Navigation (Collision, Boat and Fire Drills) Regulations (Cth)

STATUTORY RULES.

1935. No. 89.

 

REGULATIONS UNDER THE NAVIGATION ACT 1912-1934.*

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Navigation Act 1912-1934.

Dated this eleventh day of September, 1935.

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

Minister of State for Commerce.

 

NAVIGATION (COLLISION, BOAT AND FIRE DRILLS) REGULATIONS.

Part I.—Preliminary.

Short title

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Navigation (Collision, Boat and Fire Drills) Regulations.

Parts.

2. These Regulations are divided into Parts as follows:—

Part I.—Preliminary.

Part II.—General.

Part III.—Boat Station Muster Book, Muster Badges, Boat Station List and Muster Lists.

Part IV.—Boat Musters and Drills.

Part V.—Fire Drills.

Part VI.—Collision Drills.

Part VII.—Masters of passengers at Muster Stations.

Part VIII.—Rocket Drill.

Commencement.

3. These Regulations shall come into operation on the thirty-first day of October, 1935.

Repeal.

4. The Navigation (Collision, Boat and Fire Drills) Regulations, being Statutory Rules 1923, No. 89, as amended by Statutory Rules 1930, No. 17, are repealed.

Definitions.

5. In these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“cargo ship” means a ship which does not carry, or which is not certified to carry, more than twelve passengers;

“passenger ship” means a ship which carries, or is certified to carry, more than twelve passengers;

“the Navigation Act” means the Navigation Act 1912-1935 and includes any amendment to that Act.

 

* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on , 1935.

912.—15/16.4.1935.—Price 8d.

Application of Regulations.

6.—(1.) Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation, these Regulations shall apply to—

(a) ships registered in Australia;

(b) British ships regularly employed in trading from a Commonwealth port as head-quarters; and

(c) ships licensed to engage in the coasting trade.

(2.) These Regulations shall not apply to—

(a) river and bay ships;

(b) sailing ships under 500 tons net register;

(c) limited coast-trade steam-ships under 100 tons net register; and

(d) ships trading exclusively within the limits of a single State.

Part II.—General.

Emergency signal.

7. The emergency signal for a muster at collision, boat or fire stations, shall be a succession of more than six short blasts followed by one long blast on the whistle or siren. The signal shall be repeated on the electrically-operated signal equipment, where provided, throughout the passenger accommodation.

Abandon ship signal.

8.—(1.) The abandon ship signal shall be a signal consisting of a short blast followed by a long blast on the whistle or siren at least three times in succession and repeated on the electrically operated signal equipment, where provided, throughout the ship. When the order for the signal is given the engine room telegraph is to be put at “Finished with Engines”.

Signals at practice drills.

9. At the discretion of the master, the emergency signal or the abandon ship signal may, for the purpose of practice drills, be made on the fog horn in cases where the blowing of the whistle or siren would constitute a nuisance outside the ship.

Master to arrange for musters and drills to be held.

10. To provide a uniform and effective organization for operation in cases of emergency, the master of every ship to which these Regulations apply shall arrange for the crew and passengers to be mustered and the crew to be drilled as required by these Regulations.

Entry in official log book.

11.—(1.) At the conclusion of a boat muster, boat drill, fire drill, collision or rocket drill, or a muster of passengers at their muster stations, an entry shall be made in the official log book containing the following particulars:—

(a) In regard to a boat muster

(i) the total number of the crew attending and taking part;

(ii) the number of boats prepared for swinging out, with their distinguishing letters and numbers; and

(iii) the number of boats, if any, swung out, with their distinguishing letters and numbers.

(b) In regard to a boat drill—

(i) the total number of the crew attending and taking part;

(ii) the number of boats lowered into the water with their distinguishing letters and numbers;

(iii) the total number of the crew exercised in pulling the oars and boat-handling.

(c) In regard to a fire or collision drill—

(i) the total number of the crew taking part or observing the drill;

(ii) particulars as to the hoses and other fire appliances tested.

(d) In regard to a rocket drill—

(i) the number of men taking part; and

(ii) particulars as to the drill held.

