Navigation (Musters and Drills) Regulations (Cth)

STATUTORY RULES.

1959. No. 55.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE NAVIGATION ACT 1912-1956.*

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 1912-1956.

Dated this  twenty-sixth

day of  June , 1959.

W.J. Slim

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

Minister of State for Shipping and Transport.

NAVIGATION (MUSTERS AND DRILLS) REGULATIONS.

Part I.—Preliminary.

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Navigation (Musters and citation. Drills) Regulations.

Parts.

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

Part I.—Preliminary (Regulations 1-5).

Part II.—Allotting of Crew and Passengers to Lifeboats and Muster Stations (Regulations 6-14).

Part III.—Practice Musters and Drills (Regulations 15-21).

Part IV.—Miscellaneous (Regulations 22-31).

Repeal.

3. The Navigation (Collision, Boat and Fire Drills) Regulations (com-prising Statutory Rules 1935, No. 89 and Statutory Rules 1936, No. 47) are repealed.

Interpretation.

4.—(1.) In these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“certificated lifeboatman” means a seaman who holds a Certificate of Efficiency as a lifeboatman granted under the Navigation (Examination of Masters and Mates) Regulations or a corresponding certificate granted by a Commonwealth country, other than Australia, under a law of that country;

“efficient boat hand” means a seaman in respect of whom a report has been made under section 67 of the Act stating that he is an efficient boat hand;

“the Act” means the Navigation Act 1912-1956.

(2.) A reference in these Regulations to a form by number shall be read as a reference to the form so numbered in the First Schedule to these Regulations.

* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 26 June, 1959.

7134/57.—Price 8d. 6/28.5.1959.

Application of Regulations

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

(a) ships registered in Australia; and

(b) ships engaged in the coasting trade.

(2.) These Regulations do not apply to river and bay ships.

Part II.—Allotting of Crew and Passengers to Lifeboats and Muster Stations.

Allotting of crew to lifeboats.

6.—(1.) The master of a ship shall allot the members of the crew to the lifeboats.

(2.) In allotting the members of the crew to the lifeboats, the master shall ensure—

Number of persons which the lifeboat is deemed fit to carry under the Navigation (Life-saving Appliances) Regulations.	Number of certificated lifeboatmen.
Less than 41 persons ......................................................................	2
Less than 62 persons but not less than 41 persons .............................	3
Less than 86 persons but not less than 62 persons .............................	4
Not less than 86 persons ...................................................................	5

 (a) in the case of a passenger ship—that each lifeboat has not less than the number of certificated lifeboatmen applicable to the lifeboat as determined in accordance with the following table or where, in a special case, a Deputy Director so permits, not less than such lesser number of certificated lifeboatmen as the Deputy Director specifies:—

and

(b) in the case of any ship—

(i) that not less than three-quarters of the members of the crew allotted to each lifeboat are certificated lifeboatmen or efficient boat hands;

(ii) that a deck officer or a certificated lifeboatman is assigned to take charge of each lifeboat;

(iii) that an officer or other member of the crew is assigned to be second-in-charge of each lifeboat;

(iv) that an engineer officer is allotted to each motor lifeboat;

(v) that a person who is capable of operating the radio installation is allotted to each lifeboat fitted with a radio installation; and

(vi) that a person who is capable of operating the searchlight installation is allotted to each lifeboat fitted with a searchlight installation.

Boat station muster book.

7.—(1.) The master of a ship shall keep a boat station muster book.

(2.) As soon as practicable after the making of an agreement in respect of his ship, and before the ship first leaves port after the making of that agreement, a master shall 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 member;

(b) the distinguishing letter and number of the lifeboat to which he has been allotted in accordance with the last preceding regulation;

(c) the number of the muster badge issued to him in accordance with the next succeeding regulation;

(d) the emergency station assigned to him in accordance with regulation 10 of these Regulations and the date on which that station was assigned to him; and

(e) if the member is a certificated lifeboatman—the number of his certificate.

