving rise to periods, of
incomplete combustion and inevitable emission of dark smoke. All ships, of course, must prepare
for sea and incomplete combustion cannot be avoided while the installation is cold. This has been
considered and is a 'defence' in the Regulations, a fact not always realised by members of the
general public who witness the pall of smoke from the ship. Nevertheless, the duration and density
of such emissions are not disregarded by the Inspectors, who are capable of assessing the technical
aspects of the operation and preventing exploitation of the 'defence'.
Making a smoke observation can be a depressing occupation, particularly when the emission
appears to be offensive. Time drags to the extent that the observer's mind tends to exaggerate
the circumstances. It is, therefore, of paramount importance to keep a true sense of judgment
throughout and to secure a witness whenever possible.
It is quite possible for a ship to emit a very large volume of smoke slightly less than the
Dark Smoke shade Ringelmann 2 and in some weather conditions, to considerably pollute the
atmosphere without infringement of the Regulations. However admissible this may be, it is unfortunate
that some seafarers believe that there is no restriction on the amount of smoke that may be
emitted, providing it is not Dark Smoke. This being the case, it emphasises the need for tactful
approach to ensure that such emissions are kept to a practical minimum.
Generally, the internal combustion engine continues to displace the steam engine and oilfired
boiler and the pattern of atmospheric pollution is changing from one of grit and soot to one of
offensive sulphur gases. Such complaints have been received from the tenants of dwellings on the
fringe of the Docks and have been investigated, but no positive solution has been found.
The policy of boarding offending vessels promptly to curtail smoke emissions has been
continued and the efforts have nearly always met with success. It would appear that most of these
spasmodic incidents arise from foreign vessels where the engineers have not become fully acquainted
with the Regulations and from British vessels where there is sometimes a suggestion of apathy
in the stokenold. Enquiries indicate that in these days of full employment there seems to be some
difficulty in recruiting the desired type of stokers ready to accept the traditional discipline of theBritish
seafarer.
Officially recorded action taken during the year included:-
Prosecution 1 (Successful)
Statutory Notices served 6
Informal Notices and Warnings 22
PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936, PART X-CANAL BOATS
Four inspections of canal boats were made during the year. No canal boats were found to
have any defects.
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 one infringement of the Bye-Laws was reported and successful legal proceedings
taken.
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