(e) In regard to a muster of passengers at their muster-stations—

(i) the time and number of passengers attending;

(ii) particulars as to the muster held.

(2.) An entry shall be made in the official log book on every occasion on which a boat muster or muster of passengers at their muster stations, or boat drill, fire drill, collision or rocket drill falls due, but is not held, stating the reason why it was not held.

Periodic inspection of life-saving, fire appliances, gear, &c.

12.—(1.) In every ship to which these Regulations apply a thorough inspection shall be made by a responsible officer, weekly in the case of passenger ships engaged on international voyages, and fortnightly in the case of other ships, of—

(a) all life-boats, to ensure that the boats themselves, their lowering appliances, and the boats’ equipment are in order;

(b) the engines, wireless and searchlight equipment of motor boats, where carried, and boats fitted with propelling gear;

(c) where inboard boats are carried, the arrangements for transporting these boats to the side of the ship;

(d) the buoyant apparatus and other life-saving appliances to ensure that they are in good condition and readily available in case of an emergency;

(e) equipment of smoke helmets and safety lamps;

(f) fire appliances in all parts of the ship, including the engine room and machinery spaces;

(g) fire alarms and fire detecting apparatus, where fitted;

(h) bulkhead doors, and fire-resisting doors, where fitted, and their closing arrangements;

(i) electric alarms, where fitted, in passenger accommodation; and

(j) emergency lighting arrangements.

(2.) At the conclusion of every inspection an entry shall be made in the official log book stating the condition in which the equipment was found. The entry shall be signed by the officer who made the inspection and countersigned by the master.

When boat is disabled.

13 If on any occasion a life-boat is disabled, or for any other reason cannot be launched, the crew assigned to her shall, at the direction of the “officer in charge”, cross over to the life-boat of

the corresponding number on the opposite side of the deck, whereupon the senior deck officer present shall be the “officer in charge” of the combined crew:

Provided that the master, or, in his absence, the senior officer in charge of the boat-deck, may distribute the crew of the disabled or useless boat among the other boats as he thinks fit.

Numbering of life-boats.

14.—(1.) The life-boats on every ship to which these Regulations apply shall be numbered consecutively on each side of the ship, from forward, and shall be distinguished by an initial letter indicating the port or starboard side, as the case may be, as P1, P2, P3, &c, S1, S2, S3, &c.

(2.) Where two or more life-boats are served by the one set of davits the second and subsequent boats shall, in addition to the letter and number required under the preceding sub-regulation, be distinguished, in the order of launching, with an additional letter; as P1a, P1b, &c.

(3.) The distinguishing letter and number of each life-boat shall be painted in a conspicuous manner on the bluff of each bow and on the inboard quarter of the boat as stowed.

Continuous patrol system to be organized on passenger ships.

15. In order to detect, and to take prompt measures to deal with outbreaks of fire, the master of every passenger ship to which these Regulations apply shall cause to be instituted on his ship a night patrol system with provision for a report to be made by the patrol at least once every two hours to the officer on watch.

Watertight bulkhead door gear to be tested.

16. Before any ship to which these Regulations apply first leaves port after the opening of a new agreement with the crew, it shall be ascertained from actual trial that every watertight bulkhead door is capable of being closed, and when closed is effective for the purpose intended. An entry shall be made in the official log book to this effect.

Restrictions in regard to bulkhead doors.

17 The master of a ship required by Regulations under the Act to be fitted with water-tight bulkhead doors shall not take the ship to sea from any port at any time with—

(a) an open water-tight bulkhead door that cannot be closed owing to defective closing gear; or

(b) any open water-tight bulkhead door between two compartments below the main deck that cannot be closed owing to those spaces being filled with coal or cargo.

Entries to be made in official and engine-room log-books.

18.—(1.) An entry shall be made in the official log-book and engine-room log, and continued from day to day, in regard to any water-tight bulkhead doors that have been opened, and left open, for the purpose of working the ship.

(2.) The officers keeping watch on deck and in the engine-room shall be instructed in the system arranged by the master for the immediate closing of the watertight bulkhead doors in case of emergency.