(3.) Where a seaman ceases to be a member of the crew of a ship, the master of the ship shall cause—

(a) the seaman’s entry in the boat station muster book to be struck through or erased; and

(b) a new entry to be made in respect of the seaman (if any) engaged to take his place.

(4.) A member of the crew of a ship in respect of whom an entry is made in the boat station muster book in pursuance of this regulation shall sign the entry.

Muster badges.

8.—(1.) When a seaman joins a ship, the master of the ship shall supply the seaman with a muster badge.

(2.) A muster badge for the purposes of the last preceding sub-regulation shall—

(a) consist of a stout card, held in a holder of a type and material approved by the Director, with a clasp by means of which it can be securely fastened to the seaman’s outer clothing;

(b) bear in large and legible characters—

(i) a number to distinguish it from the muster badges of other seamen on the ship;

(ii) the distinguishing letter and number of the lifeboat to which the seaman has been allotted in accordance with regulation 6 of these Regulations;

(iii) the seaman’s name;

(iv) the duty (if any) in connexion with the preparation or launching of the lifeboat or other emergency station to which the seaman has been assigned in accordance with regulation 10 of these Regulations;

(v) the name of the ship and the date on which the muster badge was supplied to the seaman; and

(vi) if the seaman is a certificated lifeboatman—the number of his certificate; and

(c) be coloured red when the seaman has been allotted to a lifeboat on the port side of the ship and green when the seaman has been allotted to a lifeboat on the starboard side of the ship.

(3.) A seaman to whom a muster badge is issued is responsible for the safe keeping of the badge and at the end of the seaman’s engagement he shall return the badge to the master of the ship.

(4.) Where a seaman fails to return his muster badge at the end of his engagement, the master of the ship may, in his discretion, deduct Two shillings from the seaman’s wages.

(5.) Except as provided in the last preceding sub-regulation, the master of a ship is not entitled to charge a seaman for a muster badge.

Boat station list.

9.—(1.) The master of a ship shall keep a boat station list containing—

(a) particulars of the location and distinguishing letter and number of each lifeboat carried by the ship and the badge number, rating and station of each member of the crew allotted to that lifeboat; and

(b) an index specifying, in relation to the badge number of each member of the crew, the distinguishing letter and number of the lifeboat to which that member has been allotted.

(2.) The master of a ship shall ensure that the badge numbers of members of the crew in an index referred to in paragraph (b) of the last preceding sub-regulation are arranged in numerical order, commencing with the lowest badge number.

(3.) Where a ship carries four lifeboats, the boat station list shall be in accordance with Form 1 and where a ship carries a greater or smaller number of lifeboats, the boat station list shall be a list containing such modifications of Form 1 as the circumstances require.

(4.) After the making of an agreement in respect of his ship, and before the ship first leaves port after the making of that agreement, a master shall cause a new or a revised boat station list to be prepared.

(5.) The master of a ship shall cause copies of the boat station list to be exhibited at all times in the crew’s quarters and in various other parts of the ship so as to be easily visible to the crew.

Assignment of crew for special duties.

10.—(1.) In addition to making provision for the allotment of the members of the crew to the lifeboats, the master of a ship shall make provision for the assignment of the members of the crew to emergency stations and for special duties in the event of an emergency.

(2.) The provision to be made in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation shall be in connexion with the following matters and duties:—

(a) the detection, prevention and extinction of fires;

(b) the fire patrol system (if any) organized in accordance with regulation 6 of the Navigation (Fire Appliances) Regulations, including provision for a report to be made to the officer on watch at least once every two hours;

(c) the dealing with the results of a collision, including matters relating to—

(i) the closing of watertight doors, valves and closing mechanism of scuppers, ash shutes and similar contrivances;

(ii) the sounding of bilges and tanks and similar compartments; and

(iii) getting the pumps into action;

(d) the equipping of lifeboats, including portable radio apparatus and buoyant apparatus;

(e) the launching of lifeboats attached to davits;

(f) the general preparation of other lifeboats and buoyant apparatus;

(g) the mustering of passengers, including instructions to members of the stewards’ department and other members of the crew in relation to—

(i) warning the passengers;

(ii) seeing that the passengers are suitably dressed and have put their life-jackets on properly;

(iii) assembling the passengers at muster stations;

(iv) keeping order in passages and on the stairways and generally controlling the movement of passengers;

and

(v) seeing that a supply of blankets is taken to the lifeboats; and

(h) the assembly and use of rocket line throwing apparatus.