Ship’s position to be posted in wireless room every four hours.

19.—(1.) To avoid delay in broadcasting by wireless the ship’s position when at sea in the event of a sudden emergency, the master shall arrange for the position of the ship and the true course and speed to be posted in the wireless room every four hours.

(2.) The notice required by this regulation shall be in the following form:—

SHIP’S POSITION AT................... /.......... /193....

Lat.	or....................... Bearing (true)..................... Distant..................... Miles
Long.

True course..................................... ...... Speed...................................................

......................................... Officer of Watch.

Boats to remain in vicinity of accident unless otherwise ordered by master.

20.—(1.) The master shall instruct “officers in charge” of lifeboats that, in the event of an emergency, it is advisable for boats after launching to remain as much as possible in the vicinity of the accident and not to attempt to pull or sail any distance unless there are special reasons for doing so.

(2.) Where motor boats are carried the crews shall be instructed that it is a part of their duty to cruise about shepherding the boats under oars.

Special warning to members of the crew working below decks.

21. The master of a ship to which these Regulations apply shall make arrangements to ensure that, in the event of the abandonment of the ship being decided on, those members of the crew working below deck shall be effectively warned by signals or other means in time to enable them to finally leave their duties below and reach their respective boats.

Report as to seaman’s ability as an efficient boat hand “(E.B.H.)”.

22. On the discharge of a seaman before a Superintendent of Mercantile Marine, the Master shall report as to his ability as an efficient boat hand, and the seaman’s discharge may be endorsed in accordance with the report made by the master.

Part III.—Boat Station Muster Book, Muster Badges, Boat Station List and Muster Lists.

Owner to supply master of every ship and the head of each department of a passenger ship with copy of these Regulations.

23.—(1.) The owner of every ship to which these Regulations apply shall supply a copy of these Regulations to the master.

(2.) In the case of a passenger ship the owner shall, in addition, supply a copy of the Regulations to the chief officer, the chief engineer and the chief steward, to ensure that the members of the crew who are directly under their respective control are fully acquainted with the duties they are required to carry out.

Boat Station Muster Book.

24.—(1.) In every ship to which these Regulations apply there shall be kept a Boat Station Muster Book in accordance with Form C.B.F.D.—1 in the Schedule to these Regulations.

(2.) As soon as practicable after the opening of a new agreement with the crew, and before the ship first leaves port after the opening of such agreement, the master shall enter or cause to be entered in the Boat Station Muster Book the following particulars in respect of each member of the crew:—

(a) The name and rating of the Seaman, and whether in possession of a life boat man’s certificate;

(b) The distinguishing number of the life-boat to which allotted;

(c) The station duty assigned to him; and

(d) The badge number allotted to him in accordance with the next succeeding regulation.

(3.) The master shall also make provision for the following matters when entries are being made in the Boat Station Muster Book:—

(a) The assignment of the crew to each life-boat. In the case of a passenger ship engaged on an international voyage the crew shall include, according to the size of the boat, at least the number of certificated life boatmen prescribed in regulation 79 of the Navigation (Life Saving Appliances) Regulations. The remainder of the crew of each life-boat up to 75 per centum of the full complement may be either certificated life boatmen or certified efficient boat hands. In the case of other ships the crew assigned to each lifeboat shall consist up to 75 per centum of the boat’s full crew of either certificated life boatmen or certified efficient boat hands.

(b) A deck officer or certificated lifeboatman shall be assigned to take charge of each life-boat and a second in charge shall also be nominated.

(c) An engineer officer shall be assigned to each motor boat carried.

(d) Officers capable of working the wireless and search light installations shall be assigned to boats carrying these equipments.

(e) The duties connected with the marshalling of passengers to their muster stations shall be assigned to the appropriate officers and members of the crew.

(4.) On any seaman ceasing to be a member of the crew of the ship his name shall be struck through and a fresh entry made in respect of the seaman engaged in his place, who shall be allotted the badge number of the seaman whose place he fills.

Muster badges.