Muster list.

11.—(1.) The master of a ship shall keep a muster list in accordance with Form 2, showing the emergency station to which each member of the crew has been assigned in accordance with the last preceding regulation and specifying the emergency signal prescribed by sub-regulation (1.) of regulation 22 of these Regulations.

(2.) After the making of an agreement in respect of his ship, and before the ship first leaves port after the making of that agreement, a master shall cause a new or a revised muster list to be prepared.

(3.) The master of a ship shall cause copies of the muster list to be exhibited at all times in the crew’s quarters and in various other parts of the ship so as to be easily visible to the crew.

Allotment of passengers to lifeboats.

12. The master of a ship which carries passengers shall—

(a) make provision for the allotment of the passengers to the lifeboats according to the berths that the passengers occupy;

(b) record that allotment in accordance with Form 3; and

(c) keep such number of copies of that record as a surveyor requires exhibited at all times in the ship for the information of the members of the crew concerned with the mustering of passengers.

Muster stations for passengers.

13. The master of a ship which carries passengers shall—

(a) allot muster stations for the passengers; and

(b) cause the muster stations to be indicated, to the satisfaction of a surveyor, by painted or other signs so as to be readily seen by day and by night.

Notice for passengers.

14. The master of a ship which carries passengers shall cause a notice in the English language in accordance with Form 4 or a notice in such form and language as is approved by the Director to be exhibited at all times in a conspicuous position in each place in which a passenger is berthed.

Practice muster of the crew.

Part III.—Practice Musters and Drills.

15.—(1.) A practice muster of the crew for boat drill and fire drill shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure specified in the Second Schedule to these Regulations.

(2.) A practice muster of the crew for boat drill and fire drill shall be held at the following times:—

(a) before the ship first leaves port after the making of an agree-ment in respect of the ship;

(b) in the case of a passenger ship engaged on an international voyage—

(i) at intervals of not more than one week; and

(ii) where the voyage exceeds one week, before the ship leaves the final port of departure in Australia; and

(c) in the case of other ships—at intervals of not more than one month.

(3.) A master of a ship shall be deemed not to have held a practice muster of the crew for boat drill or fire drill if less than three-quarters of the crew take part in the muster.

Boat drills.

16.—(1.) Boat drills shall be held on a ship at intervals of not more than one month.

(2.) A boat drill shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure specified in the Third Schedule to these Regulations.

(3.) The master of a ship shall be deemed not to have held a boat drill if less than one-half of the crew take part in the drill.

(4.) Boat drills shall be arranged so that each lifeboat carried on the ship is manned and lowered, and its crew exercised in boat drill, at least once in each period of three consecutive months.

(5.) A boat drill shall follow each practice muster of the crew for boat drill and fire drill, except when the ship is at sea.

Fire drills.

17.—(1.) Fire drills shall be held on a ship at intervals of not more than one month.

(2.) A fire drill shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure specified in the Fourth Schedule to these Regulations.

(3.) The master of a ship shall be deemed not to have held a fire drill if less than one-half of the crew either take part in the drill or are present to observe and be instructed in the carrying out of the drill.

(4.) Fire drills shall be arranged so that each fire hose and fire hydrant on the ship is tested at least once in each period of six consecutive months.

Practice muster of passengers.

18.—(1.) The master of a passenger ship engaged on an international voyage lasting more than one week between terminal ports shall hold a practice muster of the passengers at their muster stations within twenty-four hours after the commencement of the voyage.

(2.) Before a practice muster of the passengers is held, the master shall ensure that the passengers are notified of—

(a) the time at which the practice muster is to take place; and

(b) the nature of the signal which will be given to them to attend at the practice muster.

(3.) Where—

(a) passengers are embarked after a practice muster of passengers has been held; or

(b) the voyage between terminal ports is less than one week,

the master shall ensure that the passengers are acquainted with the procedure to be followed by them in an emergency.

Passenger not to fail to attend muster.

19. A passenger notified to attend a practice muster of passengers, or ordered to attend the muster by the master or by a person acting with the authority of the master, shall not fail, without lawful excuse, to attend the muster.

Collision drill.

20.—(1.) A collision drill shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure specified in the Fifth Schedule to these Regulations.

(2.) Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation, collision drill shall be held on each day on which a practice muster of the crew for boat drill and fire drill is held.

(3.) The master may, in his discretion, postpone the holding of a collision drill and appoint another day for that drill.

Drill and practice with rocket line throwing apparatus.

21.—(1.) The master of a ship shall—

(a) drill those members of the crew assigned for special duties in connexion with the assembly and use of rocket line throwing apparatus at such times as he thinks fit; and

(b) hold practices with the apparatus—

(i) within one week after the making of an agreement in

respect of his ship; and

(ii) thereafter at intervals of not more than three con-secutive months.

(2.) A practice with the rocket line throwing apparatus shall not be held—

(a) except during the hours of daylight; or

(b) in a port where the firing of the rocket would be likely to cause damage to property.

(3.) Nothing in this regulation shall be deemed to authorize or require a practice with rocket line throwing apparatus that would involve a contravention of any other law.

Part IV.—Miscellaneous.

Emergency signal and abandon ship signal.

22.—(1.) The emergency signal for a muster of the passengers and crew at their muster stations is a succession of more than six short blasts followed by one long blast on the whistle or siren of the ship.

(2.) The signal for abandon ship is a short blast followed by a long blast on the whistle or siren of the ship, given at least three times in succession.

(3.) Where the ship is provided with electrically operated signals controlled from the bridge and the emergency signal or an abandon ship signal is given, it shall be repeated by means of those signals.

Placing of engine room telegraph on abandon ship signal.

23. When the master of a ship orders the giving of the abandon ship signal, he shall put the engine room telegraph at “Finished with Engines”.

Signals for practice drills may be made on fog horn.

24. Where, in the opinion of the master, the blowing of the whistle or siren of the ship would constitute a nuisance outside the ship, the emergency signal and the abandon ship signal may, for the purpose of practice drills, be made on the fog horn of the ship.

Special warning to members working below decks.

25. When the master of a ship orders the giving of the abandon ship signal, otherwise than for the purpose of practice drills, he shall, as far as is practicable, ensure that the members of the crew working below deck are effectively warned by signals or other means in time to enable them to reach their lifeboats.

Particulars of drills entered in official log book.

26. The particulars of each drill (including a practice muster) to be entered in the official log book shall include—

(a) in the case of a collision drill or a practice muster for boat drill or fire drill—the number of the members of the crew taking part in the drill or muster;

(b) in the case of a boat drill—

(i) the number of the members of the crew attending the muster for the drill and taking part in the drill;

(ii)  the number of lifeboats (if any) prepared for swinging out and their distinguishing letters and numbers;

(iii)  the number (if any) of lifeboats swung out and their distinguishing letters and numbers;

(iv) the number (if any) of lifeboats lowered into the water and their distinguishing letters and numbers;

(v)  the number (if any) of the members of the crew exercised in handling and propelling the lifeboats; and

(c) in the case of a fire drill—

(i) the number of the members of the crew taking part in or observing the drill; and

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

Particulars of muster of passengers to be entered in official log book.

27. Where the master of a ship holds a muster of the passengers, he shall enter in the official log book full particulars of the muster, including—

(a) the number of passengers attending the muster; and

(b) the time the muster was held.

Instructions for putting on life-jackets.

28. The master of a ship shall ensure that a notice containing illustrated instructions as to the method of putting on the life-jackets carried on the ship is exhibited at all times in a conspicuous position in each cabin that provides sleeping accommodation for passengers and in such other places in the passenger accommodation as the Director determines.