25.—(1.) The master shall supply to each seaman, on his joining the ship, a muster badge bearing the same number as is shown against the seaman’s name in the Boat Station Muster Book, in accordance with Form C.B.F.D.—2 in the Schedule to these Regulations.

(2.) The muster badge shall consist of a stout card tinted red for port life-boat stations, and tinted green for starboard life-boat stations, held in a metal holder of a type and material approved by the Director and having a pin clasp capable of securely fastening it to the seaman’s tunic or coat when worn.

(3.) The badge shall bear, in large and legible characters—

(a) the number of the badge;

(b) the distinguishing number of the life-boat to which the seaman is allotted; and

(c) the seaman’s name, and, if he holds a lifeboatman’s certificate, the number of same.

(4.) The badge may also bear, at the discretion of the master, a statement of the station duty assigned to the seaman.

(5.) A badge and holder shall be issued to the seaman free of charge, but the seaman shall be personally responsible for their safe keeping and at the end of his engagement shall return them to the master, in default of which the sum of One shilling may, at the discretion of the master, be deducted from his wages.

Boat Station Lists.

26.—(1.) The master shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, from the Boat Station Muster Book, a Boat Station List, in accordance with Form C.B.F.D.—3 in the Schedule to these Regulations.

(2.) The Boat Station List shall assign definite duties to the various members of the crew in connexion with—

(a) the launching of the boats attached to davits;

(b) the preparation of the other boats, buoyant apparatus, and other life-saving appliances;

(c) the equipment of the boats generally;

(d) the marshalling of passengers at their muster stations; and

(e) any other matter connected with the launching, provisioning and loading of the boats which the master may, in his discretion, deem necessary.

Muster Lists other than those relating to boat stations.

27. The master of every passenger ship shall prepare or cause to be prepared a Muster List, in accordance with Form C.B.F.D.—4 in the Schedule to these Regulations, supplementary to the Boat Station List prescribed in the last preceding regulation, suitable for the ship and her equipment setting out the duties of the crew in regard to each of the following matters:—

(a) Fire. Detailing duties in all matters connected with the detection, prevention and extinction of fire, including the ratings and duties of men employed on night patrol;

(b) Collision. Detailing the duties of the crew in matters relating to the closing of bulkhead doors, side scuttles, rubbish shoots, lavatory discharges and other similar openings or valves giving access to the sea; sounding bilges and tanks and for getting the pumps in action;

(c) Marshalling passengers. Detailing duties of members of the stewards’ department and other selected members of the crew who are to marshal passengers at their muster stations, keep order on stairways, passageways and doorways for the purpose of controlling the movement of passengers in an emergency;

(d) Rocket line-throwing apparatus. Detailing duties of selected members of the crew in connexion with the assembly and use of the rocket line-throwing apparatus provided in the ship’s equipment.

Copies of Boat Station List and Muster Lists to be posted up.

28. The master shall, before the first departure of the ship from port after the opening of a new agreement with the crew, cause a legible copy of the Boat Station List and Muster Lists to be posted conspicuously in such parts of the ship as will ensure that it is readily available for the crew to read. In particular, they must be exhibited throughout the crew’s quarters. If, after the Boat Station List and Muster Lists have been prepared, any change takes place in the crew which necessitates any alteration in the Lists, the Lists shall either be revised or a new List prepared. Each List shall be dated and signed by the master.

Part IV —Boat Musters and Drills.

Boat musters and boat drills to be held.

29. In every ship to which these Regulations apply, and which is in commission, boat musters and boat drills shall be held as provided in this Part of these Regulations.

Boat musters.

30.—(1.) A boat muster held under these Regulations shall be conducted as follows:—

(a) On the alarm signal being given, the whole of the crew (excepting only those who in the opinion of the master cannot be relieved from immediate duties) shall at once assemble at their muster stations.

(b) Each person shall be provided with a life-jacket and shall put on and properly secure the same.

(c) The “officer in charge” of each boat shall call the roll of the persons assigned to the boat, and shall satisfy himself that every member of his crew fully understands the nature of the duties assigned to him, and that his life-jacket is properly adjusted and secured.

(d) In the case of a passenger ship, at least one-fourth of the total number of boats, and in a cargo ship half the total number of life-boats, selected by the officer in charge of the muster, shall, weather permitting, be prepare for swinging out, the covers and spreaders removed, the stores and equipment checked, the painters passed forward and made fast, life-lines, oars and boat-hooks cleared, plugs put in, and rudders cleared.

(e) The “officer in charge” of each boat shall report to the Chief Officer or other officer in charge of the muster the total number of persons (including himself) who attended at his boat.

(f) The crew may then, at the option of the master, be exercised in collision, boat or fire drill.

(2.) A boat muster shall not be regarded as in compliance with these Regulations unless at least 75 per centum of the members of the crew are present and take part.

Boat drills.

31.—(1.) Before the first departure of a ship from port after the opening of a new agreement with the crew, there shall be held a boat drill in accordance with these Regulations.

(2.) In the case of a passenger ship plying on an international voyage, a boat drill shall be held at intervals of not more than one month, and a boat muster at intervals of not more than one week.

(3.) In the case of other ships a boat drill shall be held at intervals of not more than one month, and a boat muster at intervals of not more than two weeks:

Provided that when a boat-drill is held, it shall not be necessary, in the case of a passenger ship plying on an international voyage, to hold a boat muster within one week, or, in the case of any other ship, two weeks, thereafter:

Provided further when a ship is at sea when a boat drill falls due, or is in port but her total stay in port does not exceed twenty-four hours, it shall be a compliance with this regulation if the boat drill is held at the next port at which the ship calls.

(4.) A boat drill under these Regulations shall be conducted as follows:—

(a) On the alarm signal being given, the whole of the crew (excepting only those who in the opinion of the master cannot be relieved from immediate duties), shall at once assemble at their muster stations.

(b) Each person shall be provided with a life-jacket and shall put on and properly secure the same.

(c) The “officer in charge” of each boat shall call the roll of the persons assigned to the boat, and shall satisfy himself that the life-jacket of each is properly adjusted and secured.

(d) In the case of a ship with seven or more life-boats, at least one-third, and in the case of other ships, at least one-half, of the boats carried shall be manned with a full complement and lowered into the water, and their crews exercised for not less than twenty minutes in pulling the oars and boat-handling.

(e) The “officer in charge” of each boat shall report to the chief officer or other officer in charge of the boat drill the names of each person (including himself) who attended at his boat and took part in the exercises on the water.

(f) The crew may then, at the option of the master, be exercised in collision or fire drill.

(5.) A boat drill shall not be regarded as being held in compliance with these Regulations unless at least 50 per cent. of the members of the crew of the ship are present and take part.

(6.) The selection of the boats to be manned and lowered in connexion with a boat drill shall be so arranged that at least once in every three months every life-boat carried shall have been manned and lowered and its crew exercised in accordance with this regulation.

Part V.—Fire Drills.

Fire drills to be held.

32.— (1) On every ship to which these Regulations apply, and which is in commission, fire drills shall be held as provided in these Regulations.

(2.) In the case of a passenger ship proceeding on an international voyage, a fire drill shall be held at intervals of not more than one week, and, in the case of other ships, at intervals of not more than one month.

(3.) The first fire drill shall be held within one week after the opening of a new agreement with the crew.

Drill may be held either in port or at sea.

(4.) A fire drill may be held either in port or at sea, and, at the option of the master, either on the same day that a boat muster or a collision or boat drill is held, or on a separate day.

At least 50 per centum of the crew to attend.

33. A fire drill shall not be regarded as being held in compliance with these Regulations unless at least 50 per centum of the members of the crew are present, so that those not actually taking part may observe and be instructed in the carrying out of the operations.

Fire station duties to be allotted and shown on muster lists.

34. The master shall allot to various members of the crew the important duties necessary to be performed in order to deal effectively with an outbreak of fire on board ship and shall enter in the Muster List all the more important of these duties against the badge numbers of the members of the crew to which they have been respectively allotted.