Copies of Regulations to be supplied to officers.

29.—(1.) The owner of a ship shall supply a copy of these Regulations to—

(a) the master; and

(b) in the case of a passenger ship, to each officer or other person who is directly responsible to the master for a department of the ship.

(2.) An officer or other person to whom the owner of a ship has supplied a copy of these Regulations in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation shall make himself conversant with these Regulations and shall take all necessary measures to ensure that members of the crew who are directly under his control are instructed in the duties they are to perform in the event of an emergency and for the purpose of collision, boat and fire drill.

Certificated lifeboatmen, &c., to be carried by ship.

30. The owner or master of a ship shall not send or take the ship to sea, or permit the ship to go to sea, unless the ship carries a number of certificated lifeboatmen, efficient boat hands or certificated lifeboatmen and efficient boat hands sufficient to permit the master to comply with regulation 6 of these Regulations.

Penalties.

31. Where a person contravenes or fails to comply with a provision of these Regulations and a penalty for a contravention of or failure to comply with that provision is not provided by the Act, the person is guilty of an offence against these Regulations punishable upon conviction by a fine no exceeding Fifty pounds.

THE SCHEDULES.

Form 1. FIRST SCHEDULE. Regulation 9.

Commonwealth of Australia.

Navigation (Musters and Drills) Regulations.

BOAT STATION LIST.

Name of Ship

Lifeboats on Port Side.

Index.

Lifeboats on Starboard Side.

P. 1. Forward Boat Deck.

P. 2. Aft Boat Deck.

Badge No.

Life- boat.

S. 1. Forward Boat Deck.

S. 2. Aft Boat Deck.

Badge No.

Rating.

Station.

Badge No.

Rating.

Station.

Badge No.

Rating.

Station.

Badge No.

Rating.

Station.

Date / /19 .

Master.

Form 2 Regulation 11.

Commonwealth of Australia.

Navigation (Musters and Drills) Regulations.

MUSTER LIST.

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

Master.

Date / /19 .

The emergency signal for a muster of passengers and crew at their muster stations is a succession of more than six short blasts, followed by one long blast, on the whistle or siren of the ship.

Form 3 Regulation 12.

Commonwealth of Australia.

Navigation (Musters and Drills) Regulations.

Name of Ship

PASSENGERS’ BOAT STATION ALLOTMENT.

Boat No.	Berth Nos.	Total Number.
Number of Passengers

Master.

Date / /19 .

Form 4. Regulation 14.

Commonwealth of Australia.

Navigation (Musters and Drills) Regulations.

INSTRUCTIONS TO PASSENGERS.

WARNING IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

The signal to assemble at your lifeboat station will be a succession of more than six short blasts, followed by one long blast, on the whistle or siren, in addition to the ringing of alarm gongs throughout the ship. Should you hear this signal, immediately go to your muster station with your life-jacket on.

Passengers in berths are allotted to lifeboat No.

Position of Muster Station:

Be Prepared.

Ask the Steward to show you how to put your life-jacket on and the way to your muster station.

 

Second Schedule.

Regulation 15.

PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED FOR PRACTICE MUSTERS FOR BOAT DRILL AND FIRE DRILL.

A practice muster for boat drill and fire drill shall be conducted as follows:—

(a) On the emergency signal being given, 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, which shall be put on and properly secured.

(c) The person in charge of each lifeboat shall—

(i) call the roll of persons allotted to the lifeboat;

(ii) satisfy himself that every member of his crew fully understands the nature of the duties assigned to him; and

(iii) satisfy himself that each life-jacket is properly adjusted and secured.

(d) In a passenger ship, each member of the crew who has been assigned to duties in connexion with the mustering of passengers shall take up his allotted place in the stairways, passage ways, or at the muster station for passengers.

(e) The person in charge of each lifeboat shall report to the officer in charge of the muster, the total number of persons, including himself, and, where applicable, passengers, who attended at his lifeboat.

Third Schedule.

Regulation 16.

boat drill.