Conduct at fire drill.

35. A fire drill under these Regulations shall be conducted as follows:—

(a) On the alarm signal being given, the crew shall at once assemble at their boat stations, and on further orders from the officer in charge of the drill those members of the crew who have been allotted specific duties as shown on the Muster List shall immediately carry out those duties assigned to them.

(b) Fire Hoses and Water Supply—

Fire hoses and water supply.

(i) A release valve or valves of the water service pipe shall be opened and a notification sent to the engineer on duty to set the fire pumps away at full power;

At least two fire hoses to be tested.

(ii) At least two fire hoses complete with nozzles shall be coupled to the water service pipe connexions, the release valves then closed and the hoses tested under full pressure.

Fire buckets.

(c) Fire buckets filled with water shall be passed hand to hand, or as otherwise directed, from the water supply to a position selected by the master or officer in charge of the drill.

(d) Fluid Fire Extinguishers—

Fire Extinguishers.

(i) The “officer in charge” of each life-boat shall make himself familiar with the use of the various types of chemical extinguishers on the ship, and shall instruct the members of his life-boat’s crew at the musters of the crew at fire drill in the care and use of the apparatus;

Practical test of fire extinguishers.

(ii) At least once in every three months, while the crew are mustered at fire drill, a practical demonstration shall be given of the use of the portable fire extinguishers by expending at least one charge.

Smoke helmets and safety lamps.

(e) Smoke Helmets and Safety Lamps.—The smoke helmets and safety lamps required by regulations under the Act to be carried by certain ships shall at a fire drill early in the voyage be brought on deck and their use explained to the members of the crew allotted to smoke helmet duty, and a demonstration made of the adjustment and wearing of a smoke helmet and the method of using the safety lamp.

Ventilators and openings of holds to be closed.

(f) The requirements of this regulation shall include the closing of all openings into at least one cargo compartment, including hatches, ventilators, &c, in the manner that they would require to be closed in case of an outbreak of fire in that compartment and the preparation of such equipment provided in the ship which would be used, in an emergency, in combating a fire in that compartment.

Master’s discretion may be used.

36. The system of carrying out the practical requirements of the last preceding regulation may, at the master’s discretion, be varied when not expressly required therein, provided that, as regards the requirements of paragraph (b), at not greater intervals than on alternate fire-drills at least two hoses are simltaneously tested under full pressure from the pumps, and that all the hoses and hydrants shall have been tested once at least in every six months.

Part VI.—Collision Drills.

Collision drill to be held.

37. In every ship to which these Regulations apply collision drills shall be held weekly in passenger ships plying on international voyages and monthly in the case of other ships for the purpose of training the crews in all matters necessary to ensure prompt action in case of emergency in connexion with serious collision or stranding.

Allotment of collision drill duties.

38. The master shall allot specified duties to so many of the crew as are in his opinion necessary for the following purposes:—

(a) Closing watertight doors, side scuttles, ash shoots, lavatory and bath discharges and similar valves giving access to the sea;

(b) Taking soundings of the holds and various compartments;

(c) Getting the pumps away; and

(d) Any other immediate requirement in addition to the preparation of the life-boats for launching.

Collision duties of crew to be shown on Boat Station Lists.

39. The duties of the selected members of the crew in regard to the requirements of the last preceding regulation shall be shown against their respective badge numbers on the Muster List referred to in regulation 27 of these Regulations.

Restrictions in regard to bulkhead doors.

40. The master of a ship required by Regulations under the Act to be fitted with water-tight bulkhead doors shall not take the ship to sea from any port at any time with—

(a) an open water-tight bulkhead door situated below the freeboard deck that cannot be closed owing to defective closing gear; or

(b) any open water-tight bulkhead door between two compartments below the freeboard deck that cannot be closed owing to those spaces being filled with coal or cargo.

Certain bulkhead doors to be worked daily, and recorded in official log book.

41. In a passenger ship plying on an international voyage the opening and closing of all hinged or power operated watertight doors in main transverse bulkheads which are in use at sea shall be practised daily while the ship is at sea and the practice recorded in the official log book.

Collision drill to be held.

42. A collision drill under these Regulations may be held at the option of the master, either on the same day that a boat muster or boat drill or fire drill is held, or on a separate day, and shall be conducted as follows:—

Watertight bulkhead doors to be closed.

(a) On the signal being given the bulkhead doors in the various sections of the ship shall immediately be closed by the members of the crew allotted to that duty, and a messenger attached to each party that has been allotted to a section of the ship shall report to the master or officer

in charge of the drill that all the bulkhead doors in that section are closed. Doors that were already closed at the commencement of the drill shall, if practicable, also be opened and then closed.

Tanks and bilges to be sounded.

(b) Members of the crew allotted to sounding duty shall immediately sound tanks, bilges, &c, in the section of the ship directed by the officer in charge of the drill. A messenger shall be allotted to the sounding party for communication with the officer in charge of the drill and the chief engineer.

Pumps to be connected.

(c) As many pumps as possible operated from the engine-rooms shall be connected to the section of the ship directed by the officer in charge of the drill and a report made to the bridge by messenger or other means when the pumps are ready for action.

Side doors, scuttles, &c., to be closed.

(d) Ship side doors, side scuttles, &c., in the passenger accommodation shall be closed as directed and a report sent to the bridge.

Hand pumps to be rigged and tested.

(e) At least once in every six months during one or more collision drills, all the portable bilge pumps shall be rigged ready for action and their valves and gear tested.

Part VII.—Muster of Passengers at Muster Stations.

Practice muster of passengers.

43.—(1.) In passenger ships where the voyage exceeds one week between terminal ports, a practice muster of the passengers at their muster station shall be held within twenty-four hours of the commencement of the voyage.

(2.) In the event of passengers being embarked at ports of call during the voyage after the practice has been held, or when a voyage between terminal ports is less than one week in duration, the master shall use his discretion in deciding what steps he shall take to ensure that the passengers under such circumstances are acquainted with the procedure to be followed in an emergency.

Passengers to be notified in advance.

44. The time at which a practice muster of passengers is to take place and the nature of the signal which will be given to them to attend the practice muster shall in all cases be notified to the passengers before the muster.

All passengers to attend musters.

45. When a practice muster of passengers is held, those members of the crew who have been assigned the particular duty shall satisfy themselves that the sections of the passenger accommodation for which they are responsible are completely cleared of passengers.

Passengers to be instructed by “Officer in Charge.”

46.—(1.) When the passengers are mustered at the muster stations they shall be instructed, if necessary, in the manner of putting on their life-jackets and in the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) and (c) of sub-regulation (2.) of regulation 47.

(2.) Before the passengers are dismissed from musters, the “officers in charge” shall explain to them the process of embarkation and instruct them that the general alarm signal is not, in itself, a signal for the abandonment of the ship, but is intended to secure the orderly marshalling of passengers to the appointed muster stations should the occasion of a serious accident make this advisable.

Duties of members of crew regarding passenger musters.

47.—(1.) The members of the crew who have been assigned to duties connected with the marshalling of passengers at their muster stations shall take up their allotted places on the stairways and in doorways and passage ways leading to the muster stations.

(2.) The “officer in charge” of the muster shall ascertain that these members of the crew are acquainted with their duties which shall include the following:—

(a) Warning all passengers and impressing on them the importance of securing suitable covering and of donning their life-jackets in a proper manner;

(b) Marshalling the passengers to the muster stations, keeping order in the stairways and passages and doorways and generally controlling the movements of passengers; and

(c) Impressing on passengers the risk of injury from jumping overboard, and the importance of using the side ladders provided for the purpose of entering the boats should it be necessary for them to embark into them after they have been lowered into the water.

Passengers refusing to attend muster.

48. Any passenger who refuses to attend a muster of passengers at a muster station when ordered to do so by the master or his deputy in compliance with these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Ten pounds.

Part VIII.—Rocket Drill.

Master to assign duties to members of crew.