A boat drill shall be conducted as follows:—

(a) In a passenger ship, not less than one-fourth, and in a cargo ship, not less than one-half, the total number of lifeboats carried by the ship, being lifeboats which have been selected by the officer in charge of the boat drill, shall, weather permitting—

(i) be prepared for swinging out;

(ii) have the covers and spreaders removed;

(iii) have the stores and equipment checked;

(iv) have the painters passed forward and made fast; and

(v) have lifelines, oars and boathooks cleared, plugs put in, and rudders cleared.

(b) In a ship with not less than seven lifeboats, not less than one-third, and, in a ship with less than seven life-boats, not less than one-half, of the lifeboats carried shall, when the ship is in port—

(i) be manned with a full complement;

(ii) be lowered into the water; and

(iii) have their crews exercised for not less than twenty minutes in handling and propelling the lifeboats.

(c) Side ladders shall be prepared for embarking.

Fourth Schedule.

Regulation 17.

FIRE DRILL.

A fire drill shall be conducted as follows:—

(a) The officer appointed for that purpose by the master shall order a mock attack on a fire that shall be assumed, for the purpose of drill, to have occurred in a selected part of the ship, not being in the engine room.

(b) On receipt of the signal or warning in the engine room the fire pumps shall be prepared.

(c) The members of the crew forming the fire party shall be sent to the seat of the assumed fire.

(d) In the vicinity of the assumed fire—

(i) the fire hoses shall be laid out;

(ii) the fire hoses and water supply shall be tested by—

(a) opening a release valve or valves of the water service pipe;

(b) notifying the engineer on duty to set the fire pumps away at full power;

(C) testing the hydrants at full pressure; and

(d) at not greater intervals than alternate fire drills, coupling not less than two hoses to the water service pipe connexions and closing the release valve and testing the hoses at full pressure; and

(iii) the fire extinguishers shall be unshipped.

(e) Not less than once in each period of three consecutive months, a practical demonstration of the use of the portable fire extinguishers shall be given by expending the charge of at least one extinguisher.

(f) The crew shall be exercised in—

(i) the closing of doors, ventilating shafts and other openings so as to isolate the assumed fire from other parts of the ship, and in particular stairways and liftshafts, and to reduce the supply of air to the assumed fire;

(ii) the use of smoke helmets and safety lamps;

(iii) supplying water to the seat of the assumed fire by fire buckets; and

(iv)  any other emergency practice considered necessary to combat the assumed fire.

(g) The members of the crew forming the fire party shall be instructed in the use of all other fire fighting appliances provided in the ship.

Fifth Schedule.

Regulation 20.

collision drill.

Collision drill shall be conducted as follows:—

(a) On the emergency signal being given, bulkhead doors in the various sections of the ship shall immediately be closed by members of the crew allotted to that duty.

(b) A messenger from each party that has been allotted to a section of the ship shall report to the master, or to the officer appointed for that purpose by the master, when all bulkhead doors in that section are closed.

(c) Doors that were already closed at the commencement of the drill shall be opened and then closed.

(d) Nothing in the last preceding paragraph shall be taken to authorize the opening while the ship is at sea of any watertight door or other contrivance which is required by regulation 3 of the Navigation (Watertight Doors and Scuttles) Regulations to be kept closed.

(e) An officer appointed by the master to be the officer in charge of the drill shall indicate a section of the ship where the emergency is assumed to have occurred for the purposes of the drill.

(f) Members of the crew allotted to sounding duty shall immediately sound tanks and bilges in the section of the ship indicated for the purposes of the drill.

(g) A messenger from the sounding party shall communicate with, as required—

(i) the officer in charge of the drill; and

(ii) the Chief Engineer.

(h) As many pumps as possible operated from the engine room shall be connected to the section of the ship indicated for the purposes of the drill.

(i) A report shall be made to the bridge by messenger or other means when the pumps are ready for action.

(j) Ship’s side doors, side scuttles, valves and similar contrivances shall be closed as directed.

(k) A report shall be made to the bridge by messenger or other means when the side doors, side scuttles, valves and similar contrivances have been closed.

By Authority: A. J. Arthur, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.