49.—(1.) In the case of ships required by Regulations under the Act to be equipped with a rocket line-throwing apparatus, the master shall, within one week of the opening of a new agreement with the crew, assign to selected members of the crew definite duties in connexion with the handling and operation of the apparatus.

(2.) The members of the crew to whom duties have been so assigned shall thereupon be assembled and instructed and drilled in the use of the apparatus.

Method of carrying out drill.

50.— (1.) A drill in accordance with this regulation shall be held during the hours of daylight at least once every three months, either at sea, or at some place in port, where the firing of a rocket will cause no damage to property nor constitute a breach of any local regulation.

(2.) For the purpose of a drill, all the gear shall be taken on deck and a practical demonstration carried out under the direction of the master or chief officer. The extent of the operations, on passenger ships, shall be in accordance with the instructions in Form L.S.A.—4 in Schedule III. to the Navigation (Life-Saving Appliances) Regulations and shall, on cargo ships, be in accordance with the instructions in Form L.S.A.—5. in Schedule III. to those Regulations.

(3.) At each compulsory drill the master shall cause one or more rockets to be fired for the purpose of the drill, and if such is practicable, some members of the crew may be sent to recover the outer end of the rocket line and to haul out the bight of the endless whip and to haul the breeches-buoy from and back to the ship. For this purpose the line, if thrown seaward, may be recovered by the ship’s boat and the boat be then anchored or otherwise held in position off the ship until the drill is completed.

Charges for forms.

51. The charges for forms prescribed by these Regulations shall be—

s.	d.
Boat Station Muster Book (Form C.B.F.D.—1; Reg. 24), per copy of—
3 folios (90 entries)..............................................................................................	0	6
9 „ (270 „ )...............................................................................................	0	9
17 „ (510 „ )...............................................................................................	1	3
Muster Badges (Form C.B.F.D.—2; Reg. 25), red or green-coloured cardboard, with metal holder and clasp, per doz..........................................................................................	5	0
Muster Badges—Cards only, per 100...............................................................................	3	6
Boat Station List (Form C.B.F.D.—3; Reg. 26), on cardboard per copy—
For 4 Life-boats.....................................................................................................	0	3
„ 8 „ „	0	6
,, 12 ,, ,,	0	9
„ 16 „ „	1	0
Muster List (Form C.B.F.D.—4; Reg. 27) .......................................................................	0	6

 

SCHEDULE.

 

Commonwealth of Australia.

 

Issued under the

Navigation Act s. 235

and Nav. (C.B.F.D.) Regs. Form C.B.F.D.—1.

Reg. 24.

BOAT STATION MUSTER BOOK.

Date. Name of Seaman. Rating. Badge No. Lifeboat. Station. Signature of Seaman. Badge No.

 

Form C.B.F.D.—2.

Reg.25.

Badge No.

Name..........................................

Lifeboatman’s Certificate (if held)

No...............................................

BOAT No.........

Station.........................................

....................................................

Date / /19 

[Form C.B.F.D.—2.]

Commonwealth of Australia.

Issued under the

Navigation Act s. 235

and Nav. (C.B.F.D.) Regs. Form C.B.F.D.—3.

Reg.26.

BOAT STATION LIST.

Life-boats on Port Side.

Life-boats on Starboard Side.

Index.

Life-boats on Port Side—(con.)

Life-boats on Starboard Side-(con.)

P......................... Position...............

S......................... Position...............

Badge No. Boat No.

P......................... Position...............

S......................... Position...............

Badge No.

Rating.

Station.

Badge No.

Rating.

Station.

1............. 2............. 3............. &c.

Badge No.

Rating.

Station.

Badge No.

Rating.

Station.

Date / /19 .

.......................................

Master.

 

Commonwealth of Australia.

Issued under the

Navigation Act s. 235

and Nav. (C.B.F.D.) Regs. Form C.B.F.D.—4.

Reg. 27.

MUSTER LIST.

   

Badge No.	Rating.	Station.
		Fire.	Collision.	Passenger Muster.	Rocket Apparatus.

Date / /19 .

..............................................

Master.

 

By Authority: L. F. Johnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.